Guardian families do not purchase the puppy in the traditional sense. Instead, guardians place a £1,500 deposit which secures a carefully selected breeding prospect from the litter. This deposit is returned in full once the guardian agreement has been successfully completed. During the term of the agreement, the breeder remains the legal owner of the dog and retains all breeding rights. The guardian family provides the dog with a loving home and day-to-day care while partnering with Lily Hill throughout the dog’s time in the programme.

Guardian families are responsible for normal companion dog expenses such as: • Food • Routine veterinary care and vaccinations • Insurance • Grooming • Training and socialisation All breeding related costs, including health testing, fertility testing, mating arrangements and the dog’s spay or neuter following retirement, are covered by Lily Hill.

For female dogs, Lily Hill may breed up to three litters, provided the dog meets all health, behavioural and structural requirements. For male dogs, they may be utilised as a stud until their seventh birthday, depending on health testing and suitability for the programme. Once a dog has completed their time within the programme, they are spayed or neutered at Lily Hill’s veterinary practice and ownership transfers permanently to the guardian family.

Yes. Guardian families receive several forms of appreciation for their role within the programme. For female dogs, guardians receive £100 per pet puppy sold (up to £1,000 per litter) once puppies have gone to their new homes. For male dogs, guardians receive £250 per successful litter produced through stud services, and £150 for each stud service provided to another registered Australian Labradoodle breeder, regardless of whether a litter results. Additional appreciation payments may also be provided if the dog achieves recognised training titles, therapy certification or competition placements.

Life circumstances can occasionally change over time. If a guardian family is no longer able to continue in the programme, the dog may be returned to Lily Hill and the guardian agreement will be terminated in accordance with the contract terms. In most cases the guardian deposit will be refunded, minus any costs associated with required behavioural or veterinary assessments. The wellbeing and long-term stability of every Lily Hill dog will always remain the priority when determining the best outcome.

The Guardian Programme is a wonderful opportunity for the right home, but it is not the right fit for every family. Guardian homes require a long-term commitment and a willingness to work collaboratively with Lily Hill throughout the dog’s time in the programme. This includes being open to training guidance, maintaining communication about the dog’s wellbeing, and making the dog available for health testing or breeding appointments when required. Families who are most successful in the programme are those who are genuinely interested in being part of a responsible breeding programme and who value the opportunity to contribute to the future development of the Australian Labradoodle. For this reason, the Guardian Programme is best suited to families who are excited about the partnership itself, rather than those simply looking for a lower-cost way of welcoming a puppy into their home. Above all else, guardian dogs are still raised as beloved family companions, and the goal is always to ensure they enjoy a happy, stable and enriched life within their guardian home.