Guardian Home Program
Happy Dogs, Happy Families
We’re passionate about our puppies and dedicated to raising healthy, happy, and well-socialized puppies through our Guardian Home Program. This unique initiative allows our cherished breeding dogs to live as beloved family members in carefully selected homes, rather than in a kennel environment. It’s a truly special partnership where our dogs receive the individual love and attention they deserve, ensuring their well-being while contributing to the future of our exceptional lines. Explore our site to learn more about our philosophy, our beautiful dogs, and how you can become a part of our extended family by offering a loving home to one of our canine companions.
Is a Guardian Home Right For You?
Becoming a guardian home is a significant and incredibly rewarding commitment, ideal for families who are passionate about dogs and eager to be part of a unique breeding program.
If you’re looking for a purebred dog to be a beloved member of your family, are prepared for the responsibilities of routine pet care, and live within a reasonable distance of us for breeding-related visits, then this unique opportunity might be a perfect fit.
It’s a chance to provide a loving, forever home while helping to ensure the health and happiness of future generations from your dog.
Guardian Home Terms & Conditions
All dogs placed in Guardian Homes remain the sole legal property of the breeder until formally retired. Ownership will not transfer unless and until a signed retirement agreement is issued by the breeder. Guardian families hold no rights to breed, transfer, register, sell, or make decisions regarding the dog until that point.
Guardian families are solely responsible for all routine veterinary care, including but not limited to: wellness exams, vaccinations, heartworm and flea/tick prevention, and emergency care not related to breeding. The breeder remains financially and logistically responsible for all breeding-related costs and decisions.
For females: Guardian families must notify the breeder at the first visible sign of heat. The female must be delivered to the breeder within 48 hours for evaluation and breeding. She will return to the Guardian after mating and again approximately one week before her due date to safely whelp and raise her litter under the breeder’s direct care.
For males: Guardian families agree to make the dog available within 12 hours of the breeder’s request. If travel is required, the Guardian must either bring the dog to the breeder or meet halfway, as mutually agreed upon in writing.
Dogs must reside at the address listed in the Guardian Agreement and must not be relocated or placed in the care of any other person without express written permission from the breeder. No intact (unspayed/unneutered) dogs of the opposite sex may be kept on the premises. Any breach of this agreement will result in immediate repossession of the dog and may lead to legal action.
Guardian dogs are offered on a highly limited and selective basis. Some are placed free of charge; others may require a small placement fee depending on age, training level, or breeding status. All applicants must consult with any landlords, family members, or housing authorities before applying. Guardians must be willing to travel to the breeder’s location or meet halfway for pickup, drop-off, or breeding purposes, and must do so within 48 hours of request unless a written exception is made.
A veterinary reference is required, and all Guardian families must sign a legally binding contract prior to placement. This program is structured to ensure the health, safety, and long-term welfare of each dog, and will be enforced as such.
Contact Us
Address
Copperhead Kennels is located in Bushnell, Illinois.
Service Area
Our team proudly serves the entire state of Illinois as well as the rest of the United States.
Phone
Hours
Monday: 8AM - 5PM
Tuesday: 8AM - 5PM
Wednesday: 8AM - 5PM
Thursday: 8AM - 5PM
Friday: 8AM - 5PM
Saturday: 8AM - 5PM
Sunday: Closed