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The Difference Between a Responsible Breeder and
a Back Yard Breeder
Topics
on this page include:
Responsible Breeders
The responsible Breeders whole motivation is to breed exceptional
quality dogs of the breed they truly know and love. Primarily for
companion/working homes, but for show as well.
They care more about the dog's
welfare and happiness than they do about money from the sale. They
only sell to the most responsible homes. If one cannot be found,
they would rather keep the pup forever, rather than just unload it
to the next person with cash.
These breeders make every effort possible
to research their breeding stock lines. They screen these lines
for signs of genetic diseases and temperament problems.
See: Medical Testing
Defined
. They
understand that theses genetic traits CAN and WILL come out in future
litters, and this they want to avoid at all costs! They only
breed two dogs with excellent temperaments, health, and with a
conformation as close to the standard as possible.
Their driving force is to the betterment
of the breed they promote. NOT just to have puppies for sale. Most
only specialize in one or two breeds, and only have a couple of
litters per year. Be very wary of a breeder with 4,5,6+ breeds,
they are most likely commercial breeders, and do not follow the
same Code of Ethics as responsible breeders do.
A responsible breeder
tests for common
genetic problems, and have their dogs certified as to such. Do to
this painstaking research and medical testing, they can offer
their puppy buyers, guarantees on the pups they sell. They rarely,
if ever, make a profit off the sale of puppies after all the
expenses incurred.
Only
a responsible breeder will be
available to help you with questions and problems for the lifetime
of the dog.
All responsible breeders will have a
sales contract to sign. This contract is more for the protection
of the puppy then themselves or you.
They pledge to be responsible for any pup
that is born for the rest of their life. And they will always take
back one, at any time, for any reason, to keep them out of
shelters and rescue.
All responsible breeders have and follow
a Code of Ethics set forth by their breed clubs.
Backyard
Breeders
What is a Backyard breeder?
No, it does not mean someone who breeds
dogs in their backyard or their homes! Most responsible breeders,
don't have what one thinks of as large "Kennel",
although some do. Most, have their pups in their house with their
family, as part of their family. Some even have them in the
backyard 
The term "backyard breeder" was
created to define someone who breeds dogs, not always out of
greed, but more with ignorance. They usually lack the proper
necessary knowledge or consideration for genetics. Some do see
that they could make a quick easy buck, and that may be their
motivation, but most are well meaning. They just do not understand
that they are being "irresponsible".
Most
plan on only doing it once. The
reasons behind breeding their two dogs often
include.....
- "Every dog should have one litter"
- "I
want an offspring from my dog to remember them by when they
go"
- "My dog is beautiful, she would have
such cute
puppies!"
- "My children should see the miracle
of birth"
Theses are all the wrong reasons to have
puppies. By doing this, they have no guarantee of how the pups
would turn out. They either have no idea of the genetic problems
they could be carrying, or the temperament problems this the dogs
linage. Or they just don't care.
For example;
- Anyone who breeds a litter of crossbred
dogs is a backyard breeder.
- Anyone who takes two none pedigreed dogs
and breeds them, is a backyard
breeder.
- Anyone who takes two Registered dogs,
with no idea of the genetic history....i.e.: health and temperament
problems of the dogs in their pedigree.
AND does not test and
supply a guarantee against genetic defects. AND does not follow
the Code of Ethics set by their breeds club....is a backyard
breeder.
Essentially backyard breeders are not
interested in the "genetic science" of breeding.
They breed, because they want too, for
extra money, to have fun with pups, etc....They have no interest
in improving the breed. Nor do they think about if these pups will
grow up to be healthy, good citizens and family pets.
Once they are sold....that's the end of
their involvement.
Their dogs will not have been
tested for
genetic health problems. Do to this, a pup from their lines have a
questionable future at best. And any problems that may arise in
the future, is the problem of the new owner.
So purchasing a pup from a backyard
breeder is a huge gamble. One, if you loose, you will have no
recourse but to swallow hard, and deal with the problem yourself.
Do to the fact that most are not trying
to make a career out of breeding they only have one or two
litters.... and never have one again. They do not have contracts, therefore they will not be there for support for their puppy
owners.
Most people who fall into the category of
a "backyard breeder", do not even know they are doing
wrong. Theses are not bad people, and I truly believe that most DO
love their dogs.
