All Breeds Welcome at K9 Divine
Our Breed-Inclusive Philosophy
Tailored care for every dog, from tiny terriers to giant breeds
At K9 Divine, we believe every dog deserves a vacation, regardless of breed, size, or energy level. Our 80-acre ranch in Southern Maryland provides the perfect setting for dogs of all types to thrive. Unlike traditional kennels where larger breeds may feel cramped or high-energy dogs lack adequate exercise, our expansive property gives every dog room to be themselves.
We don’t judge dogs by breed stereotypes or outdated “aggressive breed” labels. Instead, we evaluate each dog individually based on temperament and behavior. Our 7,000 square feet of indoor space combined with 15 acres of securely fenced outdoor areas means we can accommodate everyone from pocket-sized Chihuahuas to massive Mastiffs. Dogs are grouped thoughtfully by size and activity level rather than breed, ensuring safe, enjoyable socialization for all.
The cage-free environment at K9 Divine is particularly beneficial for breeds that struggle in confined spaces. Your dog won’t spend their stay in a crate. Instead, they’ll sleep on comfortable couches and beds, play with compatible companions, and explore the countryside just like they would on their dream vacation.
How We Group Your Dog
Safe, happy socialization starts with smart grouping. At K9 Divine, we organize our play groups based on size and energy level to ensure every dog has the best possible experience.
By Size Categories
Small Breeds (Under 25 lbs)
Examples: Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Maltese, Shih Tzus, Toy Poodles, Miniature Dachshunds, Papillons
Benefits: Your small dog plays exclusively with appropriately-sized companions, eliminating the risk of injury from larger playmates. Our indoor spaces include areas perfectly suited for tiny dogs who prefer cozy spots to sprawling fields. Small breeds receive the same freedom to roam as their larger counterparts, but always in groups where they feel confident and safe.
Medium Breeds (25-60 lbs)
Examples: Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Bulldogs, Brittany Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Corgis
Benefits: Medium breeds are the most versatile group, comfortable both indoors and out. These dogs often have the energy to keep up with larger breeds but the manners to interact gently with smaller ones when appropriate. Our medium dog groups enjoy full access to both buildings and outdoor play areas, with plenty of variety in their daily activities.
Large Breeds (60-100 lbs)
Examples: Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Huskies, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Weimaraners, Vizslas, Dalmatians, Standard Poodles
Benefits: Large breeds need space, and we’ve got 80 acres of it. These athletic dogs love having room to run at full speed, play wrestling matches, and engage in the kind of robust play that makes them so joyful. Our facility is specifically designed to accommodate big dogs who might feel restricted in typical boarding environments.
Giant Breeds (100+ lbs)
Examples: Great Danes, Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, Great Pyrenees, Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Leonbergers, Tibetan Mastiffs
Benefits: If you have a giant breed, you know how challenging it can be to find suitable boarding. Many facilities simply can’t accommodate dogs over 100 pounds comfortably. At K9 Divine, your gentle giant has ample space to stretch out on oversized dog beds, outdoor areas to roam without feeling confined, and playmates who match their size and strength. We understand that giant breeds need reinforced play areas and extra consideration, and we’re fully equipped to provide it.
By Activity Level
High-Energy Breeds
Working dogs, herding breeds, and sporting dogs often require extensive exercise that’s impossible to achieve in a typical backyard or city apartment. Breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Jack Russell Terriers, and Labrador Retrievers absolutely thrive at K9 Divine. They get multiple supervised play sessions throughout the day, mental stimulation from exploring new areas of the property, and interaction with other energetic dogs who can match their enthusiasm. These are the dogs who come home happily exhausted.
Moderate-Energy Breeds
Most dogs fall into this category. They enjoy playtime but also appreciate downtime to relax. Breeds like Golden Retrievers, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and most mixed breeds do wonderfully with our balanced approach of structured play followed by rest periods on comfortable indoor furniture. These dogs set their own pace throughout the day.
