What is a Guardian Home?
A guardian home provides a permanent, loving family for one of our Basset Hounds while we retain breeding rights for a set period. Our goal is for every dog to live a happy, full life as a cherished family member — not in a kennel.
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How It Works
• The dog lives full-time with the guardian family as their pet.
• Hidden Heart Basset Hounds retains breeding rights for the agreed period.
• After the contract is fulfilled, the dog will be spayed or neutered and full ownership is transferred to the guardian family.
• There is no purchase cost for the dog (or a reduced one, depending on the specific arrangement).
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Guardian Family Responsibilities
• Provide a loving, safe, and stable home environment.
• Live within approximately 2 hours of Hidden Heart Basset Hounds.
• Keep the dog in good health with routine veterinary care, quality food, and regular exercise.
• Keep the dog intact (not spayed/neutered) until the breeding agreement is complete.
• Maintain communication with us regarding the dog’s health and care.
• Transport or allow pickup of the dog for breeding, health testing, or whelping when needed.
• Follow all care guidelines outlined in the formal contract.
⸻
Breeder Responsibilities
• Cover all breeding-related expenses (health testing, reproductive care, whelping, etc.).
• Keep the dog in excellent care while at our home.
• Communicate clearly and in advance about any breeding plans.
• Spay/neuter the dog and transfer full ownership once the contract is fulfilled.
⸻
For Female Dogs
• Usually a maximum of 4 litters (depending on age, health, and agreement).
• The female returns to us for breeding, whelping, and raising the litter (approximately 6–8 weeks).
• After her final litter, she will be spayed and remain with the guardian family permanently.
⸻
For Male Dogs
• Breeding rights are held until approximately age 9.
• Males are typically needed occasionally for breeding and do not have extended stays away from home.
• Full ownership is transferred once the breeding agreement is complete.
⸻
Additional Information
• Guardian families must keep the dog as an indoor family pet.
• Prior dog experience is required.
• If the guardian family is ever unable to keep the dog, the dog must be returned to Hidden Heart Basset Hounds — never rehomed or sold.
• All breeding, testing, and reproductive care are managed by the breeder.
⸻
Why Become a Guardian Home?
• Welcome a top-quality Basset Hound into your family at little or no cost.
• Be part of the Hidden Heart Basset Hounds family.
• Provide a loving home for a wonderful dog who will be yours forever after their breeding career ends.
⸻
Interested in becoming a guardian home?
Send us a message to learn more or set up a time to chat. We’ll be happy to answer any questions and explain the full program in detail. To be considered for our Guardian Program, please complete our Guardian Application.
A guardian home provides a permanent, loving family for one of our Basset Hounds while we retain breeding rights for a set period. Our goal is for every dog to live a happy, full life as a cherished family member — not in a kennel.
⸻
How It Works
• The dog lives full-time with the guardian family as their pet.
• Hidden Heart Basset Hounds retains breeding rights for the agreed period.
• After the contract is fulfilled, the dog will be spayed or neutered and full ownership is transferred to the guardian family.
• There is no purchase cost for the dog (or a reduced one, depending on the specific arrangement).
⸻
Guardian Family Responsibilities
• Provide a loving, safe, and stable home environment.
• Live within approximately 2 hours of Hidden Heart Basset Hounds.
• Keep the dog in good health with routine veterinary care, quality food, and regular exercise.
• Keep the dog intact (not spayed/neutered) until the breeding agreement is complete.
• Maintain communication with us regarding the dog’s health and care.
• Transport or allow pickup of the dog for breeding, health testing, or whelping when needed.
• Follow all care guidelines outlined in the formal contract.
⸻
Breeder Responsibilities
• Cover all breeding-related expenses (health testing, reproductive care, whelping, etc.).
• Keep the dog in excellent care while at our home.
• Communicate clearly and in advance about any breeding plans.
• Spay/neuter the dog and transfer full ownership once the contract is fulfilled.
⸻
For Female Dogs
• Usually a maximum of 4 litters (depending on age, health, and agreement).
• The female returns to us for breeding, whelping, and raising the litter (approximately 6–8 weeks).
• After her final litter, she will be spayed and remain with the guardian family permanently.
⸻
For Male Dogs
• Breeding rights are held until approximately age 9.
• Males are typically needed occasionally for breeding and do not have extended stays away from home.
• Full ownership is transferred once the breeding agreement is complete.
⸻
Additional Information
• Guardian families must keep the dog as an indoor family pet.
• Prior dog experience is required.
• If the guardian family is ever unable to keep the dog, the dog must be returned to Hidden Heart Basset Hounds — never rehomed or sold.
• All breeding, testing, and reproductive care are managed by the breeder.
⸻
Why Become a Guardian Home?
• Welcome a top-quality Basset Hound into your family at little or no cost.
• Be part of the Hidden Heart Basset Hounds family.
• Provide a loving home for a wonderful dog who will be yours forever after their breeding career ends.
⸻
Interested in becoming a guardian home?
Send us a message to learn more or set up a time to chat. We’ll be happy to answer any questions and explain the full program in detail. To be considered for our Guardian Program, please complete our Guardian Application.