Breed Better, Shelter Less
Raising the standard of breeding to keep dogs out of shelters.
Raising the Bar.
Protecting Dogs Before They're at Risk.
Herzog’s Heroes is tackling the root causes of shelter overpopulation by educating breeders, advocating for stronger standards, and building tools that prioritize transparency and accountability in breeding programs.
We’re not here to end all breeding. We’re here to end bad breeding.
Every year, thousands of dogs enter shelters — and many of those cases could have been prevented with more responsible, informed breeding practices. Herzog’s Heroes exists to change that.
Our mission is to bring together breeders, rescues, shelters, and dog lovers to raise the standard through education, policy reform, and certification programs that hold breeders accountable. Through our All Paws In campaign, we’re building a united movement focused on preventing shelter intake before it starts.
We’re working toward a future where every dog is born into a plan, supported by a commitment, and never left without a safety net.
This isn’t just rescue.
It’s prevention.
All Paws In.
Regulatory Advocacy
We work with lawmakers, agencies, and communities to modernize outdated breeding laws and create real accountability that protects dogs before they're at risk.
The HCBA Breeder App (Coming Soon)
We’re developing a nationwide directory of certified breeders to help families find transparency, not trouble.
HCBA Certification Program
Our one-of-a-kind certification helps conscientious breeders stand out, meet higher standards, and protect the dogs in their care.
Help Us Protect the Dogs No One Talks About
The dogs most affected by irresponsible breeding rarely make headlines. They’re quietly rehomed, surrendered, or euthanized — not because no one cared, but because no one stepped in early enough to prevent it.
We believe dogs shouldn’t be left hoping someone shows up in time. They deserve better from the start.
At Herzog’s Heroes, we’re changing the system — through education, reform, breeder certification, and community-driven accountability. But we can’t do it alone.
Whether you're a breeder committed to doing better, a dog lover who believes in prevention, or someone simply looking to make a difference, there's a place for you here.
Show Your Support, Grow the Movement
Wear the Mission
Browse our All Paws In merchandise to proudly show your support for breeder reform and responsible dog ownership. Every purchase fuels our advocacy, outreach, and education efforts.
Thank you to the McHenry County Men’s Alliance
We are deeply honored to have been chosen by the McHenry County Men's Alliance as one of the three nonprofit organizations they are supporting this year.
Their recent Bourbon Tasting Fundraiser was not only a fantastic event — it was a powerful show of community coming together for a cause. We are truly grateful for the generous donation we received from the proceeds of that night.
From all of us at Herzog’s Heroes — thank you for believing in our mission to raise breeding standards, protect dogs before they're at risk, and bring real accountability to the system.
Your support means the world to us (and to the dogs we serve).
In The News
“I used to think the only way to solve shelter overpopulation was for all breeders to stop breeding. But Herzog’s Heroes changed my thinking — they’re the missing piece unifying shelters and breeders. They don’t just preach — they create change at its root.”
“What Herzog’s Heroes is building isn’t just a program — it’s a movement. For the first time, I feel like there’s a real path forward, and I want to be part of it.”
“What they’re doing is smart, strategic, and overdue. I used to think I could make a difference by volunteering at rescues alone, but an endless flow of dogs would continue to come in and now I see we need to focus on prevention. ”