This is a candid question that I’ve received from several breeders in not such polite wording. They're absolutely right though; no breeding program is perfect, including my own. The key distinction here is that our nonprofit's mission isn't about claiming perfection, but rather about striving for continuous improvement within the breeding industry as a whole.

My program in particular has been scrutinized because I don’t show and title my dogs. I do my best on every level to portray a good example of a Conscientious Breeder (that definition can be found in the questions below) but my goal isn’t competition work. My parent dogs are chosen not on their ability to win shows, they’re chosen for calm temperaments suitable for therapy work and the home setting. Although I commend breeders who devote their lives to competition, my time is better spent focusing on my goals with Herzog’s Heroes.

I firmly believe that all breeders, myself included, have room for growth and should hold themselves accountable for their practices. The breeding community benefits from transparency, accountability, and responsible practices. While experienced breeders who already maintain high standards may find minimal impact on their programs, the real beneficiaries of our efforts are the dogs and the responsible breeders who are committed to ethical practices.

My goal is not to stifle conscientious breeders, but to raise the overall breeding standard so that unscrupulous practices become more difficult to sustain. It's important to recognize that the breeders who may be affected by our initiatives are those with substandard practices who are unwilling to improve the well-being of their dogs and the satisfaction of puppy owners. I believe that working together as a community to ensure the best possible conditions for all dogs benefits everyone, except those who choose not to prioritize the welfare of their animals.

I welcome open dialogue and collaboration with all breeders who share our commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible breeding practices. Together, we can create a more ethical and compassionate breeding industry that benefits dogs, breeders, and the broader community.

Our nonprofit is committed to driving positive change in the breeding industry through education, accountability, and responsible practices. Here are some of the changes we aim to bring about:

GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS: We are actively advocating for improved government regulations that will make it significantly more difficult for puppy mills to operate. Current regulations often fall short in addressing poor breeding practices. Our goal is to work with lawmakers and stakeholders to enact legislation that prioritizes the welfare of dogs and ensures that breeding facilities adhere to ethical standards.

BEST STANDARD & PRACTICES: We are developing and promoting best standards and practices for breeders. These guidelines primarilyy focus is on accountability for the puppies a breeder brings into the world.

EDUCATION & TRAINING Education is at the core of our mission. We are in the process of establishing training programs for breeders, equipping them with the knowledge to run their breeding program in a conscientious way. Additionally, we are developing training programs for puppy owners to ensure they have the resources and support necessary to provide a loving and responsible home.

TRANSPARENCY: We believe in complete transparency within the breeding community. As part of our initiatives, there will be more transparency in breeding programs

ACCOUNTABILITY & RESPONSIBILITY: We emphasize the importance of breeders taking full responsibility for the welfare of the puppies they bring into the world. This includes providing ongoing support to puppy owners, addressing health issues, and taking steps to ensure each puppy has the best possible start in life.

Overall, our goal is to foster a breeding community that prioritizes the well-being of dogs and puppy owners. By raising the breeding standard and holding breeders to higher levels of accountability, we aim to reduce the prevalence of unscrupulous practices and improve the lives of dogs and their owners. Together, we can create a more responsible and compassionate breeding industry.

These changes are designed to benefit good breeders in several significant ways:

ENHANCED REPUTATION: Good breeders who already prioritize responsible and conscientious breeding practices will benefit from an improved industry reputation. As our initiatives gain traction, the public perception of all breeders is likely to improve. This means that responsible breeders will be better recognized and distinguished from those with substandard practices.

REDUCED COMPETITION FROM UNSCRUPULOUS BREEDERS: By advocating for stricter government regulations and raising breeding standards, we aim to make it more difficult for puppy mills and unscrupulous breeders to operate. This, in turn, can reduce unfair competition for responsible breeders, allowing them to thrive in a more sustainable market.

SUPPORT & RESOURCES: Our training programs and educational resources are designed to empower good breeders with additional knowledge and skills. This support can help them refine their breeding practices, enhance the health and well-being of their dogs, and produce even better-quality puppies.

COMMUNITY & COLLABORATION: Our organization encourages collaboration among breeders who share a commitment to responsible practices. Good breeders can connect with like-minded individuals and exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices, fostering a supportive community.

SATISFIED PUPPY OWNERS: High-quality breeding practices result in healthier, happier puppies, which ultimately leads to satisfied and loyal puppy owners. Good breeders who prioritize the well-being of their puppies will benefit from positive word-of-mouth referrals and repeat business.

COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS: Good breeders who are already committed to responsible breeding practices should find it easier to comply with any new regulations that prioritize animal welfare and conscientious breeding. This can prevent legal issues and disruptions in their breeding operations.

