Purpose-Bred. Temperament-Tested. Perfectly Matched.

Guardian Home Program

A forever family with a special purpose.
Guardian Homes allow select BFF Aussies dogs to live full, loved lives with their forever families while remaining part of our thoughtful breeding program.
How It Works

What Is a Guardian Home?

A Guardian Home is a special arrangement where a breeding-quality puppy or dog is placed in a loving, permanent family home while remaining part of BFF Aussies’ breeding plans.
For the Dog
The dog grows up in a stable family environment with love, attention, socialization, and daily life outside of a kennel setting.
For the Guardian Family
The family gets the opportunity to raise a high-quality Australian Shepherd, often at a reduced initial cost, while being part of something meaningful.
For BFF Aussies
The program can continue making thoughtful breeding decisions while keeping each dog’s quality of life as the top priority.

How It Works

1
Apply
Families complete the Guardian Home application so we can learn about their home, lifestyle, experience, and location.
2
Approval & Match
If the family is a good fit, we match them with an eligible BFF Aussies dog or puppy.
3
Guardian Agreement
The family completes the Guardian Home agreement outlining responsibilities, breeding rights, expectations, and care requirements.
4
Life at Home
The dog lives with the Guardian Family as their cherished companion, while BFF Aussies stays involved for breeding-related planning and support.
5
Breeding Career
For females, BFF Aussies retains breeding rights for a set number of litters. For males, breeding rights are retained for a specific number of years.
6
Full Transfer
Once the dog’s breeding career is complete, ownership fully transitions to the Guardian Family.

Is This a Good Fit for Your Family?

You live within 100 miles of Placerville, CA
You can communicate consistently with BFF Aussies
You are flexible with drop-offs/pickups for breeding, health testing, and appointments
You can provide a safe, loving, stable home
You are willing to follow feeding, care, grooming, and health guidelines
You can keep the dog well-groomed and mat-free
You understand the dog may spend time away for breeding or whelping
You are comfortable giving regular updates and photos
Prior dog experience is helpful, but a willingness to learn and follow guidance matters most.

Guardian Responsibilities

Location & Transportation
Guardian Homes must be located within 100 miles of Placerville, CA and be flexible with transportation for breeding, health checks, veterinary visits, and related appointments.
Home Environment
Guardian dogs must live as loved family members in a safe, stable, enriching home with room to play, exercise, and bond.
Health & Wellness
Families must follow feeding guidelines, attend regular veterinary care, keep vaccinations current, and notify BFF Aussies immediately of illness or injury.
Communication
Guardian Homes agree to regular communication, photo updates, progress updates, and occasional check-ins so we can stay connected.
Grooming
Guardian dogs must be kept in a breed-appropriate, well-maintained coat. If professional grooming is needed, families are responsible for maintaining the dog’s coat.
Training & Care
Families should follow BFF Aussies’ recommendations for training, socialization, activity, and care throughout the dog’s breeding career.
Female Guardian Dogs
•
BFF Aussies retains breeding rights for a set number of litters
•
Guardian families notify us when the dog comes into heat
•
She may come to BFF Aussies for breeding
•
She returns to the breeder approximately one week before her due date
•
She remains with BFF Aussies through whelping and weaning, not to exceed six weeks after puppies are born
Male Guardian Dogs
•
BFF Aussies retains breeding rights for a specific number of years
•
Males may need to be available for breeding-related appointments
•
Timing and breeding decisions are managed by BFF Aussies
•
Once the agreement is complete, the dog fully transitions to the Guardian Family
Breeding decisions, timing, pairings, and whether a dog remains in the program are made by BFF Aussies.

What Happens During Breeding & Pregnancy?

Heat cycle notification
Breeding visit
Pregnancy support
Activity & wellness
Health concerns
Whelping & weaning
We stay in close communication and support Guardian Families through each stage.
A Partnership That Gives Back
Guardian families usually have a reduced initial cost
Following successful litters, Guardian Families may receive a financial reward
After a female completes her breeding career, typically after her fourth litter, families may be eligible for a final incentive
Final incentives may include a cash bonus or the opportunity to select a pick-of-the-litter puppy

More Than a Program — A Partnership

The heart of a Guardian Home is communication, trust, and shared love for the dog. Guardian families become part of the BFF Aussies community and help us raise happy, healthy dogs who can make a difference in the lives of others.
Regular updates
Photo sharing
Open communication
Family-first care
Long-term connection
We think of ourselves as proud grandparents who love seeing updates, milestones, and adventures.
Health Responsibility
While the dog is living in the Guardian Family’s care, illness or injury that occurs in the home is the financial responsibility of the Guardian Family. BFF Aussies must be notified immediately of any health concerns so we can help guide the care plan and approve medications when needed.
We highly recommend pet health insurance during the breeding years or contract period.
FAQ

Common questions

What is a Guardian Home?
Do Guardian Families own the dog right away?
How close do I need to live?
Will my dog have to leave my home?
What happens after the breeding career is complete?
Do I need dog experience?
Who makes breeding decisions?
Approved Guardian Family?
Already approved as a Guardian Family? Access upload links, forms, care resources, and update reminders here.
Guardian Family Portal
Interested in Becoming a Guardian Home?
If you live near Placerville, CA and would love to partner with BFF Aussies, we would love to learn more about your family.
Contact Us
Purpose-Bred. Temperament-Tested. Perfectly Matched.
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Placerville, California, USA
916-952-5050
info@bffaussies.com
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