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Guardian Program
At Milkbush Australian Cobberdogs, we believe our breeding dogs deserve to live as cherished family members. Never in kennels. Our Guardian Program allows carefully selected dogs to grow up in loving forever homes while remaining an important part of our thoughtfully planned breeding program.
Why We Offer Guardianship
Occasionally, we welcome an exceptional puppy into the world, one that we believe will positively contribute to the future of the breed. These puppies are chosen for their outstanding temperament, excellent DNA results, sound structure, and beautiful coats. They represent the qualities we strive to preserve and improve within the Australian Cobberdog.
While these puppies are special, we believe they deserve a full and normal life as beloved family companions. That is where our Guardian Families play such an important role.
What Is a Guardian Home?
A Guardian Home is a local family who welcomes one of our specially selected puppies — often a pick-of-the-litter — into their home.
The puppy lives full-time with the guardian family and is loved, trained, and cared for as a treasured member of the household. There is no purchase cost to the guardian family, as the dog remains part of our breeding program for a limited number of years and we retain breeding rights during that time.
Guardian puppies typically join their families at 8–10 weeks of age (sometimes slightly older).
Throughout the program, we work closely with our guardian families to ensure the wellbeing, happiness, and health of the dog always remain the highest priority.
How It Works
Female Guardian Dogs
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Once mature and health testing is complete, your female will return to us for mating. At the appropriate time, we will ask you to bring her to stay with us for approximately one week. During this time she will “honeymoon” with her carefully selected male.
As soon as she has been successfully mated, we will contact you to collect her, and she will remain with your family throughout her pregnancy. Approximately 7–10 days before her due date, she will return to Milkbush where she will give birth and lovingly raise her puppies under our attentive care until they are fully weaned.
Females will have a maximum of 2–3 litters before being desexed and fully retired from the program. After retirement, she returns permanently to her guardian family and full ownership remains with you.
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Male Guardian Dogs
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Guardian males live permanently with their families but may need to visit us for breeding appointments. You may be required to bring him to us for a number of visits when needed.
The timeline for a male guardian can be up to five years from the contract date before he is neutered and complete ownership is transferred to you.
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Financial Responsibilities
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Milkbush covers all expenses directly related to breeding, including:
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Hip and elbow scoring
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DNA testing
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All veterinary expenses related to breeding
The Guardian family is responsible for the normal, ongoing costs of owning a pet, including:
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Routine veterinary care (vaccinations, worming, general health care)
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Food and supplements
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Tick and flea prevention
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Pet insurance
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Grooming
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Obedience training and socialisation
Guardian Family Requirements
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Guardianship is a partnership built on trust, communication, and shared values. It is incredibly rewarding, but it does require commitment and flexibility.
Most importantly:
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Families must live within approximately one hour of us to allow easy transport and visits when required.
Additional requirements include:
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A secure, well-fenced yard
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Commitment to feeding a high-quality, fresh whole-food diet
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Commitment to proper training and socialisation
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Someone home for much of the week to provide companionship
Guardianship is not suitable for everyone, as there will be periods when your dog stays with us. However, for the right family, it is a truly special and rewarding opportunity.
A Special Role
The dogs selected for our breeding program represent the very best qualities of the Australian Cobberdog. As a guardian family, you are not only welcoming a beautiful dog into your life. You are contributing to the ongoing development and integrity of the breed.
Many families also enjoy following the journey of pregnancy and new life, knowing their beloved dog is playing an important and meaningful role.
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If you feel guardianship may be right for your family, we would love to hear from you.
