Cherokee Creek Kennels is certified “Bred with H.E.A.R.T.”

Bred with H.E.A.R.T. Certification
Cherokee Creek is Bred with H.E.A.R.T. certified

Cherokee Creek Kennels is Proud to Be an AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. Breeder

We are honored to have been accepted into the AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T.® program. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to health testing, continuing breeder education, responsible breeding practices, and raising happy, healthy Miniature Dachshunds. Below, you can learn more about what this designation means and why it matters when choosing a breeder.

AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T.® Program Explained

The AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T.® program is a voluntary breeder recognition program established by the American Kennel Club (AKC) to identify breeders who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to responsible breeding practices. H.E.A.R.T. stands for Health, Education, Accountability, Responsibility, and Tradition, and participating breeders agree to meet standards that extend beyond simply registering litters with the AKC. The program emphasizes health testing, continuing education, ethical breeding, and accountability to both the AKC and puppy buyers.

What Is the AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. Program?

The AKC introduced the Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program to encourage breeders to continually improve their breeding practices and to help puppy buyers identify breeders who are committed to producing healthy, well-socialized dogs.

Every breeder accepted into the program pledges to uphold five core principles:

Health

Breeders certify that their breeding dogs receive the health screenings recommended by their breed’s AKC Parent Club. For Miniature Dachshunds, those recommendations are published by the Miniature Dachshund Club of America (MDCA) and are commonly documented through organizations such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC).

Education

Breeders complete AKC-approved continuing education every year, helping them stay current on canine genetics, reproduction, puppy development, health research, and responsible breeding practices.

Accountability

Participants agree to comply with the AKC Care and Conditions Policy, cooperate with AKC inspections if requested, and provide documentation verifying compliance with program requirements.

Responsibility

Breeders accept responsibility for the health and welfare of the puppies they produce and agree to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local animal welfare laws.

Tradition

The final principle reflects the AKC’s long-standing mission of preserving purebred dogs through ethical breeding practices that prioritize health, temperament, and breed preservation.

Requirements to Join the Program

To become an AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. breeder, applicants must:

  • Have registered at least one AKC litter within the previous five years.
  • Be an AKC breeder in good standing.
  • Complete all health testing recommended by their breed’s AKC Parent Club.
  • Complete annual AKC-approved continuing education.
  • Agree to AKC inspections if requested.
  • Comply with the AKC Care and Conditions Policy.
  • Follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding dog ownership and breeding.
  • Submit the official AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. application.

Participation is not permanent. Breeders must continue meeting these standards each year to maintain their status.

Benefits for Participating Breeders

Breeders enrolled in the Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program receive several benefits from the AKC, including:

  • Recognition as an AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. breeder.
  • An electronic membership certificate.
  • Enhanced visibility within the AKC Marketplace.
  • Discounts on litter registrations, microchips, and select breeder services.
  • Marketing materials, including use of the official Bred with H.E.A.R.T. logo.
  • Access to educational resources and breeder support.

These benefits help responsible breeders distinguish themselves while reinforcing their commitment to ethical breeding practices.

Why the H.E.A.R.T. Program Matters

For families looking for a Miniature Dachshund puppy, the AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. designation offers additional reassurance that a breeder has committed to recognized standards for health, education, and ethical breeding.

While no certification can guarantee every aspect of a breeder’s program, H.E.A.R.T. participation demonstrates that the breeder has agreed to:

  • Complete breed-appropriate health testing before breeding.
  • Continue learning through annual breeder education.
  • Operate under AKC policies and oversight.
  • Prioritize the lifelong health and well-being of their dogs and puppies.

Responsible puppy buyers can also independently verify many health testing results through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) database and review breed-specific health recommendations published by the Miniature Dachshund Club of America, providing additional transparency beyond the AKC program itself.