Our Passion for dogs has lead us here.
For more than twenty years, Herzog German Shepherds has been built around one simple truth: dogs have the power to change our lives.
What started as a love for German Shepherds and responsible breeding has grown into something much bigger. Over the years, our work with dogs has led us beyond puppies and placements into education, community, prevention, rescue support, and outdoor adventure.
As our passion has grown, so has our purpose.
Today, that purpose continues through several connected efforts: CaniVenture, McHenry County Canicross & Dog Sports, the Rescue Runner Program, Herzog’s Heroes, Herzog Legacy Breeder Mentorship, BreedScore and Breed Better, Shelter Less.
Each one was created from the same belief that has always guided Herzog German Shepherds: dogs deserve thoughtful care, responsible ownership, meaningful lives, and people who are willing to keep learning.
Caniventure
CaniVenture was created to help people and dogs adventure together.
It is a growing platform for adventures with dogs that include meetups, outdoor classes, beginner-friendly experiences, education, community events, and programs that help people build stronger partnerships with their dogs.
Through CaniVenture, we are working to make activities like canicross, cani-hiking, pack walks, kayaking with dogs, camping experiences, and other outdoor adventures more accessible and welcoming for all experience levels.
CaniVenture is not about being the fastest, fittest, or most experienced person on the trail. It is about helping people and dogs move together safely, build confidence, and find connection through shared adventure.
McHenry County Canicross & Dog Sports
McHenry County Canicross & Dog Sports (MCCX), is our local dog-powered sports community.
MCCX began as a way to introduce people in McHenry County and the surrounding area to canicross and dog-powered sports in a relaxed, beginner-friendly environment. Over time, it has grown into a supportive group for people who want to walk, run, hike, learn, and spend meaningful time outdoors with their dogs.
Our local activities are designed to be welcoming to different fitness levels, different dogs, and different goals. Some teams run. Some walk. Some are brand new. Some are building confidence. And some are working through dog reactivity. All are welcome as long as safety, space, and respect for other dogs remain the priority.
MCCX is where many of our local community events, group outings, and dog adventure opportunities began.
Rescue Runners
The Rescue Runner Program grew from a desire to support rescue dogs in a more active, hands-on way.
While Herzog German Shepherds no longer operates a rescue dog placement program, our rescue-focused work has evolved into helping approved rescue dogs through movement, enrichment, exposure, and positive human connection.
Through the Rescue Runner Program, volunteers help rescue dogs enjoy structured walks, jogs, hikes, and trail time in a safe and thoughtful way. The goal is not simply exercise. It is confidence-building, enrichment, relationship-building, and helping rescue dogs be seen for who they are.
Every walk, every run, and every outing gives these dogs another opportunity to experience the world, connect with people, and move closer to their next chapter.
Website
Herzog’s Heroes
Herzog’s Heroes was created from a different side of the same mission: preventing dogs from ending up in shelters in the first place.
After many years as a breeder, I saw how much confusion exists around responsible breeding, puppy buying, rescue, shelter intake, and long-term accountability. Herzog’s Heroes was created to help raise the standard of conscientious breeding and support better outcomes for dogs, breeders, buyers, and communities.
The mission of Herzog’s Heroes is to create a standard of conscientious dog breeding that leads to fewer dogs in shelters and a decrease in canine suffering.
This work focuses on education, accountability, prevention, breeder support, buyer awareness, and long-term solutions that help dogs stay in safe, committed homes.
Herzog Legacy Breeder Mentorship
As I move into retirement from breeding, my role in the dog world is beginning to shift.
While I will have fewer puppies of my own going forward, my commitment to responsible breeding, education, and shelter prevention remains at the heart of my work.
Through Herzog Legacy Breeder Mentorship, I will continue working one-on-one with breeders who want to build programs rooted in accountability, transparency, thoughtful puppy placement, lifetime support, and long-term responsibility. As the Herzog German Shepherds website continues to evolve, I also hope to become a resource for families looking for well-bred puppies by helping connect them with conscientious breeders who share those same values.
Breedscore - Coming Soon
BreedScore is being developed as a tool to help families make more informed decisions when looking for a puppy and to give conscientious breeders a better way to show the work behind their programs.
Instead of relying on polished photos, quick claims, or confusing online listings, BreedScore is designed to highlight transparency, accountability, health testing, buyer support, puppy placement practices, and long-term breeder responsibility. As this work grows, my hope is that BreedScore will help connect families with breeders who are committed to doing things thoughtfully while supporting the larger mission of shelter prevention and better outcomes for dogs.
Breed Better, Shelter Less
Breed Better, Shelter Less is a forthcoming book by Kate Dalman that challenges the divide between breeders, rescues, shelters, buyers, and dog advocates — and asks what could change if the canine world focused more deeply on prevention.
Rooted in more than twenty years of experience in breeding, placement, rescue conversations, buyer education, and shelter-prevention work, this book offers a thoughtful call for unity, accountability, and reform. It explores how better breeding practices, stronger buyer education, lifelong responsibility, and more honest conversations can help reduce canine suffering before dogs ever enter the shelter system.
Breed Better, Shelter Less will be available in print soon, and pre-orders are now open for those who want to support the message early and be among the first to receive a copy.
Pre-Order Your Copy