Ria Vela, first RSCE Premium Australian Shepherd Breeder

We are incredibly happy to share that Ria Vela has been recognized as a Premium Breeder by the Royal Canine Society of Spain (RSCE), making us the first Australian Shepherd breeder to receive this distinction and, currently, the only one. For us, this is a particularly wonderful recognition of our approach to breeding. After more than 25 years dedicated to dogs, we remain convinced that breeding means taking on an enormous responsibility for every dog born into our home.

What does it mean to be a Premium Breeder of the RSCE?

Becoming a Premium Breeder with the RSCE (Royal Canine Society of Spain) means adhering to and committing to a Code of Ethics created to promote responsible breeding and the well-being of dogs. Premium Breeders are committed to honesty and transparency, providing truthful information about the health, origin, and care of their dogs. But the commitment goes much further: it encompasses the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the dogs, their veterinary care, the socialization of puppies, the responsible selection of breeding stock, and their health and temperament.

The Code of Ethics also stipulates that dogs with serious hereditary genetic diseases or those with unstable or aggressive temperaments should not be used for breeding. The selection of breeding stock must be based on health, good temperament, and the breed standard, along with controlling inbreeding and conducting appropriate genetic testing. For us, this means understanding responsible Australian Shepherd breeding holistically. It's not enough to simply breed beautiful dogs. It all begins long before a litter is born: with knowledge of bloodlines, selection of breeding stock, health testing, character assessment, and careful planning of each pairing.

The well-being and socialization of puppies

Responsibility continues throughout gestation, birth, and the first few weeks of life. The Premium Breeder Code of Ethics pays special attention to the well-being and socialization of puppies. It stipulates that they must grow up in a clean, healthy, and safe environment, receive veterinary care, and be properly socialized and exposed to different stimuli before going to their new homes. It also states that puppies cannot be given away before eight weeks of age and must be properly weaned, socialized, and examined by a veterinarian, as well as microchipped and with their corresponding health documentation.

At Ria Vela, our puppies are born and raised indoors. From their first weeks, they become part of our daily lives, and we pay special attention to their development, socialization, nutrition, and well-being.

Responsibility does not end at the puppy pick-up

For us, one of the most important aspects of ethical and responsible breeding is understanding that our responsibility doesn't end the day a puppy leaves. The Code of Ethics states that the Premium Breeder must provide new families with the relevant documentation and information about the puppy, its health, feeding, care, and training, as well as be available to offer advice and support both before and after the puppy's adoption.

It also includes something we consider fundamental: if at any point a family can no longer take care of their dog, the Premium Breeder commits to receiving it or collaborating in the search for a new home, helping to avoid situations of abandonment.

A dog we have raised remains our responsibility, regardless of how many years have passed.

A philosophy that was already ours

Becoming a Premium Breeder doesn't mean changing our breeding practices. For us, it represents the recognition of principles we've upheld and applied for decades.

Our dogs live with us as part of our family, and our puppies are born and raised indoors. Every litter of Australian Shepherds is carefully planned for health, temperament, structure, and functionality, always keeping in mind that behind every pedigree and every breeding decision are living beings whose well-being must always be the priority.

We believe that a breeder's responsibility also includes transparency. Talking about health means carrying out the appropriate tests, but also knowing the bloodlines being worked with and making responsible decisions based on the available information. Talking about temperament means selecting well-balanced dogs and paying special attention to the development and socialization of each puppy. And talking about quality means striving to preserve the distinctive characteristics of the Australian Shepherd generation after generation.

First Premium Australian Shepherd Breeder

Being the first and currently only Premium Breeder of Australian Shepherds recognized by the RSCE (Royal Canine Society of Spain) is a source of great pride for us. We came to the Australian Shepherd after 25 years dedicated to dog breeding, with a very clear vision of how we wanted to do things. Receiving this distinction is a recognition of that journey, but also a responsibility to continue working with the same standards, transparency, and respect for the breed.

We will continue doing what we have done from the beginning: learning, selecting responsibly and enjoying our dogs, trying to ensure that each new generation best represents what we seek in the Australian Shepherd.

Health, character and beauty, always with the well-being of our dogs as the priority.