The Problem With "Ethical" Breeding

The phrase "ethical breeder" sounds reassuring—but in reality, anyone can use it. There's no regulation, no verification, and no measurable standard behind the term. That means even breeders using harmful or outdated practices can present themselves as "ethical," eroding public trust and making it harder for genuinely responsible breeders to stand out.

At Herzog’s Heroes, we’re challenging this system.

We believe it's time to move beyond feel-good labels and start building real accountability. That’s why we advocate for the term “conscientious breeder.” Conscientious breeders don’t just claim to be responsible—they prove it. They health test, educate buyers, take dogs back for life, and share their practices with full transparency.