Low-Energy Breeds
Senior dogs, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, and naturally calm companion dogs receive special consideration. Bulldogs, Pugs, Basset Hounds, and older dogs of any breed enjoy shorter play sessions with plenty of access to climate-controlled indoor spaces. We never force low-energy dogs into activities beyond their comfort level. They can lounge on our couches, take gentle walks, and socialize at their own pace.
Every breed group has unique characteristics, and our 20+ years of experience means we understand what makes your dog tick. Here’s how different breed types experience K9 Divine:
Herding Breeds
Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Corgis, German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Old English Sheepdogs, Australian Cattle Dogs
Herding breeds are among the smartest, most driven dogs you’ll find. They need jobs to do and mental challenges to stay happy. At K9 Divine, these intelligent dogs thrive with the constant mental and physical stimulation our 80-acre property provides. Every day offers new scents to investigate, terrain to navigate, and compatible playmates to engage with. Herding breeds are excellent candidates for our Board and Train programs, where they can channel their intelligence into learning new skills while enjoying structured activities throughout the day.
Sporting Breeds
Retrievers, Pointers, Spaniels, Setters, Vizslas, Weimaraners
Bred to work alongside hunters all day, sporting breeds are natural athletes with stamina to spare. These dogs were made for exactly the kind of environment K9 Divine offers: wide open spaces, varied terrain, and plenty of opportunities to run. Retrievers particularly love having room to gallop at full speed, while Spaniels enjoy investigating every corner of the property. Our outdoor areas provide the kind of sustained physical activity that keeps sporting breeds fit, healthy, and mentally satisfied. Many sporting breed owners tell us their dogs sleep for two days straight after a stay with us. That’s the ultimate sign of a well-exercised dog.
Working Breeds
Rottweilers, Dobermans, Boxers, Huskies, Malamutes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Danes
Working breeds were developed to perform demanding jobs like pulling sleds, guarding property, or protecting livestock. These powerful, intelligent dogs require confident handling and clear boundaries. At K9 Divine, working breeds benefit from our 24/7 professional supervision and structured environment. Our staff understands these dogs need consistent rules and plenty of physical exercise to stay balanced. The positive reinforcement training methods we use are particularly effective with working breeds, who are eager to please when training is fair and clear. These dogs excel in our training programs and appreciate having space to expend their considerable energy.
Terriers
Jack Russell Terriers, Bull Terriers, West Highland Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers, Airedale Terriers, Scottish Terriers
Don’t let their size fool you. Terriers pack enormous personality into small packages. Originally bred to hunt vermin, these feisty dogs are fearless, energetic, and sometimes stubborn. Terriers of all sizes benefit from our careful play group matching, which ensures they’re paired with dogs who appreciate their spirited play style. Jack Russells and other high-energy terriers particularly thrive with the extensive exercise opportunities our property provides. Toy terriers like Yorkies get the small-dog group protection they need while still enjoying that classic terrier confidence. Training helps channel that legendary terrier determination into positive behaviors.
Toy Breeds
Chihuahuas, Maltese, Shih Tzus, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles, Papillons, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Toy breeds receive extra-special attention at K9 Divine. These small dogs play exclusively in our toy breed groups, completely protected from the roughhousing of larger dogs. Despite their petite size, many toy breeds have surprisingly big personalities and energy levels. Our indoor comfort areas are perfectly scaled for small dogs, with accessible furniture and cozy spots to curl up. Owners of toy breeds often worry about boarding, but our size-separated groups mean your tiny companion is never overwhelmed or at risk. They get all the socialization and exercise they need, just on a scale that’s appropriate for their size.
Brachycephalic Breeds (Flat-Faced Dogs)
Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Boxers
Flat-faced breeds require special care, and we take their unique needs seriously. These dogs are monitored closely during play because their shortened airways make them more susceptible to breathing difficulties, especially during exercise or in hot weather. K9 Divine’s climate-controlled indoor spaces give brachycephalic breeds constant access to cool, comfortable areas. We ensure these dogs always have fresh water readily available and modify their activity levels based on temperature and individual tolerance. Play sessions are carefully supervised, with plenty of rest breaks. Your Bulldog or Pug gets to enjoy social time and exercise while staying safe and comfortable.
