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While we respect those who enjoy the ring, our philosophy as Heartmenders leads us in a different direction.

✔️The Reality of the Show Ring

Years ago, I showed my standard Aussie, Arielle. She walked into the ring as the only dog in her class and, unsurprisingly, won the first-place ribbon. While it made for a nice memory, it also revealed a truth — the small percentage of dogs that ever enter the ring represent only a tiny slice of the breed as a whole.

A ribbon in that setting doesn’t prove a dog is the healthiest, the most stable, or even the best representative of the breed — it simply reflects who else happened to show up that day. For us, this makes showing a vague and limited example of the breed compared to the broad, real-life qualities that matter in a companion and family dog.

✔️Temperament and Health Cannot Be Judged in a Ring

A ribbon or title does not decide whether a dog is healthy, loyal, or nurturing. It cannot measure temperament, emotional connection, or the “heart” that makes a true companion. Our focus is on raising puppies who can bond deeply with families — not just meet a momentary standard under bright lights.

✔️Conformation Without the Show Ring

Some critics claim that without titles, a breeder has no way of knowing if their dogs meet breed standard. We believe this is a narrow view. Conformation is not only judged in a ring — it can be evaluated by experienced breeders, trusted veterinarians, and the results of careful, intentional breeding.

Our program puts equal weight on structure, health, and temperament. We use genetic testing, veterinary evaluations, and our own years of experience with the breed to guide our pairings. We recognize the value of good structure — but a ribbon does not create good genetics or guarantee sound temperament.

✔️The Cost vs. The True Benefit

Titling requires significant financial investment and travel. To us, those resources are far better spent on the well-being of our dogs — quality veterinary care, health testing, premium nutrition, safe facilities, and the day-to-day enrichment that makes them thrive. We believe our dogs deserve lives centered on love and health, not competition.

Just as important, I am home with my dogs every day. Their stability, routine, and emotional connection come from me being present with them. Leaving them for days at a time to travel and compete would take away from what matters most — their comfort, security, and daily care. Our priority is not ribbons in the ring, but the well-being of lives and hearts entrusted to us at home.

✔️The Breeding Choices Behind the Curtain

Showing often rewards “winning looks” above all else. This can lead to breeding decisions based on appearance or tradition rather than long-term health and genetic balance. Certain traits may be repeated in the ring, even when they bring risks we would never choose to pass on. As intentional breeders, we will not compromise health or temperament for a trophy.

✔️Respect Without Participation

We understand that some breeders enjoy the social aspect and the pride of showing their dogs. We respect their choice — but we also ask for respect in ours. Our calling is different. For us, the true reward is watching a puppy grow into a beloved family member, not a champion title-holder.

✔️A Note on Social Media “Debunkers

In today’s world, there are people online who spend their time looking for ways to discredit breeders. They often focus on one point — such as the absence of show titles — and use it to paint an incomplete, unfair picture of the breeder they are focused on that day.

We encourage families to look beyond the noise. Titles are only one lens, and not the most important one. What truly matters is a breeder’s transparency, health testing, veterinary care, environment, and the daily investment of time and love in their dogs.

Cherry-picking a single detail to stir negativity does not reflect the whole truth of a breeding program. Our philosophy is simple: we welcome questions, we share our reasoning openly, and we stand by our commitment to raise puppies with intention, health, and heart.

✔️Our Heartmender Philosophy

Every decision we make is guided by our belief that dogs are companions, healers, and heartmenders first. Titles may add recognition, but they do not add value to the love a dog gives or the lives they touch. Our commitment will always remain with the long-term health, happiness, and purpose of our puppies and their families.