Our Ethical Breeding Standards

Brooks Haven Homestead

At Brooks Haven Homestead, our dogs are part of our family, and breeding is something we approach with humility, care, and deep respect for life. We believe ethical breeding is not about producing puppies—it’s about stewarding health, temperament, and trust, and honoring each dog’s journey from birth through every stage of life.

Our goal is to minimize preventable hereditary conditions, thoughtfully improve genetic lines, and nurture healthy, happy puppies who are placed in loving, lifelong homes.

1. Health Comes First—Always

We believe healthy dogs begin with thoughtful, informed care.

  1. Our breeding dogs receive appropriate health screenings and routine veterinary care- dogs who do not pass the screenings are not bred.

  2. We work closely with trusted veterinarians to support reproductive health, pregnancy, and overall wellness.

  3. Dogs are only bred once they are physically and emotionally mature.

  4. Pairings are chosen with intention, aiming to support sound structure, vitality, and balanced temperaments.

2. Intentional, Limited Breeding

We choose quality, care, and presence over quantity.

  1. We keep our breeding program small and manageable so each dog receives individual attention.

  2. Mothers are given generous time to rest and recover between litters with a maximum of 1-4 litters per dam throughout her life.

  3. Each litter is planned with purpose, never rushed or driven by trends or demand.

  4. We listen to our dogs and adjust our plans based on what is best for them.

3. A Loving, Enriched Home Life

Our dogs are raised in the rhythm of real life, with both freedom and structure.

  1. All dogs live as part of our home and family— not in commercial kennel settings.

  2. Dogs spend the majority of their time free-ranging, enjoying space to move, rest, and interact naturally.

  3. Crates and kennels are used thoughtfully for safety, rest, and positive training, helping puppies develop healthy routines and life skills.

  4. Dogs receive daily interaction, outdoor time, and mental enrichment.

  5. Puppies are gently introduced to household sounds, people, small farm animals, car rides and everyday experiences.

  6. Every puppy receives age-appropriate neurological stimulation to support early development, resilience, and confidence.

4. Temperament Matters

We believe a good dog is not just healthy—but emotionally well.

  1. We prioritize calm, friendly, and adaptable temperaments.

  2. Dogs showing chronic anxiety or instability are not bred.

  3. Puppies are observed closely as individuals throughout early development.

  4. Formal temperament evaluations are conducted by an experienced third party who does not live in our home and does not have daily interaction with the puppies, allowing for an objective assessment.

  5. We guide families toward the puppy whose temperament best fits their home, lifestyle, and expectations.

5. Thoughtful, Respectful Placement

Finding the right home matters as much as raising the right puppy.

  1. We take time to get to know potential families through an application process.

  2. We value shared values, patience, and readiness over speed.

  3. Puppies are placed directly with families—never through third parties or pet stores.

  4. We are always guided by what feels right for both puppy and family.

6. A Lifelong Commitment

Our responsibility does not end when a puppy goes home.

  1. We remain available to support our families throughout the dog’s life.

  2. If a family can no longer care for a dog, we require that the dog return to us.

  3. No Brooks Haven dog should ever be abandoned or rehomed without our involvement.

  4. Retired breeding dogs remain with us or are lovingly placed in carefully chosen homes.

7. Transparency, Education & Trust

Ethical breeding thrives in openness.

  1. We believe in honest conversations about health, care, and expectations.

  2. We are happy to share information about our practices and decisions.

  3. We welcome questions and encourage thoughtful, informed dog ownership.

  4. We see each placement as the beginning of a relationship, not a transaction.

8. Growing, Learning, Improving

We remain students of this work.

  1. We continue learning about canine health, genetics, and husbandry.

  2. We reflect regularly on our practices and make changes when needed.

  3. We choose integrity over convenience.

  4. We are committed to doing right by our dogs—always.