Backyard Breeder vs. Responsible Breeder
Backyard breeders (BYBs) are unlicensed mom-and-pop breeding businesses that make and sell puppies for $100 to $750, depending on the breed. “Designer” breeds, like maltipoos, schnorkies and chiweenies, seem to be especially popular with backyard breeders.
Responsible breeders, who sell their puppies for around $2,500, are professional breeders of quality dogs that carry only the best genes from generation to generation, the kind of dogs you see on the
In short, responsible breeders focus on strengthening the breed, and backyard breeders focus on making money.
BYBs usually advertise their litters in the Pennysaver, in the newspaper, in magazines and/or online. Their dogs have no health certifications or vaccinations and are often sick or poorly bred. Although some BYBs treat their breeding dogs like pets, most treat them as livestock, confining them to backyard pens and ignoring many of their basic needs. Worst, though, is that BYBs produce dogs simply to make money, contributing to the animal overpopulation problem. In a world where so many wonderful dogs die in the shelters every day, why make more puppies?
A responsible breeder doesn’t need to advertise puppies for sale because she has parents lined up before she allows her bitches to have their litters. She will have spent years, maybe decades, breeding a quality line, which means she gave the dogs the best medical care and food. She’s put her dogs through conformation trials to strengthen the breed’s conformation. Her puppies are happy, healthy and well-socialized, and there’s a long waiting list for each one of them.
Some BYBs will try to pass themselves off as quality breeders, but they give themselves away with a few common blunders:
· They have several different breeds for sale at the same time—a responsible breeder only works with one breed.
· They offer to ship their dogs to new owners without meeting them first—a responsible breeder meets the new parents before she sends her pups home with them.
· They won’t let you see the kennel—responsible breeders have no problem allowing potential parents into the kennels.
· They don’t require an application or references—responsible breeders make sure their pups go to safe, loving homes.
· BYBs have “no refunds” policies—responsible breeders will take back their pups at any point in the dog’s life if the owners cannot keep the dog.
If you have your heart set on a purebred dog, please don’t buy one from a backyard breeder! Research a quality breeder in your area and put your name on the waiting list. You’ll pay more money for your puppy, but not only will you refuse to support an industry that profits on pet overpopulation, you’ll also take home a healthy, strong, intelligent pet who will give you years of love.
What do you think about backyarg breeders? Tell me in the comments!
Categories: Pet Health & Safety