The Heart Behind Arete

Our story isn’t just about dogs; it is a life woven together by more than two decades of dedication, late nights in the whelping box, and the thrill of the show ring. We began our journey in dog shows and breeding in Tennessee. We are now based in Des Moines, Iowa, Arete was born from a singular passion: to protect, honor, and elevate the historic English Toy Spaniel.

To us, “Arete” is more than a name—it is our guiding philosophy. It represents a relentless pursuit of excellence, virtue, and quality. We hold ourselves to the highest standards, focusing on rigorous health testing, classic conformation, and that signature, sweet-tempered soul that defines the breed.

While we take pride in breeding and exhibiting top-tier dogs, our greatest joy is much simpler: raising happy, confident companions right in the center of our home. They are family first, sharing our daily routines and our hearts.

As preservationists, we look forward to the future of the breed just as much as we respect its past. We are always eager to open our doors and share our decades of experience with the next generation of fanciers, ensuring the English Toy Spaniel continues to thrive for years to come.