Illustration of a German Shepherd wearing a superhero cape with the text "Herzog's Heroes" below.

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.

  • End Irresponsible Breeding Practices

  • Support & Educate Conscientious Breeders

  • Unify Shelters, Rescues, Owners & Breeders For The Common Goal

Join the Movement to End Bad Breeding Practices

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.

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.

Three individuals in formal attire, one woman speaking into a microphone, in a professional setting.
A smartphone displaying an app called HCBA Breeders, featuring a map of the United States with location pins. Below is a search bar and a list of certified breeders, including Happy Paws Breeder and Smith Kennels with dog images.
A woman and a dog high-fiving each other next to a badge that says 'HCBA Certified' with a checkmark.

The HCBA Breeder App (Coming Soon)

Join the Movement to End Bad Breeding

The dogs in shelters didn’t get there by accident.

Behind every homeless dog is a broken system—and it’s time we fixed it. Herzog’s Heroes is leading a movement to bring accountability, education, and real standards to the world of dog breeding.

If you care about dogs, you belong in this fight.

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.

Colorful t-shirts with dog graphics and text
A woman wearing sunglasses and a "Herzog's Heroes" hoodie stands outdoors on a sunny day, with trees and grass in the background.
Colorful sweaters with 'Herzog's Heroes' and German Shepherd logos.

Thank you to the McHenry County Men’s Alliance

Check presentation to Herzog's Heroes from 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.

Your support means the world to us (and to the dogs we serve).

In The News

German Shepherd and person sitting by a stone wall, with an audio play button overlay. Text: 'Crystal Lake German Shepherd breeder offers insights into industry ethics.'
A woman sitting on a spacious outdoor chair with a black German Shepherd puppy.
Woman smiling and holding a fluffy German Shepherd puppy on a couch, accompanied by a text headline about 'Herzog's Heroes' helping dog breeders, from the Daily Herald.
A woman sitting on grass with three German Shepherd dogs. The surrounding text discusses ethical breeding practices. A side advertisement features auto glass repair services.
Woman smiling at German Shepherd lying on carpet inside a room, headline discussing ethical dog breeding by Crystal Lake nonprofit.

“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.”

- Jessica W. — Rescue Partner

“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.”

- Allison G. — Rescue Partner

“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. “

- Dan V. — Volunteer Advocate