They just do not have the knowledge (or
desire) to do it right, and protect the breeds.
Believe me, I too did not understand how
wrong this was. Until I had to live with major problems, and watch
my "backyard bred" dog die WAY too young....Until I was armed with the heartbreaking knowledge
of the magnitude of homeless pets.
With the knowledge that the
millions of dogs in shelters euthinized each year for health and temperament
problems; or because the shelter has ran out of room.....are ALL
products from BYB's, pet stores and puppy mills.
Yes, I can say all,
as any responsible breeder will take back their dog or puppy at
any time for any reason. Thus keeping them out of shelters. Most
importantly.....NO
responsible breeder would EVER
sell to a Pet Store, puppy mill, auction or the like.
Why is it extremely important to get your
pup from a responsible breeder?????
Why would I want to pay $400-1000 for a
breed of dog from a reputable breeder, when my neighbour down the
road has the same breed for $150???
(Keep in mind that pet store
puppies carry a much heftier price tag, then from a responsible
breeder.)
I
will try to answer that question
here....
Yes, your neighbour down the street MAY
have the same breed of dog......I have to stress the word MAY, as
without registration from an official, legitimate
registry, like the
CKC (Canadian) And the AKC (American), you have NO
guarantee of
the lineage of the pups.
Be careful, there are
alot of non legitimate
registries out there. They do not care where the dog came from, or
even if it is purebred.
One even states that if you cannot provide
proof, such as a pedigree, they will still register your dog if
you have a friend write a letter stating that it is purebred! Now that's
a guarantee.....geesh!
Please see the list of some of the
non legitimate registries, to watch out
for at the bottom of the page.
So lets say for the sake of argument,
they ARE registered. That's a start, but should not be a deciding
factor.
I
have to stress that registration with
the AKC and
CKC, FCI
etc, only provides proof that the dog is
purebred. It also allows you to trace the pedigrees.
It does NOT
however, guarantee the quality, health or temperament of the dogs
it registers!
Farmer Joe, could have acquired two
registered Pyrenees dogs from a pet store (See why this is BAD)
Both his dogs could be riddled with
genetic health problems, aggressive temperaments, and have the
conformation of a greyhound, for all the Registry bodies know.
The dogs could be mated, and the pups
registered as purebred....they are after all! Just not the kind of
dog any one of us would want as a family pet.....am I right?
Here is an
EXCELLENT
account from the GPCA Rescue Chair, about temperament problems seen in Pyr's bought from pet stores and backyard
breeders.
Rescue Thought's
by Janet Ingram, GPCA Rescue Chair
http://www.pyrbred.org/rescthts.html
So let's talk about the cost....you may
be think to yourself, that you are willing to take the chance to
save a few hundred dollars. As his dogs LOOK fine.
Well first off, most genetic disorders
do
not show up till after the dog matures. Which in a Pyr is between
two and three years of age. Some things like hip dysphasia can
stay somewhat hidden much longer....and who can see cancer, tumours, epilepsy etc. Get the point?
A
responsible breeder chooses their
breeding stock from lines that are as clear from these genetic
problems, as humanly possible. With excellent temperaments and
working ability. Their dogs are proven to be as close to the
standard as possible, by being judged against other dogs in the
breed.
Once their dogs have been proven a good
example of the breed, it does not automatically mean they are
worthy of breeding. The next step is that they have their hips
x-rayed and OFA Certified. Other defects that alot of
breeders screen for include; eyes, cardio, hearing, thyroid etc.
And only when their dogs pass these
tests, will they consider breeding.
After all the care, medical
clearances and expense, that responsible breeders put into their breeding
stock...BEFORE they breed, they rarely, if ever make a profit from
the sale of pups.
Why would they do it then? Most breeders
are in love with their chosen breed. Their motivation is to
produce and promote only the best examples of the breed, and to
serve for the betterment only.
Something to consider, these breeders
look for the best combination of the breeds qualities. They strive
with their breeding, to produce their own next champion, working
stock and breeding prospects. So they
can not afford to breed dogs with health, conformation or
temperament problems.
They hope that somewhere in this litter
is the next star of their kennel. So after they have chosen the
dog they hope to promote, they can offer the rest of this quality,
well bred, litter to wonderful permanent homes.