INCREASED DEMAND FOR GOOD BREEDERS: As public awareness grows regarding the importance of responsible breeding, there is likely to be an increase in demand for puppies from breeders who adhere to high standards.

In summary, these changes aim to create a breeding environment where responsible and conscientious breeders are not only recognized and supported but also thrive. By raising the overall standard within the industry, good breeders can enjoy improved reputations, reduced competition from unscrupulous sources, and access to valuable resources and support. Ultimately, these changes contribute to a better future for both dogs and responsible breeders alike.

The efforts of Herzog’s Heroes are designed to contribute to lowering shelter populations through:

REDUCED UNPLANNED LITTERS: By promoting responsible breeding practices, we aim to reduce the number of unplanned litters. Responsible breeders adhere to breeding guidelines and do not contribute to accidental or unwanted pregnancies, which can lead to dogs ending up in shelters.

HEALTHIER PUPPIES WITH BETTER. TEMPERAMENTS: Good breeding practices prioritize the health and well-being of puppies. This means that puppies are less likely to develop health or temperament problems that might lead to abandonment or surrender to shelters. Healthy puppies are more likely to remain with their families for their entire lives.

RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP: Our training programs for puppy owners are designed to educate them on proper pet care, behavior, and training. Educated and responsible puppy owners are less likely to give up their dogs due to behavioral issues or the inability to meet their pets' needs.

RESPONSIBLE REHOMING: In cases where rehoming is necessary, conscientious breeders often take back dogs they have bred to ensure they find safe, loving homes. This reduces the burden on shelters, as breeders actively participate in finding new homes for dogs they've produced.

PUBLIC AWARENESS: Our efforts to raise public awareness about conscientious breeding practices also emphasize the importance of adopting from shelters and rescue organizations. Encouraging adoption from shelters or direct from conscientious breeders rather than buying from breeders with poor practices, pet stores or websites can help reduce the demand for puppies from unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills.

ADVOCACY FOR ANIMAL WELFARE: Our organization actively advocates for animal welfare and supports legislation aimed at cracking down on puppy mills and substandard breeding facilities. By pushing for stricter regulations and enforcement of commercial breeding, we seek to reduce the supply of dogs from inhumane breeding operations that often end up in shelters.

While our nonprofit may not be the sole solution to reducing shelter populations, we believe that by addressing the root causes of pet overpopulation and promoting conscientious practices across the breeding community, we can make a meaningful contribution to this important goal. Ultimately, a combination of conscientious breeding, responsible ownership, and public awareness can help lower shelter populations and improve the lives of dogs in need.

Your concern about government regulation is valid, and it's essential to strike a balance when addressing complex issues like conscientious breeding. Here's why we believe regulation is necessary in some form:

PROTECTION & ANIMAL WELFARE: While it's true that government regulation can be flawed, it can also serve as a crucial safeguard for the welfare of animals. Minimum standards and regulations help ensure that animals, in this case, dogs used in breeding operations, are provided with basic care, safe living conditions, and medical attention.

CONSISTENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY: Government regulations can provide a consistent framework that sets clear expectations for breeders. This can help hold breeders accountable for their practices and create a level playing field where all breeders, whether large-scale commercial operations or small hobby breeders, are subject to the same basic standards.

CONSUMER PROTECTION: Regulations can also protect consumers who may not have the knowledge to distinguish between responsible and irresponsible breeders. Minimum standards can help prevent the sale of puppies from unhealthy or improperly cared for breeding operations.

However, as you rightly pointed out, regulation alone won’t solve all the issues in the breeding industry. That's why our nonprofit's approach, which includes a breeder ranking system, is so valuable. By creating transparency and empowering consumers with information, we can significantly reduce the demand for puppies from unscrupulous breeders. This approach promotes responsible breeding without relying solely on government intervention.

In essence, our program seeks to complement regulation with a market-driven solution that encourages breeders to self-regulate and continuously improve. The combination of minimal, well-crafted regulations and a transparent breeder ranking system can create a more conscientious and responsible breeding industry while mitigating the risks associated with excessive government intervention.

Regulations for commercial breeders in the United States are enforced at the federal level with most state regulations pointing to the federal ones with some variations of their own.

FEDERAL USDA REGULATIONS: Animal Welfare Act (AWA): The AWA, enforced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), establishes minimum standards for the care and treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and commercial breeding operations. However, there are only about 100 enforcement officers in the United States and even when a commercial breeder receives a violation, they’re often given so much time to correct it that the dogs in their care suffer and die. Current regulations are left up for interpretation, are lacking and are improperly enforced.

