NC Guardian Home Program
A Guardian Home is a permanent home for one of our breeding males or females. Becoming a guardian home gives you the opportunity to have one of our "Pick of the Litter" puppies as a family pet.
Partnering with families to raise exceptional dogs with love.
At Smitten by Schanuzers, we believe our dogs thrive best in loving homes-not large kennel environments. Our Guardian Home Program allows select families to welcome on of our top-quality dogs into their home while we retain breeding rights for a limited time.
This partnership ensures our dogs receive individualized attention, while we continue our commitment to responsible, ethical breeding.
What is a Guardian Home?
A guardian home is a carefully selected family that raises one of our breeding dogs as their forever pet, while partnering with us during the dog's breeding years.
Once the dog completes their breeding career, full ownership is transferred to guardian family at no cost.
Requirements
To ensure the highest level of care and consistency, guardian homes must meet the following:
- live within 1 hour of Greenville, NC (or willing to travel as needed)
- provide a safe, clean, and stable home environment
- will have a secured fenced yard and a structured plan for daily exercise
- dogs must live indoors as a family member (strictly no outdoor-only homes)
- provide high-quality nutrition, routine grooming, and regular exercise
- keep the dog at a healthy weight and condition
- maintain routine veterinary care, including vaccinations and preventatives
- notify us immediately of any illness, injury, or behavioral concerns
- maintain open, consistent communication with us
- allow scheduled evaluations and check-ins
- be available to bring dog to us for:
- health testing
- breeding (timing will be discussed in advance)
- follow all terms outlined in the Guardian Home Agreement, a legally binding contract
Breeding Responsibilities
- Female dogs: typically participate in a limited number of planned litters
- Male dogs: may be used periodically for breeding
- During breeding periods, the dog may stay with us temporarily
- All breeding decisions are made with health, safety, and ethics as the priority
Additional Requirements
- dog must not be altered (spayed/neutered) until released from the program
- must not be used for outside breeding
- guardian families must demonstrate responsibility, reliability, and a genuine love for dogs
Breach of Contract
If Guardian fails to meet the term of Agreement, Breeder reserves the right to:
- Reclaim possession of the Dog
- Terminate Agreement
- Pursue legal remedies if necessary
If this sounds like a good fit, we would love to connect with you. Complete this application form: Guardian Home Application
