GUARDIANSHIP PROGRAM
Overview
At Charming Meka, we strive to produce the healthiest, structurally sound Cobberdogs with well balanced temperaments that the cobber is well known for.
We are a small home based breeder that select the best of our progeny to further the development of the breed.
In order to do that, we rely on a guardianship program that places our choice of each litter in a loving home to be raised by their forever family from 10 weeks of age.
The program aims at keeping our resident dog numbers within the local council required limits whilst giving the guardian dogs the opportunity to having a family of their own to receive all the attention and one-on-one time required to bring out the very best of the cobberdog traits.
The guardian dog remains the property of Charming Meka for the duration of its breeding life and is registered on the Australian Government's Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR).
For males, they remain intact for the duration of their breeding lives. At the conclusion of their contracted period, the dog is desexed at my expense and ownership is then transferred to the Guardian Family.
For females, they are contracted to have 3 litters before being retired, desexed and ownership transferred to the Guardian family.
Pro's, Con's, Highlights & Difficulties of Guardianship
Pro's:* For the breeding Dog, the Dog gets to live with the Guardian family early in life and often from 10-12 weeks of age, it will bond with the Guardian family rather than being rehomed as an adult at the conclusion of its breeding life.* A puppy considered to be a potential breeding dog is the puppy that has displayed (temperament) or possesses (DNA etc) qualities deemed to be imperative to furthering the breed.* No / reduced upfront cost to acquire the puppy.* To be an integral part of a breeder’s program that will contribute to producing the very best the breed has to offer in future generations* To witness the miracle of the birth / offspring that the guardian dog will eventually produce (if all health checks are passed)
* All breeding related expenses are paid for by the breeder.
Highlights* Knowing your bitch/dog will produce puppies who will gift others with the same love, laughter and joy that you yourself have experienced.* Taking pride in showcasing your dog to the wider community and being able to express your opinions to others on the breed as a whole.* Knowing that your dog will be instrumental in furthering the Cobberdog and its progression to pure-breed status.
DifficultiesWhen working with the right breeder, there shouldn't be too many on this list.* Accepting that the decisions regarding the dog's breeding management are not yours to make.* Accepting that you are a GUARDIAN for the duration of the contracted period - NOT the owner of the dog. If at any point during the contracted term the Breeder believes the dog is not being cared and provided for properly or mistreated / neglected, the breeder has the right to remove the dog from you without notice / negotiation.* Understanding that open communication with breeder is non-negotiable.* Understanding that you are obligated to make the dog available at short notice and that being difficult, controversial, combative or uncontactable or non-cooperative could see the dog removed from your care.
* Being available to take your dog to your local vet for hormonal testing / assessments.* Understanding that there are very limited windows of opportunity for successful matings and therefore the breeder may make requests for access to the dog at times inconvenient to you.
Con's* The puppy or dog in your care represents the breed’s standards. As its guardian, you are responsible for nurturing a well-balanced, obedient, and well-mannered companion that reflects positively on the breed.* Professional grooming costs can be high. Daily at-home grooming is labour intensive.* Not a "con" as this applies to any dog owner, but as the guardian of a potential breeding dog EXTRA care and attention must be given to appropriate joint health (eg excluding certain activities), exercise and diet.Females:* Additional care / cleaning requirements during heat cycles.* Higher emphasis on responsible management of females to avoid accidental matings during heat cycles (i.e. keeping the dog at home away from intact males)* Frequent visits to the vet during heat cycles for hormone level testing.* Making the bitch available at short notice to the breeder for mating purposes.* Frequent communication with the breeder regarding normal development and even moreso during the pregnancy period.* Being without the female for 1 week prior to her expected whelping date until the puppies are weaned / raised (potentially 9 - 10 weeks)* Higher Council registration fees for intact bitches.* Understanding that during mating / gestation/ whelping/ lactation - there are always risks involved. A bitch may need unexpected / emergency veterinary or surgical treatment. These costs are borne by the breeder and all decisions regarding such treatment are solely the breeders to make.* Behavioural changes during certain phases of the heat cycle and pregnancy.* Accepting without question and adhering to ANY requests made by the breeder pertaining to the health and management of the dog.Males: * Marking - entire males are more likely to mark their territory.* Making the stud available to the breeder when requested.* Visits to the vet for semen collection / AI, TCI procedures.* Higher Council registration fees for intact dogs.* Potential for whining / escape attempts if a female in the vicinity is on heat Male and Female* Added cost of providing the highest quality diet possible for the duration of the dog's breeding life (males and females).* Accepting that the breeder may request a home visit and accommodating the request.* Understanding that the reproduction process and health testing (including anaesthesia) carry risks. Whilst all due care is taken, there is always the risk of complications which may lead to permanent injury/disability or death.
How to apply
If, after reading the information above, you believe you are able to offer a guardian dog or puppy a wonderful life, please use the links below to access our Expression of Interest Form.