Responsible Breeding Is About Standards — Not Labels

There is sometimes a perception that someone who describes themselves as a “hobby breeder” must automatically be a responsible breeder, while a breeder who operates a larger, fully licensed establishment should somehow be viewed differently.

I believe responsible breeding should be judged by standards — not labels.

Whether somebody breeds one litter or several, what truly matters is the health and

welfare of their dogs, responsible breeding decisions, health testing, the environment in

which puppies are raised, their socialisation and the lifelong responsibility the breeder

accepts for every puppy they produce.

At Chezza's, breeding is not simply a hobby. It is a way of life and something

I have devoted more than 50 years to.

I am immensely proud that The Woman's Touch (Chezza's) holds a 5-Star breeding licence

from North Northamptonshire Council. Rather than something to hide from,

our licence is something I am extremely proud of.

And then, on its own:

A licence tells you we are accountable.
Our 5 Stars tell you the standard we strive to maintain.
Our dogs tell you the rest

What Does a 5-Star Licence Really Mean?

A 5-Star breeding licence is not simply a badge or a title. It represents the standards expected of a licensed breeding establishment and the responsibility that comes with being accountable to our local authority.

At Chezza’s, our establishment is inspected and licensed by North Northamptonshire Council. We are extremely proud to have been awarded a 5-Star rating and a three-year licence.

A Longstanding Commitment to Responsible Breeding

Before the scheme closed nationally at the end of 2024, I was also proud to be a member of The Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme.

Membership of the scheme reflected a commitment to responsible breeding practices, including breed-appropriate health testing and the health and welfare of dogs and puppies.

For me, responsible breeding has never been about whether someone calls themselves a “hobby breeder” or a licensed breeder. It is about being prepared to stand behind your breeding programme, meet recognised standards and be accountable for the welfare of the dogs you breed.

I have held a local authority dog breeding licence continuously since May 2011 and have proudly held a 5-Star rating since the star-rating system was introduced in 2018.

For me, being licensed has never been something to hide from or play down. I am proud to operate a breeding establishment that is inspected, accountable and required to meet recognised standards of animal welfare.

Being licensed doesn't define how much you care. It demonstrates that you are prepared to be accountable for that care.

Hobby Breeder, Licensed Breeder or Puppy Farmer?

There is a perception within the dog world that describing yourself as a “hobby breeder” somehow automatically means you are a responsible breeder, while breeding on a larger scale or holding a breeding licence can sometimes attract criticism.

I believe that perception is both unfair and far too simplistic.

The number of litters somebody breeds does not, by itself, tell you how well their dogs are cared for. Neither does calling yourself a hobby breeder. What matters is what happens behind the label — health testing,

welfare, living conditions, socialisation, veterinary care, responsible breeding decisions and the lifetime support given to puppy owners.

A responsible breeder should be judged by their standards, not by the size of their breeding programme.

I make no apology for taking my breeding seriously. I have invested decades of my life, considerable time and resources into my dogs, their health, their environment and the puppies I breed.

I am proud to run a professional, accountable breeding establishment and I believe that should be viewed as a positive — not something a breeder should feel the need to disguise or apologise for.

Professional does not mean uncaring.
Larger does not mean irresponsible.
Licensed does not mean puppy farmer.
Standards are what matter.

What Responsible Breeding Looks Like at Chezza’s

Words and labels are easy. What matters to me is what happens every day behind the scenes.

Responsible breeding means knowing your dogs, understanding your breeds and making thoughtful decisions about every mating. It means appropriate health testing, excellent daily care, proper socialisation and raising puppies with the time and attention they need to become confident family companions.

It also means responsibility doesn't end when a puppy leaves Chezza’s. I want my puppy owners to know that I am here for them throughout their dog's life.

I was also proud to have been a member of The Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme, which operated alongside local authority licensing and promoted responsible breeding practices, including breed-specific health testing and welfare standards.

I chose to be part of the scheme because its principles reflected the way I believed dogs should be bred — with health, welfare and responsible breeding at the forefront.

The Kennel Club closed the Assured Breeder Scheme nationally at the end of 2024, but the principles behind my involvement certainly didn't disappear with it. They remain part of the standards I continue to set for myself and my breeding programme today.

Licences and schemes may change over the years. My responsibility to my dogs does not.