Hero K9’s
Meet the breeder
I'm Nikki S., the breeder behind Hero K9’s located in Cunningham, TN. Our dogs are bred for health, temperament, confirmation, size, and predictability. All pups will be vet cleared prior to going home. We strive on proper breeding etiquette. Our dogs will be health tested before any decisions are made for breeding.
Q. & A. with Nikki
Why did you start breeding?
I fell in love with well bred, purebred dogs after I had fostered and adopted from shelters for over 10 years. After we lost our dogs to known preventable health issues with proper breeding practices, I realized that getting a well bred dog was important. I did a lot of research and made the decision to strive to create healthy dogs.What makes your program special?
We breed not only to better the breed but also with temperament and health held overall. We expose our dogs and puppies to sights, sounds, smells early on to help provide more even temperament as they grow and decrease fear as they get older. Our dogs are confident, calm, and healthy to be accepted as a dog in our program.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Nikki
Nikki has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include a $500 non-refundable deposit and between $1,000 - $2,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.
“This includes health certificate, worming, first shots, vet visit, AKC paperwork, beginning of kennel training, potty training, exposure to sights/sounds/smells, ETC. All deposits are the same amount regardless of color/size/parents, ETC. Pet homes VS working homes differ as pet homes will have a spay/neuter contract as they did not meet breed standard.”
Contract & health guarantee
Nikki may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Nikki offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Nikki directly.
Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more
What’s included
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Enrichment & socialization
- Various sounds
- Car rides
- Surface & tactile stimulation
- Socialized with children
- Socialized with other dogs
- Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
- Socialized with other animals
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
Extras
- Initial potty training
- AKC registration
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Nikki.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Cunningham, TN
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Charlotte Douglas Airport
Meet in Nashville, TN
More about Nikki
Nikki has been a member of Good Dog for 5 months
Nikki was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2025.
Nikki’s links
NS
Nikki is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Hero K9’s meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
- Responsible breeding practices
- Health of breeding dogs and puppies
- Puppy environment and enrichment
- Buyer education and policies
Parent dogs
Echo, dad
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
About Echo
Echo is a male Anatolian Shepherd Dog. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Nikki decided to make him part of their program. Nikki has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Lili, mom
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
About Lili
Lili is a female Anatolian Shepherd Dog. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Nikki decided to make her part of their program. Nikki has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Ivy, mom
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
About Ivy
Ivy is a female Anatolian Shepherd Dog. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Nikki decided to make her part of their program. Nikki has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Hero K9’s reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Anatolian Shepherd Dogs.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
DNA Disease Panel
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