STATE DEPT OF AGRICULTURE: Many states require commercial breeders to obtain licenses and undergo regular inspections. However, this department is far lacking and often breeders aren’t inspected at all if if they are, they’re given lengthy periods to correct violations so the dogs in their care suffer and die.

PUPPY LEMON LAWS: Some states have "puppy lemon laws" that provide protections to consumers who purchase puppies that later develop health problems. These laws often require breeders to provide certain warranties and remedies to buyers. However, many states have no lemon laws concerning puppies and those that do don’t have adequate protection for the consumer.

Because current regulations are so broad they’re left up to interpretation and often go unenforced which is why it’s so important to advocate for change.

Lack of Federal Oversight: The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) administered by the USDA generally applies to commercial breeders (breeders with 5 or more breeding females) and those who sell puppies through interstate commerce, but it does not typically cover hobby breeders (breeders with up to 4 breeding females).

EDUCATIONAL GAPS: Many hobby breeders may lack proper education and training in conscientious breeding practices. This can result in unintended health and behavioral issues in puppies, which may lead to some of them being surrendered to shelters or rescue organizations.

IMPORTANCE OF CONSCIENTIOUS BREEDING: The lack of regulations for hobby breeders underscores the importance of promoting conscientious breeding practices through education and outreach. While many hobby breeders have good intentions, many breeders will benefit from our educational programs.

SHELTER OVERPOPULATION: Unintended consequences of irresponsible breeding practices, whether by hobby breeders or others, can contribute to shelter overpopulation. Dogs and puppies resulting from poorly planned litters may end up in shelters or rescues.

Given these challenges, many animal welfare organizations advocate for responsible breeding practices and encourage hobby breeders to voluntarily adhere to guidelines and standards that prioritize the well-being of dogs and puppies.

It's important to recognize that the lack of regulations for hobby breeders doesn't mean that there are no conscientious hobby breeders. Many responsible hobby breeders prioritize the health and welfare of their dogs and puppies and voluntarily uphold high standards. Education and awareness are key in improving breeding practices within this segment of the breeding community and addressing the challenges associated with irresponsible breeding.

The HCBA Breeder Directory is an innovative online platform currently in development. It serves as a comprehensive directory of breeders and their profile information, with a unique feature that automatically ranks breeders based on customer surveys and feedback. Here's how it works:

BREEDER PROFILES: The directory will contain individual profiles for breeders, where they can provide additional information about their breeding program if desired.

AUTOMATIC BREEDER RANKING: Breeders' rankings are determined by surveys and feedback submitted by individuals who have purchased puppies from them. These surveys assess various aspects of the breeder's practices to determine how conscientious a breeder is.

SAFEGUARDS FOR ACCURACY: The directory incorporates safeguards to ensure the accuracy and reliability of breeder rankings. Measures are being put in place to prevent false or malicious surveys that could unfairly impact a breeder's ranking.

DYNAMIC RANKING: Similar to a credit score, breeder rankings are dynamic and can change over time. This means that every breeder has the opportunity to see improvements in their ranking as they evolve into more conscientious breeders. By consistently adhering to conscientious breeding practices and providing excellent support to puppy buyers, breeders can enhance their rankings over time.

TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY: The HCBA Breeder Directory aims to create transparency and accountability within the breeding community. It empowers potential puppy buyers to make informed decisions by choosing breeders with higher rankings, thereby encouraging responsible breeding practices.

While breeders cannot directly change their rankings, the directory encourages ongoing improvement and promotes a culture of conscientious breeding. It is a valuable tool for both breeders and puppy buyers, fostering trust and integrity within the breeding industry while recognizing and rewarding responsible practices.

The terms "ethical breeder," "backyard breeder," and "puppy mill" themselves are not inherently outdated; rather, they have become problematic due to their often inaccurate and imprecise usage. Here's why:

MISUSE & OVERSIMPLIFICATION: These terms are frequently misused and oversimplified, which can lead to the misclassification of breeders. For example, the term "ethical breeder" is often used by someone proclaiming themselves to be ethical who may not adhere to conscientious breeding practices. Conversely, "backyard breeder" is often used as a derogatory label, when in reality, it can encompass a range of breeders with different intentions and levels of commitment to improving their breeding programs.

NEGATIVE STEREOTYPING: The terms can carry negative stereotypes and stigmatize breeders unfairly. "Puppy mill" is a term that should be reserved for establishments that truly prioritize profit over the welfare of animals and maintain inhumane conditions. However, it is sometimes applied too broadly, including to breeders who may have very humane breeding programs but have a high number of puppies.

