The Breeding Ground Educational Standards includes six domains with measurable performance indicators, mastery levels, and observable outcomes suitable for credentialing, curriculum design, and accreditation purposes.

Mastery Level Definitions

● Level 1 – Foundational: Learner demonstrates awareness and recalls basic facts or

definitions.

● Level 2 – Proficient: Learner applies knowledge and performs tasks accurately in

simulated or low-stakes environments.

● Level 3 – Mastery: Learner consistently applies skills and knowledge in real-world

contexts with minimal guidance.
 

Domain 1 – Breed & Conformation Knowledge

BCK1.1 – Canine Anatomical Terminology

Performance Indicators:

● Identify and correctly use anatomical terms in verbal and written communication (Level 1).

● Apply anatomical knowledge to assess breed conformation against standards (Level 2).

● Evaluate structural soundness and deviations, providing evidence-based breeding

recommendations (Level 3).

BCK1.2 – Breed Standards & Purpose

Performance Indicators:

● Locate and summarize the Parent Club standard for a selected breed (Level 1).

● Explain how the breed’s form relates to its original function (Level 2).

● Critically assess a dog’s conformation for breeding suitability with documented

justification (Level 3).

 

BCK1.3 – Genotype vs. Phenotype

Performance Indicators:

● Define genotype and phenotype and provide examples (Level 1).

● Use Punnett squares to predict offspring traits based on parental genotypes (Level 2).

● Incorporate genetic probability into strategic breeding decisions while considering

health diversity (Level 3).

 

Domain 2 – Health Knowledge

DH2.1 – Routine Veterinary Care

Performance Indicators:

● List core vaccinations, parasite prevention methods, and dental care needs (Level 1).

● Develop a preventive health plan for breeding stock and puppies (Level 2).

● Evaluate and adjust health protocols based on veterinary feedback and breeding

outcomes (Level 3).

 

DH2.2 – Nutrition Planning

Performance Indicators:

● Identify nutritional requirements for breeding dogs at various life stages (Level 1).

● Formulate a diet plan meeting National Research Council or equivalent standards (Level 2).

● Assess diet efficacy through health monitoring and adjust accordingly (Level 3).

 

HT3.1 – Breed-Specific Health Testing

Performance Indicators:

● Identify required breed-specific tests from OFA recommendations (Level 1).

● Collect and submit samples for health testing following protocols (Level 2).

● Interpret test results and integrate findings into breeding selection (Level 3).

 

HT3.2 – Interpreting Health Test Results

Performance Indicators:

● Recognize clear/affected/carrier statuses for common genetic tests (Level 1).

● Apply test results to avoid producing affected offspring (Level 2).

● Balance health test outcomes with genetic diversity considerations in breeding plans

(Level 3).

 

GH4.1 – Genetic Health Data Analysis

Performance Indicators:

● Identify sources of genetic health information for canines (Level 1).

● Analyze breed health trends using databases (Level 2).

● Apply data-driven strategies to reduce inherited disorders (Level 3).

 

GH4.2 – Genetic Diversity

Performance Indicators:

● Define genetic diversity in canine populations (Level 1).

● Measure diversity within a pedigree (Level 2).

● Incorporate diversity management tools into breeding programs (Level 3).

 

GH4.3 – Congenital & Heritable Traits

Performance Indicators:

● Recognize common congenital/heritable traits in specific breeds (Level 1).

● Explain inheritance patterns of common traits (Level 2).

● Develop breeding strategies to minimize negative heritable traits (Level 3).

 

Domain 3 – Reproduction & Breeding Practices

PB5.1 – Pedigree Analysis

Performance Indicators:

● Read and interpret a pedigree (Level 1).

● Identify linebreeding, inbreeding, and outcrossing in pedigrees (Level 2).

● Assess pedigrees for genetic health and performance traits (Level 3).

 

PB5.2 – Selecting Breeding Stock

Performance Indicators:

● List traits to consider in breeding stock selection (Level 1).

● Match breeding stock based on phenotype and temperament (Level 2).

● Integrate health, genetic, and performance criteria into breeding choices (Level 3).

 

PB5.3 – Health & Nutrition Pre-Breeding

Performance Indicators:

● List pre-breeding health checks (Level 1).

● Implement pre-breeding conditioning plans (Level 2).

● Adjust health plans based on prior litter outcomes (Level 3).

 

PB5.4 – Breeding Methods

Performance Indicators:

● Describe natural and artificial insemination methods (Level 1).

