Volume Breeder

I want to address the term “volume breeder” because it is often used incorrectly and unfairly. Anyone who knows me understands how important transparency is to my program. I am proud of the work I do, and I want every client to understand exactly what this term means—and what it does not mean.

⭐ The Misuse of the Term “Volume Breeder”

The term “volume breeder” is frequently used in a derogatory way, usually by other breeders who want to compare anyone producing more than one or two litters a year to a puppy mill.

Let’s be clear:

• A puppy mill is a facility that provides little to no care, no socialization, no health testing, and no ethical standards.

• A volume breeder, in the true sense, is simply someone who breeds more than a couple of litters per year.

These two things are not the same, and responsible breeders producing multiple litters should not be lumped into the same category as unethical operations.

It is absolutely possible to breed multiple litters per year while providing exceptional care, hands‑on attention, and high standards for both adults and puppies.

⭐ Why I Breed More Than One Litter a Year

I have been breeding Keeshonden since early 2007. Yes—I breed more than one litter a year, and I do so purposefully.

My girls tend to cycle in groups, so litters often arrive in groups as well. I typically have multiple litters about four times a year, and it is not unusual for me to have 1–3 litters at once.

I breed with intention:

• To make healthy, well‑bred Keeshond puppies more accessible

• To meet the growing demand for this incredible breed

• To ensure families do not have to wait 6–12+ months for a puppy

• To offer puppies from fully health‑tested parents

I owned Keeshonden for nearly 20 years before I ever bred a litter. Anyone who knows this breed understands how rare they can be—and how exceptional they are as companions. If companion breeders stopped breeding and only show breeders produced puppies, the wait time would be years, not months.

⭐ The Truth About Show Breeders and “Volume”

It is important to point out that many show breeders are also volume breeders.

They simply do not use that term.

There are Breeders of Merit with:

• Large kennels

• Dozens of litters per year

• Many breeding dogs

The only difference is the title they hold—not the number of puppies they produce.

And unlike Bred with H.E.A.R.T. breeders, Breeders of Merit are not required to fully health test all breeding dogs. Many do not.

The Keeshond Club of America continues to overlook this, and the standards are not applied equally.

⭐ Why I Consider Myself a Professional Breeder

Yes, I breed in volume—but I am a Professional Breeder, not a hobbyist.

Here is what that means:

• I am home 100% of the time with my dogs and puppies

• I do not work outside the home

• I do not leave puppies alone for 40–60 hours a week

• I am fully engaged in their care, development, and socialization

• I have hundreds of clients who can speak to the health and temperament of my puppies

Ask yourself:

Would you rather have a breeder who is with the puppies all day, or one who works full‑time and raises puppies in the limited hours left over?

⭐ Experience Matters

Since 2007, I have had over 100 litters. That experience matters.

I know:

• What to look for in newborn puppies

• How to identify early developmental issues

• What milestones should occur each week

• How to support puppies through every stage of growth

This level of experience makes me a better breeder—not a lesser one.

Ethical volume breeders are often far more knowledgeable than breeders who produce only one or two litters a year.

⭐ Do Your Own Research

Before forming an opinion about the term “volume breeder,” consider the difference between:

• A Professional Breeder who is home full‑time, highly experienced, and fully health tests

• A hobby breeder who works a full‑time job and raises puppies in their spare time

Also consider the source of criticism.

If someone spends more time on Facebook attacking others than caring for their own dogs, is that really the reference you want to trust?

Or would you rather trust the hundreds of families who have:

• Met me

• Visited my home and kennel

• Raised my puppies

• Experienced my program firsthand

⭐ The Strength of a Professional Breeding Program

One of the greatest advantages of being a Professional Breeder is that I can provide:

• Hundreds of references

• Years of consistent health and temperament results

• A long history of transparency

• A proven track record from 2007 to today

Most of my clients have been inside my home and kennel and can speak openly about the care, cleanliness, and quality of my program.