The Importance of Accountability and Transparency in Dog Breeding
Written By Kate Dalman
The world of dog breeding is changing. More than ever, breeders and dog lovers alike are recognizing the need for greater accountability and openness—not as punishment or pressure, but as a path to progress. True transparency helps build trust, improve practices, and strengthen the bond between breeders, buyers, and the broader animal welfare community.
Moving Beyond “Ethical” Breeding
For years, “ethical breeding” has been the go-to phrase for responsible programs. But the term has become so subjective that it no longer holds real meaning. Anyone can call themselves “ethical,” regardless of their practices, making it harder for the public to distinguish between breeders who are truly committed to their dogs and those who are not.
That’s why it’s time to move toward measurable accountability and transparency with “conscientious” breeding". This is about creating a culture where claims are backed by information, and responsibility is something we can see, share, and trust.
Accountability: A Shared Responsibility
Accountability in breeding doesn’t mean policing others—it means each breeder taking responsibility for the dogs they bring into the world and the families they place them with. It’s about being proactive, honest, and committed to lifelong welfare.
When accountability becomes the norm, breeders and buyers both benefit.
Health Testing & Documentation: Accountable breeders perform recommended health and genetic testing and clearly share those results, giving buyers confidence and supporting the long-term health of the breed.
Lifetime Commitment: These breeders stand by their dogs for life, offering support or rehoming assistance if an owner can no longer provide care. This safety net ensures dogs don’t end up in shelters.
Education for Buyers: Responsible breeders prepare new owners for the realities of their chosen breed, helping prevent mismatches that lead to relinquishment.
When these elements come together, accountability stops being an obligation—it becomes a community standard that protects everyone involved.
Transparency: Building Trust Through Openness
Transparency is the bridge between breeders and the public. Breeders who openly share their methods, policies, and philosophy show confidence in their work and earn respect from buyers, rescues, and fellow breeders alike.
Openness also helps dispel misconceptions and encourages others to rise to the same level. The more transparent the breeding community becomes, the more united we can be in creating better outcomes for dogs.
A Cultural Shift: Breeding With Purpose
Real progress begins with a shift in mindset. It’s not about demanding change—it’s about inspiring it.
When breeders, owners, and communities work together toward a culture of education, responsibility, and compassion, overbreeding and poor breeding naturally declines.
Breeders who plan carefully and breed with purpose produce fewer, healthier litters.
Owners who understand their dogs’ needs are less likely to surrender them.
Communities that value prevention over rescue see fewer dogs entering shelters in the first place.
This is how accountability and transparency transform from rules on paper to values we live by.
Breaking Barriers Between Breeders and Rescues
The divide between “Adopt Don’t Shop” advocates and responsible breeders has held the industry back for too long. In truth, we’re all working toward the same goal—fewer dogs in shelters and more in loving homes.
By finding common ground, breeders and rescues can share data, support educational outreach, and strengthen post-adoption safety nets. Together, these efforts help prevent dogs from ever needing rescue in the first place.
Working Toward Better Systems
Lasting change takes both culture and structure. While Herzog’s Heroes and the HCBA community continue to promote voluntary standards through education, we also support community-based pilot programs that explore ways to improve oversight and consistency across all levels of breeding.
These programs aim to make accountability achievable, not intimidating—helping counties, breeders, and the public work together to protect dogs and encourage responsible practices.
The Path Forward
Moving beyond vague ideals of “ethical breeding” toward measurable transparency and shared accountability creates a breeding culture built on integrity and trust.
In this future:
Conscientious breeders are recognized for their dedication to health, care, and education.
Rescues see fewer dogs in need of intervention.
Communities come together around the shared value that every dog deserves a responsible start.
This is more than reform—it’s a cultural shift toward prevention, compassion, and shared responsibility. Together, we can move beyond labels and build a future rooted in meaningful, lasting change.