A Nationwide, All-Breed Movement for Health-Testing Transparency and Accountability
Founded by Jodi Erbe | ERBEKEES–KEESHONDEN
If you claim it, prove it. If you certify it, enforce it.
WHY PROOF BEFORE PROMISES BEGAN
For more than three decades, I have dedicated my life to breeding and raising Keeshonden. Throughout those years, I've believed that responsible breeding requires more than promises. It requires honesty, transparency, health testing, and accountability.
My investigation into AKC Marketplace began with one simple question:
Are the health-testing claims presented to puppy buyers actually being verified?
After examining breeder listings, reviewing publicly available health-testing records, and communicating directly with the American Kennel Club, I received written confirmation that AKC Marketplace health-testing claims are self-reported by breeders and are not independently verified.
That raised an even bigger question:
When puppy buyers see health-testing claims alongside AKC branding and breeder recognition programs, do they understand what has actually been verified?
And when breeders participate in recognition programs with published requirements, how does AKC ensure those commitments are being met?
Those questions led me to establish Proof Before Promises in November 2026.
What began as one breeder asking questions has become a nationwide, all-breed movement demanding greater transparency, meaningful verification, and accountability.
This is not an attack on responsible breeders. It is a movement to protect puppy buyers and support the breeders who do things right.
— Jodi Erbe
Founder, Proof Before Promises
Owner, ERBEKEES–KEESHONDEN
THE FIVE CHANGES WE ARE ASKING AKC TO MAKE
1. VERIFY HEALTH-TESTING CLAIMS
Require verification of completed health-testing claims before allowing breeders to advertise them on AKC Marketplace. Puppy buyers should not have to rely solely on a breeder's word.
2. ENFORCE BREEDER RECOGNITION REQUIREMENTS
Ensure breeders participating in AKC's Breeder of Merit and Bred with H.E.A.R.T. programs meet the published requirements applicable to their respective programs. Recognition should come with accountability.
3. REQUIRE ACCESSIBLE DOCUMENTATION
Require breeders to provide verifiable documentation supporting their health-testing claims, including legitimate testing records outside the OFA database. Buyers deserve access to evidence, not just assurances.
4. ESTABLISH MEANINGFUL CONSEQUENCES
Implement clear, consistent consequences for false or unsupported health-testing claims and failure to meet applicable program requirements. Standards mean little without enforcement.
5. GIVE PUPPY BUYERS THE TRUTH
Clearly distinguish between health-testing information AKC has independently verified and information supplied solely by breeders. Buyers deserve to understand exactly what AKC recognition and Marketplace listings do—and do not—guarantee.
WE ARE NOT ASKING FOR PERFECTION. WE ARE ASKING FOR ACCOUNTABILITY.
Responsible breeders deserve credible recognition. Puppy buyers deserve transparency. And every dog deserves a better future.
If you claim it, prove it. If you certify it, enforce it.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Your voice can help bring meaningful change.
Proof Before Promises is calling on responsible breeders, puppy buyers, veterinarians, breed clubs, and dog lovers across America to stand together for greater transparency and accountability.
SIGN THE PETITION
Help us ask AKC to verify health-testing claims, enforce its breeder recognition requirements, and provide puppy buyers with clearer information.
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Follow our movement for updates, investigation findings, and opportunities to help spread awareness.
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PROOF BEFORE PROMISES — An ERBEKEES Initiative
Founded November 2026 by Jodi Erbe, owner of ERBEKEES–KEESHONDEN.