A Forever Guardian Family for Our Pick-of-the-Litter Girl

Our guardian families are an important part of Bluebird. They give our breeding dogs the love and individual attention of a forever family while helping us thoughtfully continue the healthy, well-known lines we have spent years developing.

Your guardian dog is a permanent member of your family, and you own her. You provide her with a loving home and the everyday care that comes with being a cherished family dog, while partnering with Bluebird during her limited time in our breeding program.


Our puppies begin life with intentional care, Early Neurological Stimulation, daily enrichment, and generations of known health history behind them. Guardian families help us preserve that thoughtful beginning while giving one special Bluebird a permanent home of their own.

Throughout the partnership, good communication is important. We appreciate periodic updates and ask that guardian families communicate openly with us about any questions or concerns and remain especially diligent about recognizing and communicating heat cycles so planned breedings can be coordinated appropriately.

Ideally, our guardian families live within approximately two hours of Princeton, Minnesota.

Our guardian dogs are placed at little to no cost to their guardian families. Breeding-related veterinary and program expenses are covered by Bluebird, and guardian families are compensated for their partnership during each litter.

Bluebird’s role is specific to our breeding partnership. We coordinate planned breedings and the care directly related to breeding, pregnancy, delivery, and her puppies. Our Bluebird Mommies have no more than 4 litters.

Our dogs have intentionally limited breeding careers. When a guardian dog retires from our program, she is spayed and simply continues the life she already knows — at home with her family.

There is no rehoming at retirement because she is already home.

For us, the breeding program is only one small part of each dog’s life.

Family is the rest of it.

Pictured is Navy Loon, a Cardinal × Phoenix daughter, with her forever guardian family. They have lovingly raised her and patiently awaited her turn to become a Bluebird mommy. Navy just welcomed her first litter and has settled into the nursery with her three little babes. 💙🐾

Becoming a Guardian Family is a meaningful commitment, and we want you to feel just as comfortable with the partnership as we do. We’re happy to answer your questions, learn more about your family, and talk through what being a Bluebird Guardian looks like to see if it feels like the right fit for everyone.  

Complete our Guardian Home Application to start the conversation.