You Can Be an Ethical Breeder Without Belonging to a Breed Club

In the dog world—especially in purebred communities like Newfoundlands—there is a persistent belief that ethical breeding automatically requires membership in a national or regional breed club. While breed clubs can play an important role in preservation, education, and advocacy, membership alone does not define ethics. Likewise, the absence of membership does not automatically mean a breeder is irresponsible, careless, or untrustworthy.

Ethical breeding is about actions, values, and accountability—not a logo on a website or a line on a résumé.

This article is not an argument against breed clubs, though I could write an article about that very topic and why I despise some of the people that very publicly represent our breed club and seem to have no personality aside from being a member. Instead, it’s a reminder that ethical breeding is broader, deeper, and more nuanced than club affiliation alone.

What “Ethical Breeding” Actually Means

Before discussing breed clubs, it’s important to define what ethical breeding truly is.

An ethical breeder prioritizes:

• The health, structure, and longevity of their dogs
• The preservation of the breed, not mass production
• The physical and emotional well-being of puppies
• Honesty and transparency with puppy buyers
• Lifetime responsibility for every dog they produce

Ethics are demonstrated through consistent choices, not memberships.

The Role of Breed Clubs (And Why They Matter)

Breed clubs—national, regional, or specialty—often provide:

• A written code of ethics
• Educational resources
• Mentorship opportunities
• Access to shows, trials, and working events
• Advocacy for breed standards and legislation

For many breeders, these organizations are incredibly valuable. They foster community and preserve institutional knowledge. However, breed clubs are not the sole authority on ethical breeding, nor are they immune to internal politics, financial barriers, or philosophical differences.

Why Some Ethical Breeders Choose Not to Join Breed Clubs

There are many valid, ethical reasons a breeder may choose not to be a breed club member.

1. Ethical Breeding ≠ Showing or Competing

Many breed clubs are heavily centered around conformation showing. While showing can be an excellent way to evaluate structure, it is not the only way to assess breeding stock.

Some ethical Newfoundland breeders focus on:

• Working ability (water rescue, therapy work)
• Health, temperament, and longevity
• Companion and family suitability
• Functional structure over ring trends

2. Financial and Time Barriers Exist

Breed club membership often comes with:

• Annual dues
• Mandatory event participation
• Travel expenses
• Time commitments that may not be feasible

Ethical breeding already requires significant financial investment—health testing, quality food, veterinary care, whelping supplies, and puppy rearing costs. Some breeders choose to put those resources directly into their dogs rather than organizational fees.

That choice does not make them unethical.

3. Philosophical Differences With Club Policies

Breed clubs are run by people, and people don’t always agree.

Some breeders may ethically disagree with:

• Overemphasis on appearance over health
• Political dynamics or gatekeeping behavior
• Outdated approaches to health or genetics

An ethical breeder may step away from a club not because they reject ethics—but because they take them seriously.

4. Geography and Accessibility Matter

Not every breeder lives near:

• Active regional clubs
• Mentorship programs
• Events or shows

Ethical breeding should not be limited to those who live in major metropolitan areas or can travel frequently. Responsible breeders exist in rural areas, small towns, and regions without active club infrastructure.

I, living in North Dakota, am a prime example of geographic accessibility. There’s not a whole lot in North Dakota of anything and that’s the way I like it.

What Truly Defines an Ethical Newfoundland Breeder

If club membership isn’t the defining factor, what is?

Here are the real indicators of ethical breeding—regardless of affiliation.

Comprehensive Health Testing

Ethical Newfoundland breeders prioritize health testing before breeding, including:

• OFA or PennHIP evaluations
• Cardiac screening
• Genetic testing relevant to the breed
• Transparency about results—good and bad

They understand that no dog is perfect, but honesty matters more than appearances.

Limited, Purposeful Breeding

Ethical breeders:

• Do not produce litters “just because there’s demand”
• Breed with clear goals

Each litter has a purpose, whether it’s improving temperament, structure, or health outcomes.

Proper Puppy Raising and Socialization

Ethical breeding doesn’t stop at birth.

Responsible breeders:

• Raise puppies in clean, enriched environments
• Provide early neurological stimulation
• Introduce puppies to sounds, surfaces, and handling
• Match puppies thoughtfully—not first-come, first-served

They invest time, energy, and emotional labor into each puppy.

Lifetime Responsibility for Their Dogs

An ethical breeder:

• Requires contracts
• Takes dogs back at any stage of life
• Does not contribute to shelter populations
• Provides ongoing support to puppy families

This commitment exists whether or not a breed club is involved.

Education and Mentorship (Outside of Clubs)

Ethical breeders seek knowledge wherever it’s available:

• Veterinarians
• Canine reproductive specialists
• Genetic counselors
• Experienced breeders
• Continuing education seminars
• Independent research

Learning does not require formal membership—it requires humility and dedication.

The Danger of Using Club Membership as a Shortcut

When buyers are told to “only trust breeders who belong to a breed club,” it creates a false sense of security.

Membership:

• Does not guarantee health testing
• Does not prevent poor breeding decisions
• Does not ensure ethical puppy placement
• Does not eliminate conflicts of interest

Conversely, excluding non-member breeders outright risks overlooking exceptional, responsible breeders who are quietly doing things right.

Ethical Breeding Is About Accountability, Not Authority

True ethics require accountability—to the dogs, the breed, and the families who trust you.

An ethical breeder:

• Welcomes questions
• Shares documentation
• Acknowledges limitations
• Continuously improves
• Puts dogs before ego

No organization or membership can replace that mindset.

Supporting Ethical Breeding Without Gatekeeping

As a community, we can do better by:

• Encouraging buyers to ask better questions
• Evaluating breeders on practices, not politics
• Supporting transparency over titles
• Recognizing multiple paths to responsible breeding

Breed clubs can be part of that ecosystem—but they should not be the gatekeepers of morality.

Ethics Live in Actions, Not Membership Cards

Being a member of a breed club can be meaningful, valuable, and enriching (if you don’t catch the eye of the wrong people)—but it is not a prerequisite for ethical breeding.

An ethical Newfoundland breeder is defined by:

• How they care for their dogs
• How they breed with intention
• How they support puppies for life
• How they protect the future of the breed

And those values exist inside and outside of breed clubs.

At the end of the day, the dogs don’t care about memberships.
They care about being healthy, loved, and responsibly bred—and that is what truly matters.