Quick questions people often ask
Q: Can we name the dog?
A: Yes. Guardian families choose their dog’s call name – the name you use every day at home. The dog may also have a registered name used for breeding records and paperwork.
Q: Do guardian dogs live with me full-time?
Puppy visit for Matilda’s guardian family
A: Yes – they live with you as your family dog. They only return to Cheristone for breeding-related visits (usually around a 1-week stay) and when they come to raise their puppies (around an 8–9 week stay).
Q: What happens after the final litter?
A: Your dog retires and stays with you permanently as your family dog. Ownership is transferred to you and the guardian contract ends.
Q: Can we still go on holiday and live normally?
A: Yes – guardian dogs are family dogs and can join you on normal activities and holidays. You can use dog sitters if needed, and if the dog is pregnant Cheristone will usually provide holiday boarding. Cali’s story is a good example – she enjoyed holidays, family visits, pub trips and beach days.
Q: Can we visit our dog when she has puppies?
A: Yes, you’re very welcome to – many guardian families do. We also include you in the weekly updates so you can follow the puppies’ milestones and activities.
Q: Could my guardian dog ever be taken away permanently?
A: Guardian dogs live with their families for life. A dog would only ever be removed permanently in exceptional circumstances where the guardian agreement was seriously breached or the dog could not be properly cared for. In normal circumstances this does not happen – guardian dogs retire and remain with their families permanently.
Could you be a guardian family?
If you love the idea of welcoming a Cheristone dog into your family and being part of something special, I’d love to hear from you.