*They also will provide a Guarantee to
their puppy owners. Which states that the puppy they have purchased, is free
from these genetic health problems. Some guarantee for at least
two years. If the pup does develop any of these problems, then
they have in their contracts that they will either refund your
money, take back the dog, and or give you a new pup.
They also have a life time guarantee,
that at any time they will take the dog back, if you can no longer
take care of it.
If Farmer Joe cannot offer you the same
guarantee, then look else where. You will not be saving any money
in the long run.
Yes, the initial investment was only a
$150, but that could quickly run into the thousands, with vet
bills, behaviourists, trainers etc. Believe me I know. :(
Not to mention, if these illnesses are
life threatening as with my dog Zeus. You've not only lost your
initial investment, but the pain and heartache alone, is more
devastating than words can describe.
If Farmer Joe CAN offer you all these guarantees....GREAT
and Congratulations!! You have just found yourself a responsible
breeder.
Yes, alot of us have had dogs or mutts from
back yard breeders. My Sheppard X is 15 years old! She has a
wonderful temperament, and has had very few health problems...so
if I've had such good luck with her, why shouldn't I go back to
Farmer Joe???
Because after alot of pain and
heartache, I know now that I just got lucky. The outcome could
have been very, very different. All...and I mean ALL of her 12
siblings died at younger ages...mostly from some form of cancer.
I
hope anyone reading this, heeds my
warning. Do yourself, your family, your dog, AND your pocketbook a
favour, and only buy from a responsible breeder!
Please see " Evaluating a
Breeder" for things to look for in a perspective
breeder, and questions you can ask the breeder. Also check
out "Choosing a Puppy" for information on
how to evaluate a litter and individual pups.
It
is also VERY important for you to familiarize yourself with the
"GPCA Code
of Ethics" on their web site, that responsible breeders
must follow. The code not only serves to protect the future of the
breed, but you as a purchaser as well! You can also view the
Official breed standard and they have a great illustrated standard
as well!
For more information about registries see
this article at:
About Dog Registries and Kennel Clubs
http://www.wonderpuppy.net/kc.htm
(back to top)
The Legitimate
Registries include:
- CKC: Canadian Kennel Club
- AKC: American Kennel Club
- KC: The Kennel Club of the UK
- FCI: Federation Cynologique
Internationale
- UKC: United kennel Club
- AFDSB: American Field Dog Stud Book
Non legitimate registries:
**Beware of a company
also calling themselves CKC,
which stands for (Continental
Kennel Club)....I believe it was deliberately to confuse puppy buyers that they
were associated with Canada's Legitimate Registry...CKC (Canadian Kennel
Club)....they are NOT!
- CKC: CONTINENTAL KENNEL CLUB
- APRI :AMERICA'S PET REGISTRY INC.
- ACA: AMERICAN CANINE ASSOCIATION
- UKCI: UNIVERSAL KENNEL CLUB INTERNATIONAL
- NAPDR: NORTH AMERICAN PUREBRED DOG REGISTRY
- DRA: DOG REGISTRY OF AMERICA
- APR: AMERICAN PUREBRED REGISTRY
- USKC: UNITED STATES KENNEL CLUB
- WWKC: WORLD WIDE KENNEL CLUB
- WKC: WORLD KENNEL CLUB
- FIC: FEDERATION OF INTERNATIONAL CANINES
- ARU: ANIMAL REGISTRY UNLIMITED
**If
you have a Great Pyrenees site and would like it added
to my Links page please email
me. (educational, personal or breeders pages welcome)
I
have created a "Breeder Referral"
page. Breeders If you would like to be available for
consultation with puppy buyers,
please fill out this form
The
goal of the Breeder Referral page is will not be
intended for the solicitation of puppies for sale.
But to
put people looking for a puppy in contact with the ONLY
reliable source....a RESPONSIBLE breeder.
Author,
Sariena Foley
Regalia Great Pyrenees
(Back
to top)
****Disclaimer****
The
comments in this article are solely and completely the "opinion"
of the author. It is based on her experiences and information she has gathered
from other reputable sources over the years.
***Anyone
thinking about buying a puppy of any breed, are more than welcome to print this
article, for future reference.
Furthermore,
this article
in its entirety may be reproduced and used anywhere, for educational purposes. So long as
proper credit is given to the author. I
would appreciate an email notification***
{TM} and Copyright © 2002
by {R&S Foley Farms}. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 10 Apr 2002 11:43:29-0400
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