Hear What They're
Saying
Read the testimonials of happy families that have become a part of the Ascent Family!
Lisa Lima
City, STATE
We have two pups from Rachel - Lucille and Winston. Lucille was a puppy when we got her, and Winston was a re-home/rescue type situation from a previous litter of hers. Can’t imagine our lives without these hilarious floofs. Bursting with personality, always looking to please, best companions we could’ve asked for. And Rachel… what an incredible breeder. She’s so thoughtful and intentional with her litters, with an emphasis on health and temperament. You literally couldn’t ask for a more intentional, caring and professional breeder. IMO, her approach to breeding is the standard by which ALL breeders should take inspiration. Consider bringing a Water Dog into your life. And DEFINITELY consider Ascent. 💚🐕🦺 Katie M I want to give a heartfelt thank-you to Ascent PWDs for consistently producing exceptional dogs. I am a Service Dog Trainer, and have had the pleasure of working very intimately with a few of their dogs. PWDs are not a breed you find very often in the service dog world, and for fair reason - but I can say that when it comes to their breeding and upbringing, combined with a tactful training approach, Ascent's dogs have repeatedly rose to the challenge. I’m deeply grateful for this partnership and for the dedication Ascent continues to pour into their breeding program. It shows in each of the dogs I've had the pleasure of working with, and the real impact they've made in their humans' lives. ⁃ Lisa Lima
PWD Owners
Brandie Jackson
City, STATE
CAS Owners
I have two Central Asian Shepherds from Rachel and her husband at Ascent. They are great breeders who truly care about their dogs and the breed. They are incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and professional. Their dogs are purpose-bred, healthy, raised well, and come from fully tested parents and working lines that adhere closely to breed standards. They helped match us both times to the perfect puppy for our ranch and have remained available for questions. We can't thank them enough for these wonderful working dogs! Thank you
Brandie Jackson, Behavior Trainer and Owner Pawsitive K9 Solutions
Jo B
City, STATE
What started as a simple pet transaction has turned into an epic multi-dog adventure! Rachel carefully paired me with dogs who possessed qualities I didn’t understand or even know I needed. As I navigated the path from pet owner to competitor she has encouraged me without ever making me feel obligated. She has trained alongside me, taught me to groom and made the long drive to shows and trials to coach and support me and the dogs she placed with me. In her, I know I have an ally who will readily share knowledge and thoughtfully guide my next steps. I am beyond grateful for Rachel and the dogs she breeds. I’m not exaggerating when I say her water dogs have changed my life.
PWD Owners
T Hart
City, STATE
CAS Owners
As the owner of two Central Asian Shepherds from this program, I can confidently say the breeding practices go far beyond the norm. She & her husband are deeply intentional about placing puppies based on temperament, behavior, & lifestyle—not superficial traits like color or gender. She maintains rigorous health & temperament standards & offers lifelong breeder support. That level of responsibility and care is exactly why her dogs are so stable, well-adjusted, & successful in their homes. We have loved being introduced to this breed & having them as part of our family.
Blaine J
City, STATE
Ascent Portuguese Water Dogs is special! Rachel loves every puppy and if she had the space and hands would probably keep all of them. They breed them as if they were going to keep each and every one of the puppies. It is a different experience than purchasing just any puppy. They set their puppies and owners up for the best possible situation. They don't promise puppies, I wasn't quite ready for that part, I have to admit, I was dead set on this one puppy. I wanted him. Ascent Portuguese Water Dogs test all their puppies with in-depth aptitude tests to see temperament and what they are good at from an early age, with that, not all puppies and owners are meant to be. They do this to make sure the puppy will fit seamlessly into your home and life. Thankfully, the little boy I wanted and my family matched. My husband fell in love with a little girl who matched if we didn't want to wait to see if we matched with Kevin. Kevin tested off the charts to be a good service dog, luckily so did his brother and we were able to add Kevin to our family. The puppies are some of the best adjusted I have ever seen. When we went to puppy class, the three siblings from Kevin's litter were bold, unafraid and not phased by any training in class, noises, heights, you name it the puppies excelled at it. Everyone who had an Ascent Portuguese Water Dog commented on how little issues potty training, crate training and training in general we all had, while other puppy owners in the class were telling their woes... we didn't have any. That is attributed to Rachel and her diligence to raise and make good pups! She also gets all of them health screened so you get a good healthy puppy! After working in a vet hospital, this isn't always the case. They care, and because they do, you will get the puppy your family needs, and have an amazing dog and community support. I have no doubt Kevin will get a sibling when we are ready, and it will be from Rachel at Ascent Portuguese Water Dogs. They love their dogs and it shows.
PWD Owners