LACK OF PRECISION: These terms lack precision and nuance, making it difficult to accurately categorize breeders based solely on these labels. Conscientious breeding practices are complex and multifaceted, and they cannot be adequately captured by simplistic labels.

In summary, the terms "ethical breeder," "backyard breeder," and "puppy mill" are not outdated in themselves, but their misuse has led to confusion and inaccuracies in categorizing breeders. It is important to recognize that responsible breeding practices exist on a spectrum, and a more nuanced and accurate approach to classifying breeders is needed to promote transparency, accountability, and conscientious breeding within the industry.

In order to create an accurate breeder ranking system based on the provided information, we can categorize breeders into three main categories: Knowledge Level, Number of Litters Annually, and Moral Standards. Each category has distinct subcategories that reflect different aspects of responsible breeding. Here's the breeder ranking system:

1. KNOWLEDGE LEVEL:

a. Willfully Ignorant Breeder: Breeders who have no interest in learning and no intention of changing their practices. They prioritize profit over the well-being of dogs and are resistant to education and improvement.

b. Backyard Breeder: Breeders who are willing to learn and improve their breeding program. They may start as ignorant but intend to better their practices. They seek education and growth in their breeding endeavors. This should no longer be considered a derogatory term.

c. Novice Breeder: Breeders with more knowledge than backyard breeders. They have an understanding of proper care, genetic testing, and responsible puppy placement. Many good breeders fall into this category.

d. Professional Breeder: Breeders who breed full time and aim to "better the breed" according to breed standards. They prioritize excellence in breeding practices and have a high level of expertise.

2. NUMBER OF LITTERS ANNUALLY

a. One-And-Done Breeder: Breeders who have a single litter with no intention of continuing to breed. Their breeding activity is typically a one-time or accidental occurrence.

b. Part-Time Breeder: Breeders who typically have 1 or 2 litters per year, and their breeding is driven by passion rather than profit.

c. Full Time Breeder: Breeders who make a living from breeding and have multiple litters per year as part of their livelihood.

d. Production Breeder: Breeders who produce a high number of puppies, often 10 or more litters per year, with a focus on quantity over quality.

3. MORAL STANDARDS:

a. Puppy Mill: The lowest ethical standard. Puppy mills prioritize profit over animal welfare and subject dogs to inhumane conditions. These breeders exploit animals and should be eliminated from the breeding community.

b. Unethical/Unscrupulous Breeder: Breeders who do not prioritize the welfare of animals, breed without considering genetic traits, and provide inadequate care and housing. They contribute to problems in the breeding community.

c. Self Proclaimed Ethical Breeder: Breeders who may genetically test and show their dogs but do not stand behind their puppies or owners when issues arise. This term is used cautiously, as some may misuse it.

d. Conscientious Breeder: Breeders who work with integrity, prioritize the welfare of their dogs, puppies, and puppy owners, and stand by their pups and owners when issues occur. They minimize their impact on shelter populations.

e. Exemplary Breeder: The highest breeding standard. These breeders adhere to breed standards according to their parent clubs, demonstrate conscientious breeding habits, and are commended for their efforts in truly responsible breeding.

At this time, there isn't a way to opt out, and here's why:

The term "ethical breeder" has been used by many breeders, but unfortunately, not all of them adhere to conscientious breeding practices, which has given the term a bad name. Our mission is to create breeder transparency through the HCBA Breeder Directory to help puppy buyers make informed decisions.

Without a reliable system for breeder transparency, it can be challenging for puppy buyers to differentiate between breeders who truly uphold “ethical”practices and those who may use the term "ethical" without adhering to conscientious breeding standards. Our directory is designed to address this issue by providing accurate information about breeders' practices, allowing potential puppy buyers to make educated choices.

We encourage breeders who genuinely prioritize conscientious breeding to participate in our directory to showcase their commitment and provide transparency to puppy buyers. By doing so, you contribute to the broader goal of raising breeding standards and ensuring the well-being of dogs and puppies.

While opting out is not an option, we believe that creating transparency and accountability within the breeding community benefits responsible breeders by distinguishing them from those who do not uphold conscientious standards. This approach aims to elevate the reputation of conscientious breeders and foster trust among puppy buyers.

A conscientious breeder is characterized by their unwavering commitment to the well-being of their dogs, puppies, and the owners they place their puppies with. Here are the key attributes and practices that define a conscientious breeder:

THOUGHTFUL BREEDING: A conscientious breeder plans their litters carefully, considering the best outcomes for the puppies. They prioritize the health, temperament, and conformation of their dogs and make breeding decisions with a long-term view of what’s best for the dogs, puppies and owners.

