How We Vet: The 4-Tier Health & Welfare Protocol
Less than 12% of applicants meet our requirements. We do not accept high-volume kennels, third-party dealers, or brokers. Here is what we demand from every independent preservation breeder.
Ethical preservation breeding begins with sanitary, climate-controlled home environments where puppies are socialized daily from birth.
1. Comprehensive Parent Health Certifications
We require verified records from recognized diagnostic bodies (OFA, PennHIP, BVA, and certified canine genetic laboratories). We cross-reference sire and dam CHIC numbers on the open OFA database.
- Radiographic hip and elbow evaluations after age 2
- Board-certified cardiologist auscultation / echocardiogram
- Annual ophthalmologist CAER exams
- Complete breed-specific DNA mutation disease panels
2. Protective Written Contracts & Lifetime Return
Every breeder must execute a clear, fair written agreement directly with you. We review the breeder’s standard contract to ensure you and your dog are protected for life.
- Minimum 2-year genetic health replacement/support warranty
- Mandatory lifetime take-back clause (zero dogs to shelters)
- Detailed vaccination, deworming, and microchip documentation
- Reasonable spay/neuter timeline tailored to growth plate development
3. 8-Week Dam Socialization & Enrichment
No puppy leaves its mother and littermates before 8 weeks of age. Breeders in our network implement structured early socialization protocols to build confident, low-fear dogs.
- Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) from day 3 to 16
- Introduction to household sounds, novelty textures, and safe agility
- Early crate acclimation and foundational potty-pad training
- Dam remains with puppies to teach natural canine bite inhibition
4. Habitat & Living Quarters Verification
We confirm where the adult dogs and puppies sleep, eat, and play. We do not allow commercial breeding facilities where breeding females live in elevated wire mesh pens or outdoor runs.
- In-person site inspection or live, unedited video tour
- Adult breeding dogs live as indoor family members
- Clean, temperature-regulated whelping boxes and play yards
- Full transparency to allow buyers to meet the dam in person
Preservation Breeder vs. Commercial Mill / Broker
How to spot the difference between an ethical partner and an online pet broker.
- ✓ Full public OFA / PennHIP clearance numbers on both parents
- ✓ Bred for long-term health and sound temperament
- ✓ Puppies raised inside home nursery with active enrichment
- ✓ In-depth screening of buyers; will say "no" if fit is wrong
- ✓ Direct relationship, contract, and payment to the breeder
- ✓ Mandatory lifetime return safety net for the dog
- ✗ Claims "vet checked" or "champion lines" with zero OFA numbers
- ✗ Massive catalog with 20+ breeds and "add to cart" checkout
- ✗ Puppies separated early (5-6 weeks) to cut feed expenses
- ✗ Ships cargo without ever meeting or speaking to the buyer
- ✗ High broker markups, financing schemes, or pet insurance upsells
- ✗ Disappears when medical or genetic issues arise