Hear What They're
Saying
Read the testimonials of happy families that have become a part of the Ascent Family!
April C
CAS Owners
As an owner of one of Ascents females, and purchasing a second I can attest to how truly awesome these dogs are. Our Friday is a perfect fit into our already established “pack” of 4 guardians. She has made her place into the dynamic, and we love her to pieces. Not only is she a great guardian, she fits our family perfectly. Her personality just shines every time I call her. She loves us as much as we do her. I was very hesitant to add another dog, for fear of it not working, but it has been 100% perfect. She guards her cow herd of 300 head with no hesitation. Learning the ropes of what the cattle allow and don’t on her own, and working her place in that environment on her own accord. We are looking forward to our second addition, and will continue throughout all the future of our ranch’s endeavors.
Katie M.
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. 💚🐕🦺
PWD Owners
Brandie Jackson
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
Lisa Lima
PWD Owners
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.
T Hart
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
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
Jen Dionisio
Three Sister Farm & Dairy
CAS Owners
From my experience, Ascent Central Asian Shepards demonstrate an outstanding commitment to preserving the integrity, temperament, and working ability of the Central Asian Shepherd. Their knowledge of the breed is extensive, and they take great care in matching each puppy to the appropriate home based on lifestyle, experience, and purpose. I feel Rachel picked the perfect dog for our farm.
Our dog, (Pete) from their program has proven to be well-structured, independent, loyal and confident. Early socialization and thoughtful breeding practices were evident from the start. He arrived healthy, well-adjusted, and already showing the natural guardian instincts the breed is known for. He watches over my family and my farm and shows fierce loyalty to his family.
Beyond producing quality dogs, Rachel and Zac Eken provide continued support, guidance, and education to new owners. They genuinely care about the long-term success of their dogs and maintain high ethical standards in their breeding program. To this day, they will respond to questions or with thoughtful guidance if asked.
I confidently recommend their program to anyone seeking a responsibly bred Central Asian Shepherd from a knowledgeable and dedicated breeder.
Jo B
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
Brittany S
CAS Owners
Rachel is a rare find in the dog world - a truly educated and ethical breeder. She gave me a thorough overview of the dog I was interested in, including strengths and weaknesses. Based on Rachel’s prediction that the dog she had available would be a good fit, we brought her home - our new CAS is not only a valuable protector of the farm, but a treasured buddy. I will never get a LGD anywhere else!