Why Herzog’s Heroes Was Founded

I didn’t start out as a conscientious breeder. In fact, my journey began with good intentions but very little guidance—what some might label as backyard breeding. I had no mentor, no roadmap, and when I turned to online communities for help, I was met with hostility instead of support.

Hoping to do things right, I contacted the AKC, assuming there was a process to ensure responsible breeding. Instead, I was asked only to submit my dogs’ registrations. I didn’t realize then that AKC is a registry—not a seal of quality or responsibility.

I bred my first dogs based on the belief that “healthy” from a vet meant they were good breeding candidates. But I didn’t yet understand what responsible breeding truly required: genetic testing, lineage knowledge, temperament, conformation, and long-term support. I loved my dogs, but I made mistakes.

One of those dogs was Herzog—my first stud and the inspiration for this organization. He was loyal and loving but struggled with behavioral issues that I now know should have disqualified him from breeding. His story isn’t unique—but it should be.

I founded Herzog’s Heroes because I saw a gap: breeders like me who cared but lacked direction, and a rescue system overburdened with dogs who were failed by poor breeding and lack of planning.

This isn’t about shame. It’s about responsibility. It’s about providing breeders with the support, tools, and education they need to do better—for the dogs, the owners, and the future of breeding itself.

At Herzog’s Heroes, we believe dogs born into intentional breeding programs should never end up in shelters. Every breeder has the opportunity—and the obligation—to be part of the solution.

-Kate Dalman, Founder