Thoughtful Breeding. Calm Foundations. Lifelong Connection.
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GUARDIAN FAMILIES
A Special Partnership
A much loved dog. A shared journey.
Guardian dogs live as cherished family companions while remaining part of the Lovelocks breeding program for a limited time,
What is the Guardian Program?
Selected Lovelocks breeding dogs live full-time with their Guardian Family as much-loved companions while remaining part of our breeding program for a limited period.
Lovelocks manages all breeding decisions, health testing and breeding-related care. Once their breeding commitment is complete, the dog retires from the program and remains with their family for life.
Is the Guardian Program Right for You?
Training & Socialisation
You are committed to ongoing training, socialisation and positive experiences.
Regular Visits
You are happy to return your dog to Lovelocks for visits so they are comfortable here.
Open Communication
You value teamwork, honesty and keeping us informed.
Grooming & Care
You will keep your dog well groomed, healthy and well cared for.
Guardian homes do not need to be quiet, or child free, but families with demanding schedules, long working hours, or multiple competing commitments, may find this program difficult to manage.
Live Close By
Within an hour from Lockyer Valley (Brisbane, Toowoomba, Ipswich).
Loving & Secure Home
A secure, stable, loving home where your dog is a much loved family member.
What We Provide You
The Guardian Dog Family Guide
Every Guardian family receives our comprehensive Guide to help you understand the program and confidently support your dog throughout their breeding career.
Ongoing Support
You'll have ongoing access to Lovelocks for guidance around training, grooming, health, breeding related appointments and your dogs development.
Breeding Commitments
Female Dogs
Guardian Females are required to have two litters (unless health indicates otherwise), we will manage all breeding, whelping and puppy care. Your dog returns to Lovelocks for breeding, and for the whelping period, then comes straight back home to you.
Male Dogs
Guardian males are required to provide a minimum of 5 matings and 5 frozen collections (unless health indicates otherwise). They remain in our breeding program for a defined time and may be needed at short notice.
For each successful mating, Lovelocks provides a gift for your dog or cash payment, as our way for saying thank you.
Raising dogs in real homes, with real love.
At Lovelocks, we believe the best dogs are raised as cherished family companions — not kept in kennels or isolated environments.
Our Guardian Family Program allows us to give each of our breeding dogs a full, happy life as a beloved pet while staying connected to our mission of breeding emotionally intelligent, healthy Australian Cobberdogs.
It’s a partnership — built on trust, purpose, and shared love for this remarkable breed.
Why We Do It
This program allows us to:
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Ensure every dog in our program receives individual love, attention, and socialisation
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Avoid kennel environments or overhousing dogs in a breeder’s home
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Keep our breeding program intentional and small, while still supporting future generations
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Share the joy and privilege of raising these beautiful dogs with like-minded families
What’s Involved
As a Guardian Family, you:
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Receive a hand-selected puppy or young dog from our program
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Have minimal upfront costs - we ask for $1500 bond which is returned to you on the completion of the contract.
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Cover the dog’s day-to-day expenses (food, grooming, vet care not related to breeding)
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Work with us during key times (e.g., testing, mating, whelping) depending on the dog’s role
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May receive a small thank-you payment for each successful litter
We cover all breeding-related costs, including health testing and reproductive care.
Once the dog has finished their role in our program, and are desexed will remain with you forever.
Why Families Love It
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You’re helping preserve and develop a special breed, with purpose
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You receive a high-quality Cobberdog without the purchase price
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You become part of a small, supportive breeder-family partnership
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You know your dog came from — and contributed to — something meaningful