Guardian Breeds
Mastiffs, Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherds, Kangals, Tibetan Mastiffs
Guardian breeds were developed to protect livestock and property, making them naturally watchful and sometimes wary of strangers. These large, powerful dogs undergo a temperament evaluation to ensure they’re a good fit for our social environment. Once accepted, guardian breeds often surprise their owners by how well they socialize at K9 Divine. The key is proper introduction and matching with appropriate playmates. Our positive reinforcement training approach works beautifully with these intelligent dogs, who respond well to fair, consistent handling. Many guardian breeds are gentle giants who simply need enough space to feel comfortable, and 80 acres provides exactly that.
Hound Breeds
Beagles, Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, Greyhounds, Whippets, Dachshunds, Coonhounds
Hounds were bred to follow their noses, often for miles at a time. This instinct makes them wonderful explorers of our 80-acre property. There are always new scents to investigate. Our secure 8-foot fencing prevents even the most determined scent hound from wandering off on an unauthorized adventure. Sighthounds like Greyhounds and Whippets love having the space to run at their impressive top speeds. Scent hounds like Beagles contentedly sniff every inch of the property. For hounds with strong recall challenges (a common trait in breeds developed to work independently), our Board and Train program emphasizes positive reinforcement recall training.
Special Breed Accommodations
Breeds That Especially Thrive Here
High-Energy Working and Herding Breeds: Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and similar breeds who need hours of daily exercise find their paradise at K9 Divine. These are often the dogs who develop behavioral problems when under-exercised, but here they get the physical and mental stimulation they crave.
Dogs Who Struggle in Traditional Kennels: Large breeds who’ve been turned away elsewhere due to size restrictions, anxious dogs who panic in crates, senior dogs who need frequent access to outdoor potty areas. All find our cage-free, spacious environment much less stressful than conventional boarding.
Multi-Dog Households of Different Breeds: Own a Great Dane and a Yorkshire Terrier? A Husky and a French Bulldog? We’ll care for them all (with our 15% multi-dog discount), grouping each appropriately while they’re here. They don’t have to play together to vacation together.
Breeds Requiring Extensive Exercise: If your dog needs more activity than city living can provide, K9 Divine becomes their weekly or daily outlet. Many DC-based owners of athletic breeds use our daycare service specifically because we offer the kind of sustained exercise their dog can’t get anywhere else in the metro area.
Breed Training Specialties
Rachel Jones’ Experience Across Breeds
K9 Divine’s founder and head trainer Rachel Jones has worked with virtually every breed over her 20+ year career. As a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Rachel brings professional expertise to understanding breed characteristics and individual personalities. She’s appeared on National Geographic’s “My Dog Ate What?” working with diverse breeds and challenging cases, and serves as a Community Training Partner for Best Friends Animal Society.
This extensive experience means Rachel and her team recognize the difference between a breed trait and a behavior problem. They know that a Beagle following his nose isn’t being disobedient. He’s doing exactly what Beagles were bred to do for centuries. The solution isn’t punishment. It’s training that works with the dog’s natural instincts.
Common Breed-Specific Training Issues We Address
Herding Breeds: Nipping at heels, attempting to herd children or other pets, obsessive behavior patterns, excessive barking. Our positive reinforcement approach redirects these natural herding instincts into appropriate outlets.
Terriers: Excessive digging, strong prey drive toward small animals, stubbornness during training, territorial barking. We channel that legendary terrier determination into learning rather than fighting it.
Sporting Breeds: Jumping on people out of enthusiasm, mouthing during play, pulling on leash due to high energy, counter surfing. These trainable, eager-to-please breeds respond beautifully to our reward-based methods.
Working Breeds: Dominance challenges, protective behavior toward family members, difficulty with recall, excessive strength on leash. Clear communication and consistent boundaries help these intelligent dogs understand what’s expected.
Hounds: Selective hearing when following a scent, baying and howling, strong prey drive, wandering tendencies. Recall training is essential for hounds, and we make it rewarding enough to compete with even the most interesting smells.
Guardian Breeds: Wariness of strangers, territorial behavior, excessive barking at perceived threats, slow to warm up in new situations. Socialization and confidence-building exercises help guardian breeds learn to relax.
