What does the Bread with H.E.A.R.T. Program mean for my new puppy?
An AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. breeder makes an on-going commitment to the health and well-being of purebred dogs by committing to these program requirements:
- HEALTH: Certifying that their breeding stock is health tested in accordance with the recommendations of their breed’s AKC Breed Parent Club. Visit our Health Testing Requirements page to see the requirements for your breed(s).
- EDUCATION: Promising that they will pursue AKC-provided or AKC-approved continuing breeder education so that they stay educated on the best breeding practices, including advances in canine health.
- ACCOUNTABILITY: Agreeing to comply with the AKC Care and Conditions Policy, including inspections by the AKC, and promising to share health testing and continuing education documentation with AKC.
- RESPONSIBILITY: Accepting responsibility for the health and well-being of the puppies they produce and for complying with all laws regarding the ownership and maintenance of dogs.
- TRADITION: Upholding the AKC’s tradition of breeding purebred dogs that are happy and healthy.
Bred with H.E.A.R.T. not only allows AKC to engage and educate a wide scope of breeders on best breeding practices, including health testing, it also creates a resource for the public to find puppies from responsible breeders who are demonstrating a commitment to health testing. The Bred with H.E.A.R.T. logo will directly connect consumers to breeders who agree to the commitment.