For years, purebred conservation dog breeders have struggled to clearly identify and distinguish themselves in the minds of the general public.

The Better Breeder Institute certifies purposeful breeders who are dedicated to the preservation and advancement of their breed – breeders who raise the bar in their breeding programs and produce beautiful, healthy puppies that fulfill their breed standard. 

The Program considers:

• Code of Ethics. The Better Breeder Institute’s Code of Ethics establishes the benchmark for better breeder standards, processes, and ethics, which provide conservation breeders’ with a great opportunity to elevate and distinguish their program.
• Breeding Program Purpose. We review the “why” behind every breeder. It begins with breed preservation and advancement, and extends to the individual breeder’s purpose and objectives. We look for breeders to define their personal story in their breed.
• Purebred Event Participation. Conservation breeders participate in at least one competitive AKC/CKC Event type to demonstrate, evaluate, and validate the produce of their breeding program.
• AKC/CKC Championships. Better breeders produce champions. We recognize all American Kennel Club (AKC) and Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) prefix championship titles. Suffix championship titles alone do not qualify. *AKC Foundation Stock Service® breeds excluded from this requirement.
• Specialty Breed Club Membership. We require every certified breeder to be an active member in good standing with a specialty breed club (National Breed Club and/or regional specialty club). Support of these organizations is critical to the future of our breeds.
• Health Testing. Certified breeders must conduct the complete health testing protocol on their breeding stock as recommended by the National Breed Club. DOGG!T Verification (recommended) or verified test reports are required. Simply checking a box is not sufficient.
• Contracts & Guarantees. Certified Better Breeders provide written guarantees to buyers and stand behind the dogs they sell. They do not allow them to be placed with brokers, dealers, or rescue organizations.
• Clean and Orderly Facilities. Quality dogs reflect a quality program. Every element of a better breeder’s program, including kennels and facilities, must be kept clean, orderly, and sanitary.
• Plus, we recognize and highlight National Specialty wins, Best in Shows, National Breed Club awards, and other club memberships, to name a few. These element set you apart as a better breeder.

All of these factors empower breeders of distinction and help them clearly identify and distinguish themselves. This higher standard will educate the general public on what they should require of their breeder.

Finally, here at the Better Breeder Institute, we believe in breed-specific health research to continue improving the health, vitality, and lifespans of our purebred dogs. We donate a portion of every application fee to the health foundation or program of the applicant’s National Breed Club.

NOTE: The Better Breeder Institute Certification does not imply our recommendation or promotion of the breeder. Please review the Terms and Conditions.