What Makes K9 Divine Ideal for All Breeds
80 Acres Means No Dog Feels Confined: Whether your dog is a 5-pound Chihuahua or a 150-pound Mastiff, they have genuine space to roam, explore, and play. Larger breeds in particular benefit from an environment where they’re not constantly bumping into walls or restricted to small turnout areas.
24/7 Professional Supervision: With staff on-site around the clock, breed-specific needs are met at any hour. Night owls like Huskies who want to play at midnight? We’re here. Senior dogs who need medication at specific times? We’ve got it covered. Emergency situations? We respond immediately.
Cage-Free Environment: Large and giant breeds especially benefit from our no-crate policy. Instead of spending their stay cramped in a kennel barely big enough to turn around, your big dog stretches out on a couch or sprawls across the floor of our spacious buildings. They’re only separated at feeding time to prevent food-related conflicts.
Professional Training Expertise: Rachel Jones’ CPDT certification and 20+ years of experience mean we understand breed-specific behavioral tendencies. Border Collies who try to herd other dogs, Terriers who dig enthusiastically, Huskies who sing the songs of their people. We’ve seen it all and know how to work with it.
Smart Group Socialization: Our size and temperament-based grouping prevents the mismatches that make dogs uncomfortable. A timid Cavalier King Charles Spaniel never has to face off with a rambunctious adolescent Labrador. A powerful Rottweiler gets to play with dogs who can handle his strength. Every dog is set up for success.
Positive Reinforcement for Every Breed
At K9 Divine, we use exclusively force-free, humane training methods. That means no shock collars, no prong collars, no choke chains, and no intimidation-based techniques, regardless of breed. We often hear “but my [breed] needs a firm hand” or “this breed doesn’t respond to treats.” Neither is true.
What we’ve found over 20 years is simple: clicker training and reward-based methods work for every single breed. Stubborn Basset Hounds, strong-willed Rottweilers, independent Huskies, sensitive Greyhounds. All learn beautifully when training is clear, consistent, and positive. We customize our approach based on what motivates your individual dog, whether that’s food, toys, praise, or play. But we never resort to fear or pain, because it’s neither necessary nor effective.
The result is dogs who are excited to train, owners who enjoy working with their dogs, and behavior changes that last because they’re built on understanding rather than intimidation.
Breeds We See Most Often
While we welcome all breeds, these are some of our most frequent guests at K9 Divine:
- Labrador Retrievers
- Golden Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Mixed Breeds & Rescue Dogs
- French Bulldogs
- Border Collies
- Australian Shepherds
- Poodles (Standard, Miniature, and Toy)
- Bulldogs
- Beagles
- Boxers
- Siberian Huskies
- Dachshunds
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Rottweilers
- Cocker Spaniels
- Shih Tzus
- Great Danes
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Doberman Pinschers
Don’t see your breed listed? This is just a small sampling of the breeds we regularly care for. We welcome all purebreds, mixed breeds, and rescue dogs. If your dog passes our temperament evaluation, they have a home away from home at K9 Divine, no matter how common or rare their breed.
Ready to Book Your Dog’s Ranch Vacation?
Whether you have a tiny Chihuahua or a massive Mastiff, a mellow senior or a high-octane adolescent, K9 Divine has the perfect setup for your dog. Our 80-acre cage-free facility, professional training expertise, and breed-inclusive philosophy mean every dog gets a truly enjoyable experience.
Breed-Specific FAQs
Do you accept "aggressive breeds" or breeds with restrictions?
We don't believe in breed discrimination. Breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and others often labeled as "aggressive" are welcomed at K9 Divine. We evaluate every dog as an individual, not as a stereotype. All dogs, regardless of breed, must pass a temperament evaluation that assesses their behavior with people and other dogs. A well-socialized Pit Bull is just as welcome as a Golden Retriever. We judge dogs by their actual temperament, not by outdated prejudices about their breed.
Is my large or giant breed too big for your facility?
