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.
If you’re a breeder yourself, we invite you to join us in our 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.
The AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program is free to join. Apply today to showcase your commitment to health testing and continued education.
Apply / Sign in here
Showcase your Bred with H.E.A.R.T. membership with the New AKC Puppy Folders!
Prepare your new owners for raising their puppy with our redesigned AKC Puppy Folders. Bred with H.E.A.R.T. breeders are able to purchase a special edition featuring the Bred with H.E.A.R.T. logo. With more than 125 years of passion for purebred dogs, this customizable folder contains everything your puppy owners need to get started. You can now personalize the AKC Puppy Folder with your business card and the individual puppy information.
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Program Details & Benefits
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The Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program engages and educates breeders on best practices, including health testing. When you participate, you receive:
- An electronic, printable certificate to display as your proof of membership.
- Discounts on litter registration and microchips.
- Cost-efficient pet recovery services.
- Puppies bred by Bred with H.E.A.R.T. breeders are eligible for discounts through AKC Pet Insurance.
- Favorable search result positioning within AKC Marketplace listings and breeder profiles.
- Marketing and other support to promote your participation on your website.
- Bred with H.E.A.R.T. logo on AKC Puppy Folders.
If you meet the requirements listed here, you can then apply to the program
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Who Can Participate
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Breeders must meet the following requirements to participate in the Bred with H.E.A.R.T. Program:
- Have registered at least one AKC litter within the past 5 years.
- Be in good standing with the AKC.
- Certify that applicable health screens are performed on breeding stock as recommended by the respective AKC Breed Parent Club and be prepared to supply proof of such compliance upon request.
- Must agree to comply with the AKC Care and Conditions Policy, including inspection(s) by the American Kennel Club or its duly authorized representative.
- Must agree to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding the ownership and maintenance of dogs.
- Must agree to complete AKC-approved and/or AKC-provided continuing breeder education courses annually.
- Must complete the free online application process.
Join the AKC Breeder Rewards Program
AKC Breeders are eligible to participate in the AKC Breeder Rewards Program, powered by AKC Pet Insurance. This program rewards breeders for encouraging their puppy buyers to take responsible steps in new puppy ownership. Breeders can earn up to $10 per puppy for encouraging their puppy buyers to register with the AKC, activate their 30 days of pet insurance coverage, and download the new TailTrax mobile app. There is no cost or commitment to participate. Just sign up and start earning!
Learn more and enroll in the AKC Breeder Rewards Program.
*Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For all terms visit https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/sample-policies. Products, schedules, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Premiums are based on and may increase or decrease due to the age of your pet, the species or breed of your pet, and your home address. Insurance products are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (NAIC #26581) or Independence Pet Insurance Company (NAIC #17543). Independence American Insurance Company and Independence Pet Insurance Company are Delaware insurance companies located at 11333 N Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Policies are produced by PetPartners, Inc. (NPN #7612549) 8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 350, Raleigh, NC 27617. California producer license #0F27261, PPI Pet Insurance Agency, Inc. “AKC Pet Insurance” Program is a marketing name used by PPI and is not an AKC business nor an insurer. AKC does not offer or sell insurance plans. “AKC” and its related trademarks are used by PPI under license; AKC may receive compensation from PPI.