Here at Riverstone Bernedoodles, our dogs are never raised in kennels. We believe every dog deserves to grow up and live as part of a loving family. Having our parent dogs in real home environments also allows us to truly understand their temperament, behavior, and how they integrate into family life—something we feel is essential and cannot be achieved in a kennel setting. For this reason, all of our breeding dogs that do not live in our home are placed with carefully selected guardian families.

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A guardian home is a family that co-owns one of our Bernedoodles, or Bernese Mountain Dogs while we retain breeding rights. The dog lives in your home, usually from 8 weeks of age, as a cherished family companion and will only come to us for breeding purposes. Once the dog is retired, breeding rights end and ownership transfers fully to you.

 

Approved guardian families receive a well-bred, thoroughly health-tested puppy with an excellent temperament at no upfront cost. Guardian families are responsible for routine expenses such as food, supplies, regular veterinary care, vaccinations (or titer testing when older), and parasite prevention. Riverstone Bernedoodles covers all costs related to health testing, breeding, whelping, and all food and care while the dog is in our possession. This program ensures our dogs live enriched, family-centered lives while supporting ethical and responsible breeding practices.

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For female guardian dogs, Riverstone Bernedoodles retains breeding rights for up to three litters. She will stay with us for about one week during breeding, then return home. She will come back to us again approximately 3-4 days before her due date and remain in our care until the puppies are weaned at around 7-8 weeks of age,  after which she returns to you. Once her breeding career is complete and she is spayed, the contract ends and she becomes solely yours. Females will stay with us for up to three 8-9 week periods in their lifetime, so guardian families must be comfortable with these extended stays. While with us, all dogs are cared for as our own and receive exceptional care.

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For male guardian dogs, we retain breeding rights until his sixth birthday. He may be required for breeding for up to one week at a time, approximately 2–8 times per year, with at least one week’s notice for each request.

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Guardian families must live within one hour of Calgary, Alberta and be able to transport their dog to us for health testing and breeding purposes. An in-home visit is required for all prospective guardians. We welcome families who are looking to add a well-bred dog to their home and feel our guardian program is the right fit for them.