Absolutely not! With 80 acres of property and 7,000 square feet of indoor space, we have more than enough room for even the largest breeds. We regularly care for Great Danes, Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, Irish Wolfhounds, and other giant breeds. In fact, many owners of large dogs specifically choose K9 Divine because we're one of the few facilities that can truly accommodate big dogs comfortably. Your gentle giant will have plenty of space to stretch out, play, and relax without feeling cramped.
My breed is very high-energy. Can you handle that?
High-energy breeds are some of our favorite guests! Border Collies, Belgian Malinois, Jack Russell Terriers, Australian Shepherds, and other energetic breeds thrive at K9 Divine specifically because we have the space and structure to tire them out. With 15 acres of fenced outdoor play areas, multiple supervised play sessions throughout the day, and 24/7 staff who understand working breeds, we provide the kind of sustained exercise that high-energy dogs need. Most come home happily exhausted and sleep soundly for days.
Will my small dog be safe with larger dogs around?
Yes! Dogs are always grouped by size and temperament, so your small dog exclusively plays with other small dogs. A Chihuahua will never be in a play group with a German Shepherd. We have separate areas and separate play times for different size groups, ensuring that small dogs feel confident and safe throughout their stay. Your little one gets all the benefits of socialization without any of the risks that come from size mismatches.
Does my brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed need special care?
Yes, and we provide it. Breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers have unique respiratory needs due to their shortened airways. At K9 Divine, we monitor these dogs carefully during play for any signs of breathing difficulty. They have constant access to our climate-controlled indoor spaces where they can cool down, and fresh water is always available. We modify play intensity based on weather conditions and individual tolerance, ensuring your flat-faced friend stays safe and comfortable while still enjoying socialization and gentle exercise.
My breed has a strong prey drive. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Our 8-foot security fencing keeps all dogs safely contained, even those with strong chase instincts. During the initial temperament evaluation, we assess how your dog interacts with other dogs to ensure compatibility. Some prey-driven breeds do wonderfully in group play when matched with appropriate companions. Others might need more structured, supervised socialization. Either way, our 24/7 professional staff ensures every dog stays safe. The 80-acre property also gives prey-driven dogs plenty of appropriate outlets for their natural instincts. There are always leaves to chase and holes to dig!
Do you have experience with my rare or unusual breed?
With over 20 years in the dog care industry, Rachel Jones has worked with virtually every breed you can imagine, and quite a few you probably can't! From common breeds like Labrador Retrievers to rare breeds like Xoloitzcuintli, Azawakh, or Norwegian Lundehund, we treat each dog as an individual. Even if we haven't worked with your specific breed before, our professional training and extensive experience with dog behavior in general means we can quickly understand what makes your dog unique and provide excellent care.
What about mixed breed or rescue dogs?
Mixed breeds and rescue dogs are some of our very favorite guests! These dogs often have wonderful temperaments combining the best traits of multiple breeds. We evaluate mixed breeds the same way we evaluate purebreds, based on their individual personality and behavior. Many rescue dogs have uncertain breed backgrounds, and that's perfectly fine. What matters to us is who your dog is now, not their ancestry. Some of our longest-standing client relationships are with owners of mixed breed rescue dogs.
My dog is a senior. Will they be comfortable at K9 Divine?
Senior dogs are welcomed and receive age-appropriate care. Older dogs are placed in calmer play groups with dogs who match their energy level. They're never forced into activities beyond their comfort or physical ability. Our cage-free environment with comfortable furniture is ideal for seniors who need to rest frequently, and 24/7 staff supervision means we can monitor for any health issues and administer medications on schedule. Many senior dogs appreciate the gentle socialization and change of scenery without the stress of overly rambunctious play.
Can you handle dogs with breed-specific health issues?
We accommodate many breed-specific health considerations. Dogs requiring regular medication, those with mobility issues, breeds prone to bloat (we separate dogs during feeding), and dogs with special dietary needs all receive appropriate care. Our 24/7 staffing means someone is always available to monitor your dog and address any health concerns. We're authorized to contact your veterinarian and transport to emergency care if needed. For dogs with significant medical needs, we recommend discussing your dog's specific situation with us before booking to ensure we can meet all their requirements.
