Raising the
Standard
Ethics, Responsibility and Buyer education
Intentional Breeders Require a Waitlist
Written by Ashley Young, LakeHaus Kennels — Breeder, trainer, and advocate for purposeful, ethical German Shorthaired Pointer breeding.
Standard #9
Intentional breeding starts with having homes in place before a litter is ever planned.
Breeding a litter without committed, well-vetted homes is a problem — not just for the breeder, but for the dogs and the breed as a whole. Ethical programs don’t produce puppies first and figure out placement later. They plan breedings around demand, not hope.
Key themes in this standard include:
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Why responsible placement begins before a breeding occurs
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How waitlists reflect intentional, purpose-driven programs
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The risks created by breeding without committed homes
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Why buyer commitment matters just as much as breeder planning
Waitlists Reflect Intentional Planning
For most well-established, purpose-driven programs, buyers should expect to be on a waitlist — often anywhere from six months to a year or more, depending on how many litters a breeder produces. That’s normal. It’s also a sign that breedings are intentional, not impulsive.
Personally, I breed one to two litters a year at most, and often less. I will not plan a breeding until I have a solid list of committed homes — typically six to eight people who have applied, been vetted, and approved through our application process, and who have done the research and are prepared for the commitment. This approach isn’t about exclusivity; it’s about responsibility.
Breeding Without a Plan Creates Risk
Breeding without a waitlist is how puppies end up rushed into homes that aren’t prepared, sold to impulse buyers, or shuffled through “everything must go” situations when placements don’t work out. That pattern is a big reason dogs from less-intentional programs so often end up bounced between homes or surrendered when reality hits.
Whether or not a breeder requires a deposit to secure a place on a waitlist is a personal decision, and policies vary. But in most cases, buyers should expect to put some skin in the game. Ethical breeders are investing years into their programs — time, training, testing, and evaluation — and responsible buyers are willing to show commitment in return.
Core Principles
Placement Comes Before Production
Responsible programs plan breedings around approved homes, not assumptions.
Waitlists Protect Dogs and Buyers
Intentional planning reduces rushed placements and impulse decisions.
Commitment Goes Both Ways
Ethical breeding requires investment from breeders and buyers alike.
Raising the Standard Means…
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Planning breedings only after homes are vetted and approved
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Accepting that wait times are a sign of responsibility, not scarcity
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Prioritizing stability and long-term outcomes over quick placements
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Expecting buyer commitment as part of ethical placement
Takeaway
Raising the standard means breedings are planned with purpose and accountability, not produced on speculation. Because responsible placement starts long before puppies are born.