The Good Citizen diamond is the newest addition to our rating system. It is reserved for an adult who completes and receives the AKC Good Citizen Certification for passing a 10 skill test. Choosing a puppy from an adult dog with the Canine Cares Certification is a good idea because parent dogs pass down much more than just genetics and physical attributes to their pups. In the early stages of life manners, temperament, and an understanding of how to interact with the world they live in our learned from and shaped by the parent dog.

The goal of having good-mannered parents will lead to having good-mannered puppies. Studies show that interacting with a friendly pet can lower blood pressure, calm anxiety, alleviate pain, reduce stress and improve a person’s mood.