The first step in finding your perfect puppy is to find a breeder you trust and we make that easy: just look for breeders who are members of  our AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program.

Breeders that participate in the  AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program pledge to uphold the program values of health, education, accountability, responsibility, and tradition.

We've updated our application to rejoin their century long-commitment to advance the health and welfare of all dogs and  uphold the following principles:

• HEALTH: You certify that your breeding stock is  health tested in accordance with the recommendations of their breed’s  AKC Breed Parent Club. Visit our Health Testing Requirements page to see the requirements for your breed(s).

• EDUCATION: Promising that you will pursue AKC-provided or AKC-approved continuing breeder education so that you stay educated on the best breeding practices, including advances in canine health.

• ACCOUNTABILITY: Agreeing to comply with the AKC  Care and Conditions Policy, including inspections by the AKC, and  promising to share health testing and continuing education documentation  with AKC.

• RESPONSIBILITY: Accepting responsibility for the  health and well-being of the puppies you produce and for complying with  all laws regarding the ownership and maintenance of dogs.

• TRADITION: Upholding the AKC’s tradition of breeding purebred dogs that are happy and healthy.