A guardian home is a special co-ownership program where a loving family receives a high-quality Bernedoodle at no cost, while we retain breeding rights. This allows our breeding dogs to live in a stable, loving home while also contributing to our ethical breeding program.

When it’s time for breeding, the dog will temporarily stay with us, then return to their guardian family. Once retired, they will be spayed or neutered and remain with their guardian family for life.

We believe every breeding dog deserves to be treated like family—not just during their breeding years, but for their entire life. This is why we do not sell retired breeding dogs. Our guardian program ensures they always have a permanent, loving home.

Guardian Home Benefits

• Receive a high-quality Bernedoodle at no cost

• Become part of the Crown Stephens Family Doodles community

• Help us improve and advance the breed through responsible breeding

• Enjoy a lifelong companion and family member

As a guardian, your responsibilities include:

• Covering day-to-day expenses (vet care, food, grooming, training, etc.)

• Ensuring proper socialization, training, and care

• Keeping the dog in great health and condition

• Maintaining open communication with us

Guardian Home Requirements

• Live within one hour of the Kansas City area

• Own your home with a fenced yard

• Feed a breeder-approved diet

• Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks

• Regular brushing, bathing, and blow drying at home

• Provide proper exercise, training, and socialization

• Keep the dog’s given name

• Maintain good communication with us

Female Guardian Dogs

• Bred once a year, occasionally twice

• Guardian must inform us of every heat cycle

• Must keep her away from intact males during heat

• Will stay with her guardian family for most of her pregnancy

• Stays with us for 6-8 weeks to whelp and raise her puppies

• Will have 3-5 litters and retire around age 4-5

• After retirement, she will be spayed and remain with her guardian family

Male Guardian Dogs

• Must be kept away from intact females in heat

• May be used for breeding more frequently than females

• Guardian families are welcome to visit the puppies he sires

• Will retire around age 5-6, then be neutered and remain with his family