What is a Guardian Program?

 

A guardian arrangement is a contract between yourself and Burrinjuck Labradoodles.  The cost of the guardian program is $700.  

What does the Guardian Program entail?

Under a guardian arrangement, the dog and all responsibilities of pet ownership would belong to you (as the  puppies new owner) however Burrinjuck would cover any breeding related expenses. Burrinjuck retains the exclusive breeding rights for the guardian dog for 3 litters (females) and for 5 years  (for males).   All money from puppies belong to Burrinjuck. After the completion of your contract we would have your dog spayed/neutered at our expense. 

We have a strong preference for families to be located within our local region of North East Victoria.  We do have some flexibility to accomodate families located in Melbourne, if they are willing to commit to our breeding program. There would be some expectations of periodic photos and updates and some flexibility required in regard to travel or making arrangements for him/her to return to Burrinjuck when necessary.

Female Dogs

We do not usually begin breeding from girls until around  18 months. Typically, we would aim to have a litter per year over a 3 year period.

 Girls would need to return to Burrinjuck, while we are joining her and one week prior to birthing.  Usually the girl would need to stay with us for 6 wks or so while raising her puppies. Some families actually request to be a part of the birthing experience. Where this is feasible we do encourage this option. It is less stressful for the dog to remain in a familiar environment to give birth to her puppies. We are also open to Guardian Families having the puppies stay in their own home for any number of weeks up to 6 weeks. 

A female dog will generally begin to cycle between 6 months and 9 months of age. Each season will likely last two weeks. Most females will repeat a season every 6 to 9 months. The bigger the dog, the more likely that there will be a  greater gap between seasons.  Larger dogs may only cycle every 9 months. Smaller dogs tend to cycle every 6 months.

Male Dogs

For boys, we consider maturity to be from 12 months onwards.   In general we might need to use the boy a couple of times per year.  Each joining usually involves 3 visits by the female over a period of about a week. We may need to house the boy at our property for about a week each time a girl comes into season. Occasionally it might be necessary to take him to vets for breeding purposes.

Advantages of the Guardianship Program

There are many advantages to becoming a part of our fabulous Burrinjuck Guardian Community. We select and retain the very best dogs for our Guardian Program. We assess for the best temperaments and retain puppies that have the most appealing colours and markings.  You can be reassured that our most valuable lines are the dogs that we offer through a Guardian arrangement. 

Our pet puppies range in price between $3300 and $3850. The cost of adopting a Burrinjuck puppy through our Guardian Program is only $700. It is a wonderful opportunity to adopt a premium puppy at such an affordable price.

Another highlight often mentioned by our Guardian families is the sense of community and the enjoyment that they derive from connecting with other families. Sometimes, Guardians keep in touch with other people that purchase a puppy from their dog. And who can resist the joy of puppies. It is so rewarding to be a part of bringing so much happiness into people’s lives. 

Current Guardian Opportunities

Biscotti

Gender: Male
Parents: Tiramisu and Pocket
Size: Miniature
Colour: Chocolate Merle

Jaffa

Gender: Female
Parents: Tiramisu and Pocket
Size: Miniature
Colour: Chocolate Merle

Venus

Gender: Female
Parents: Aspen and Orion.
Size: Miniature.
Colour: Caramel/ Red

Click the link to find out more.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

I don’t think we could be without our dog for that length of time. What are the options?

It is true that an important part of our agreement requires a commitment to our breeding program for 3 litters.

There are many ways that we can make this an enjoyable experience for all. Sometimes it is possible for the dog to have her puppies with the Guardian Family with full assistance from us. Many Guardian Families relish this experience. Especially those families with children.

Several of our Guardian Families have opted to have the puppies stay with them for the first few weeks . We support this option wherever possible.

If you do decide it is best to return the Burrinjuck Girl to our home for the whelping and while she raises her pups, your dog would stay with us for approximately 6 weeks. Guardian Families are welcome to visit their dog whenever they would like. 

It may also be an opportunity to take that long awaited holiday, during your girls time with us

I don’t really want to go through the puppy stage. Do you ever Guardian older dogs?

From time to time we do seek Guardians for older dogs.

We currently have a one year old male that we are looking to adopt out through the Guardian Program. (pictured right).

Burrinjuck Orlando is a beautiful and gentle soul, who is fantastic with children.

Ideally we are hoping for interest from a family who are local to North East Victoria.

Contact Katrina to discuss opportunities for Guardianship of our older dogs.

We are looking to travel over the next few years. Do you offer boarding for your Guardian Dogs?

We sure do!

We offer a special discounted rate for our guardian families. Boarding rates are normally $45 per day or $300 per week however Guardians pay only $30 per day or $200 per week.

The boarding option can be a win/win as this allows us to develop a rapport with our Guardian dogs.

Guardian dogs love coming to Burrinjuck and it becomes their "home away from home".

TESTIMONY


"My husband and I have been privileged to be a part of Burrinjuck's guardian program. After losing both of our fur babies in 2021, we approach Katrina and Hamish to be guardians of a Burrinjuck Labradoodle Puppy. Lulu, (Burrinjuck Cluedo) came to us on November 10th 2021. Both we and Katrina are in constant contact about Lulu’s progress. My husband and I are so impressed with the care, information provided to us when supporting, training and breeding Lulu. Burrinjuck have been wonderful. Nothing is too much trouble. Katrina is an ethical breeder who takes extreme care when deciding the well-being of each dog. If you are like us and want a fur baby without the expense of buying a pup outright, I would highly recommend considering a guardianship pup! "

Ann Parkman

QUESTIONS?

Let's Talk Now

Whether you’re curious about the Guardian Program in general or would like to discuss this arrangement in more detail , we’re here to answer any questions.