AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T.
Health. Education. Accountability. Responsibility. Tradition.
What Is the Program?
The AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program is the American Kennel Club’s voluntary breeder recognition program designed to identify and support breeders who are committed to the health and well-being of their dogs. The program was created to give puppy buyers a clear, verifiable way to find breeders who meet specific standards for health testing, continuing education, and ethical breeding practices.
Breeders certify that breeding stock is health tested per their breed’s AKC Parent Club recommendations.
Breeders complete AKC-approved continuing education courses annually.
Breeders agree to AKC Care and Conditions Policy compliance, including on-site inspections.
Breeders accept responsibility for every puppy produced, complying with all applicable laws.
Breeders commit to preserving responsible purebred dog breeding standards and principles.
Why It Matters for Puppy Buyers
Verified health testing. H.E.A.R.T. breeders must be prepared to provide proof of health testing compliance at any time. This isn’t a self-reported checkbox, AKC can and does request documentation.
Annual education. The dog breeding landscape evolves constantly. H.E.A.R.T. breeders commit to staying current through formal continuing education every year.
Inspection readiness. H.E.A.R.T. breeders agree to AKC facility inspections, including unannounced visits. This level of accountability is something many breeders aren’t willing to accept, which tells you something about the ones who are.
It’s voluntary. Nobody is required to join this program. The breeders who participate do so because they want to be held to a higher standard.
Our Philosophy at Paradise Coast Frenchies
The principles behind the AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program align perfectly with how we’ve always operated at Paradise Coast Frenchies. Health testing, continuing education, accountability, and responsibility for every puppy we produce aren’t aspirational goals for us, they’re baseline requirements.
We believe that responsible breeding means being willing to prove your commitment, not just talk about it.