RESPONSIVENESS TO DEMAND: They assess the demand for their puppies and make informed decisions about when to breed. If there is no demand or if it is not in the best interest of the breed, they may choose to skip a litter, even if it means a reduction in income.

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT: Conscientious breeders select puppy homes with great care. They match puppies with owners who have a good chance of providing a loving and responsible environment, taking into account the unique needs and characteristics of each puppy.

HONESTY & INTEGRITY: They are transparent and honest in their dealings with puppy buyers. If their particular breed or puppy isn't the right fit for a home, they will communicate this openly, even if it means losing a sale.

ONGOING SUPPORT: Conscientious breeders stand by their puppy owners throughout the lifetime of the dog. They understand that no dog or owner is perfect and offer guidance and support when issues arise, whether related to health, temperament, training, or other concerns.

OWNERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY: They avoid pointing fingers or blaming owners for shortcomings but instead work collaboratively to ensure the success of the puppy in its new home. They provide resources, advice, and assistance to help owners address challenges and create a harmonious relationship with their dog.

ACCEPTANCE OF RETURNS: A conscientious breeder accepts a dog back into their care if an owner ever needs to relinquish it, regardless of the circumstances. They prioritize the welfare of their dogs and ensure they have a safe and loving environment, even if it means facing difficult decisions.

LIFETIME COMMITTMENT: They recognize a moral duty to their pups and their owners for the entire life of the dog. This commitment extends beyond the sale of a puppy and encompasses ongoing care, support, and advocacy.

In summary, a conscientious breeder is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to their dogs, puppies, and the families who welcome those puppies into their homes. Their responsible practices and dedication to the well-being of both dogs and owners set them apart as a valuable and trusted resource within the breeding community.

If you're concerned that your breeding program may not be considered "conscientious," it's important to remember that conscientious breeding is an ongoing journey, and there's always room for improvement.

Your ranking is determined by customer feedback surveys, so choose your puppy customers carefully to determine if these are people you can work with long term if issues arise.

Here are some steps you can take to work towards a more conscientious breeding program:

SELF-ASSESSMENT: Start by conducting a thorough self-assessment of your breeding practices. Evaluate how you prioritize the health, well-being, and future of your dogs and puppies.

CONTINUED EDUCATION: Commit to ongoing education and learning. Join our mailing list for the latest information on our upcoming training programs.

GENETIC TESTING: Consider implementing genetic testing to screen for hereditary health issues in your breeding dogs. This can help you make informed breeding decisions to improve the overall health of your puppies.

SELECTIVE BREEDING: Focus on selective breeding based on temperament, health, and adherence to breed standards. Avoid breeding dogs with known genetic issues.

HONESTY WITH BUYERS: Be transparent and honest with puppy buyers. Provide them with all necessary information about the breed, the puppy's health, and any potential challenges they may face.

PUPPY PLACEMENT: Carefully evaluate and select suitable homes for your puppies. Ensure that the new owners are well-prepared and committed to providing a loving and responsible environment.

ONGOING SUPPORT: Offer continuous support to your puppy buyers. Be available to answer their questions, provide guidance on training and care, and assist them in addressing any challenges that may arise.

HEALTH GUARANTEES: Consider providing reasonable health guarantees to puppy buyers, demonstrating your commitment to the well-being of the dogs you produce.

RECORD KEEPING: Maintain meticulous records of your breeding program, including health records, pedigrees, and puppy placements. This helps track and improve the health and lineage of your dogs and will be useful when you need to ask previous customers for surveys.

EVALUATE YOUR GOALS: Reflect on your breeding goals and consider if they align with conscientious breeding practices. Adjust your goals as needed to prioritize the health and welfare of your dogs.

Remember that conscientious breeding is an ongoing commitment to responsible practices and continuous improvement. By taking proactive steps to enhance your breeding program, you can work towards being recognized as a conscientious breeder who prioritizes the well-being of dogs and contributes to responsible breeding in your community.

No, these changes are not intended to standardize pricing across all breeders. Our organization's goal is not to make all breeders the same. Rather, our mission is to promote transparency, accountability, and responsibility within breeding programs.

There will continue to be breeders with different levels of experience, responsibility, and breeding standards. Prices for puppies will still vary based on factors such as the breeder's reputation, the quality of the breeding dogs, genetic testing, health care, and the overall investment in responsible breeding practices.

What our organization aims to achieve is a more informed and educated marketplace where potential puppy buyers can confidently choose breeders based on their commitment to conscientious breeding, the health and well-being of their dogs and puppies, and their overall responsibility in the breeding process. While some breeders may charge a premium for their conscientious practices, there will still be a range of pricing options available to accommodate different budgets and preferences.