For Andrea, working with dogs isn't something she picked up as a hobby — it's something she grew up doing. She was raised helping her parents run their kennels, learning from a young age what it takes to care for breeding dogs, whelp litters, and place puppies with loving families. Those early years spent alongside her parents gave her a deep understanding of canine health, temperament, and the responsibility that comes with bringing new life into the world.

That foundation shaped everything about how we run Tired Chef Dachshunds today. Andrea brought decades of hands-on experience to our program, and Johnathon brought the drive to take it further — combining her knowledge with modern genetic testing and data-driven breeding practices.

How Tired Chef Got Its Start

We fell in love with our first Dachshund and quickly realized how much joy these little dogs bring. But we also learned how many health issues can affect the breed — especially IVDD, which is heartbreaking for families who aren't prepared for it.

That's what lit the fire. We decided that if we were going to breed, we were going to do it right — with full genetic testing, careful pairing, and a commitment to producing the healthiest Dachshunds possible. Not just healthy by hope, but healthy by data.

What We Believe In

Every single dog in our program is fully genetically tested through Embark, covering over 200 health conditions. We don't guess — we know each dog's IVDD status, PRA status, DM status, color genetics, and coefficient of inbreeding. We use that data to plan every pairing with intention.

Our puppies are raised using Puppy Culture socialization protocols and Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), giving them the strongest possible foundation for life in their forever homes. They grow up in our house, around our kids, around other animals on the ranch — ducks, donkeys, cattle, you name it. By the time they go home with you, they've experienced the world.

Our Journey