A Comparison of "Breeders"
Responsible breeders put the time in getting themselves
educated enough to consistently produce above average puppies.
They do the right things to give a pup a good start.
Th term 'backyard breeder' refers to breeders
who don't do their homework and put in the time necessary to
produce quality
pups - and as a result the quality of pups suffers. It's not meant
to be taken literally that a dog raised in the backyard is inferior,
but rather to describe those who call themselves breeders but
simply don't put in the time necessary to consistently
produce quality pups. |
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Traits of Responsible Breeders
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Traits of Backyard Breeders
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"Into" Dogs (sporting, shows, training, clubs,
etc.)
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Not "into" dogs (has dogs "around the house")
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Proves quality of dogs and suitability for breeding by hunting
them, competing for titles, cerrtificates in conformation,
obedience, agility, field trialing, tracking, etc.
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Quality of dogs is almost always substandard. Does not test
his dog's ability hunting, in shows or trials (Dogs are just
pets or "breeding machines")
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Pups' pedigrees are filled with dogs that were good representatives
of the breed standard. Never breeds dogs without "papers"
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Pedigrees mostly a list of pets bred by backyard breeders;
pups may not even have "papers"
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Knowledgeable in every facet of breed, including that of
health issues/defects; researches genetics when choosing mates
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Not particularly educated about breed, often not aware of
his own breed's genetic defects; does not consider mate's genetics
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Knowledgeable about house breaking, training, socializing,
breeding, health; constantly reads dog-related materials and
probably active in online discussions about traits, abilities,
etc.
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Has own ideas which may not coincide with professionals'
opinions; won't bother to read or participate in any further
education
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Can and will help and educate puppy buyers about these issues
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Says "Goodbye" and "Good luck"
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Willing to give you references
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Has no references
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Knows his puppies' ancestry
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Knows little or nothing about the other dogs on puppies'
pedigrees except that they were "fertile"
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Follows up on puppies' well-being; collects health information
affecting his dogs
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Does not concern himself with the puppies' well-being or
how puppies' health affects his breeding "plan"
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Breeds to improve his own dogs, his bloodlines and the breed
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Breeds just to breed or make money or see his "great
dog" procreate
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Does not use dog breeding as a primary income and
strives for quality, not quantity
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Breeds regularly if for money or if puppy mill
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Only repeats a breeding if the outcome is consistent with
his breeding program
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Often repeats breedings, mainly those that are cheap and
convenient.
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Breeds only dogs which meet breed standard
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Dogs used for breeding rarely meet breed standard
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Breeds only dogs with stable temperaments
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Breeds shy/aggressive dogs with poor temperaments
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Breeds only dogs over 2 years old, and a limited number
of times
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Breeds dogs at almost any age, and any number of times
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Mate choice could be anywhere in the country
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Mate choice is that which is convenient, cheap, local
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Does not breed animals with genetic defects or which are
carriers of defects
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Ignorantly breeds defective animals or those which are carriers,
thus, perpetuating disease in breed
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Puppies are usually sold from a waiting list created before
breeding even takes place
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Puppies are sold after birth in the local newspaper, first-come,
first-served
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Quality pups generally cost more
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All pups are sub-standard quality and are relatively cheap,
usually $100-$250
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Puppies are sold with health guarantees
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Puppies are sold with no guarantee
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Requires pups back if new homes don't work out
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Says "Find them good homes"
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Dogs on property are friendly, socialized, trained
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Dogs on property may be aggressive or shy, and untrained
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Does not own more dogs than he has room, time or money for;
Dogs are groomed, exercised, healthy, happy
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Puppy mills are overloaded, "warehoused" dogs
are not groomed or exercised, don't look healthy or happy
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Will show you pups' parents if available, or if not, will
have pictures
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Might have to "lock up" pups' aggressive or shy
parents (dogs that should never have been bred)
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Regularly cares for puppies
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Dam and pups are alone for long hours
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Feeds only premium dog food
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Feeds cheap, grocery store dog food (containing cheap meat/chemicals)
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Keeps clean and safe environment
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Has no understanding and takes no precautions to prevent
poor puppy health
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Keeps pups with mom and litter the optimum amount of time
to ensure sibling socialization and important lessons from
pups' mother
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Doesn't know leaving litter earlier can cause lifelong temperament
problems or staying too long can hurt bonding with humans
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Socializes pups by systematically handling them and exposing
them to various noises, children and other animals before sending
them to new homes
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Does not understand or want to be troubled with any kind
of training; just tries to keep puppies quiet and contained
until sold
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Can honestly evaluate pups' quality
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Says all pups are high quality
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Refuses to sell to substandard homes
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Sells first-come, first-served to whomever has the cash;
does not find out which homes are substandard
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Encourages buyers to spay/neuter pet-quality pups
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Encourages buyers to breed, regardless of quality
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Encourages buyers to train pups
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Shows no concern for pups after sale
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Makes sure buyers understand pup's considerable need for
time, attention, exercise and training
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Does not provide even his own dogs with enough time, attention,
exercise or training
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Responsible Breeders Improve the Breed
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Backyard Breeders Damage the Breed
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