● Select an appropriate breeding method for given scenarios (Level 2).

● Plan and manage complex breeding procedures with veterinary oversight (Level 3).

 

PB5.5 – Reproductive Anatomy & Timing

Performance Indicators:

● Identify male/female reproductive organs and functions (Level 1).

● Determine optimal breeding times based on estrous cycle (Level 2).

● Plan breeding/whelping schedules considering genetic and logistical factors (Level 3).

 

PB5.6 – Pregnancy Diagnosis

Performance Indicators:

● List methods of pregnancy detection (Level 1).

● Interpret pregnancy diagnostic results (Level 2).

● Adjust breeding management based on fetal development assessments (Level 3).

 

PB5.7 – Whelping Preparedness

Performance Indicators:

● List essential whelping supplies (Level 1).

● Prepare a whelping area (Level 2).

● Implement a full whelping preparedness plan including contingencies (Level 3).

 

W6.1–W6.4 – Whelping

Performance Indicators:

● Recognize normal labor stages (Level 1).

● Intervene in common whelping complications (Level 2).

● Manage complex whelping cases in coordination with veterinary professionals (Level

3).

 

N7.1–N7.3 – Neonatal Care

Performance Indicators:

● Identify normal neonatal development milestones (Level 1).

● Implement feeding and environmental management for neonates (Level 2).

● Address neonatal emergencies effectively (Level 3).

 

T8.1–T8.3 – Transitional Care

Performance Indicators:

● Describe milestones in the transitional stage (Level 1).

● Plan weaning and socialization activities (Level 2).

● Adjust care protocols based on individual puppy needs (Level 3).

 

Domain 4 – Socialization & Enrichment

S9.1 – Canine Body Language

Performance Indicators:

● Identify basic canine body language cues (Level 1).

● Interpret body language in varied contexts (Level 2).

● Modify handling/training based on behavioral cues (Level 3).

S9.2 – Socialization Practices

Performance Indicators:

● List early handling techniques (Level 1).

● Implement a puppy socialization schedule (Level 2).

● Evaluate and adapt socialization plans based on behavioral outcomes (Level 3).

 

EM10.1–EM10.3 – Enrichment Methods

Performance Indicators:

● Identify age-appropriate enrichment items (Level 1).

● Incorporate enrichment into daily routines (Level 2).

● Evaluate enrichment program impact on behavioral health (Level 3).

 

Domain 5 – Environment

F11.1 – Facility Design

Performance Indicators:

● Identify safe housing requirements (Level 1).

● Design breed-appropriate housing (Level 2).

● Evaluate and improve existing facilities (Level 3).

 

F11.2 – Safety & Maintenance

Performance Indicators:

● List key safety considerations for kennels (Level 1).

● Maintain a safe environment for breeding dogs (Level 2).

● Implement continuous improvement in facility safety protocols (Level 3).

 

SP12.1–SP12.9 – Sanitation Procedures

Performance Indicators:

● List sanitation tasks and products (Level 1).

● Execute daily/weekly sanitation routines (Level 2).

● Audit and improve sanitation protocols (Level 3).

 

Domain 6 – Administrative & Soft Skills

RA13.1–RA13.4 – Records Administration

Performance Indicators:

● Identify governing body record-keeping requirements (Level 1).

● Maintain accurate breeding/health records (Level 2).

● Audit and improve record management systems (Level 3).

 

SS14.1–SS14.3 – Professional Skills

Performance Indicators:

● List key communication and etiquette practices (Level 1).

● Apply professional communication in breeder-buyer interactions (Level 2).

● Advocate for responsible breeding through public relations and legislative engagement

(Level 3).

 

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Copyright & Usage Notice

© 2025 Breeding Ground. All rights reserved.

These education standards, including all text, structure, charts, and associated materials, are the intellectual property of Breeding Ground. They are protected under U.S. and international copyright law.

Permitted Use

• Authorized learners and instructors may reference these standards for educational purposes within Breeding Ground programs.
   

• Limited quotations may be used in academic, professional, or industry publications provided proper attribution is given: “Breeding Ground Education Standards © 2025 Breeding Ground.”

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• These standards may not be reproduced, distributed, translated, or adapted in whole or in part without prior written permission from Breeding Ground.
   

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Disclaimer

These standards are intended for educational use and are not a substitute for professional veterinary advice or regulatory guidance. Breeding Ground makes no guarantees of outcomes from the application of these standards. Users are responsible for compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and recognized animal care guidelines (e.g., NRC, AAFCO, FEDIAF).