General

I know this has been talked about before. But saw it posted & thought it would be a goo reminder (not that I'm condoning breeding! But, the care taken by good breeders is important)

Backyard Breeder:

1. Motive for breeding: "fun", "good for kids", "to make money". Does not screen buyers and seldom refuses to sell, even if buyer is unsuitable.

2. Breeds the family pet to any convenient pet of the same breed just to have purebred pups. Has no understanding or concern with genetics, pedigree bloodlines, or breed improvement.

3. Though the pets (sire/dam of pups) may be well loved, they were not tested for hip dysplasia or for other genetic problems such as cardiomyopathy and hypothyroidism.

4. Offers no health guarantee beyond proof of shots, if that. Unqualified to give help if problems develop.

5. Seller has little knowledge of breed history, the national breed club or of the AKC breed standard. May claim this does not matter for "just pets".

6. Pups raised in makeshift accommodations, sometimes unsanitary, indicating lack of long-term investment in breeding and lack of true care for the puppies well-being.

7. Even when selling "just pets", may produce AKC papers or "championship pedigrees" as proof of quality. Yet seller does not increase his own knowledge through participation in national, regional, or local breed clubs. Is not involved in showing their dogs to "prove" quality.

8. May be unwilling to show a buyer the entire litter or to introduce the dam of the litter. Cannot or will not compare/critique pups or pup’s ancestors.

9. Prices are at the low end of local range, since must move pups quickly. Advertises in the local newspaper classifieds.

10. No concern for the future of individual pups or the breed as a whole. Does not use AKC’s limited registration option or ask for spay/neuter contract to guard against the breeding of sub-standard pups. If you cannot keep pup, tells you to take it to a dog pound or to sell it.

Reputable Breeders:

1. Dedication to producing quality dogs is serious avocation. Has so much invested in dogs that he struggles to break even, not make a profit. Will sell pups only to approved buyers.

2. Can explain how planned breedings are used to emphasize or minimize specific qualities through linebreeding, outcrossing, or more rarely, inbreeding.

3. Does not breed dogs younger than age 2. Has breeding stock x-rayed to check for hip dysplasia, echo/doppler run for SAS, holtered within the last year for boxer cardiomyopathy (also known as ARVC) and thyroid screened. Can produce certification to prove claims.

4. Written contractural commitment to replace a dog with genetic faults or to help owner deal with problem.

5. Loves the breed and can talk at length about its background, uses, and ideal type.

6. Has an investment in dog equipment and the puppies environment is sanitary and loving.

7. Belongs to national, regional, and/or local dog clubs, indicating a love for the sport of purebred dogs. Shows their dogs as an objective test of how his stock measures up.

8. Shows litter and dam in a sanitary environment. Helps buyer evaluate and choose a pup. Explains criteria for "show prospects" versus "pet picks".

9. Prices will be at the high end of local range. Price will not reflect all that is invested in the pups. A reputable breeder never profits from the sale of puppies. Does not advertise in the newspaper. Has an established waiting list for the pups.

10. After purchase, will help you with grooming or training problems. Will take back a pup you cannot keep rather than see it disposed of inappropriately. Sells pets with spay/neuter agreement and on AKC limited registration.

Thank you for posting this. I want to make a million copies and hand it to everyone that says, " I have a dog and I think I'll breed it and make some extra cash"!!!

Heidi

Well said!

I want to point out that one thing to point out to people is that prices will usually be far lower than Pet Store prices. No matter what they say, Pet Stores are supporting Puppy Mills and at best Backyard breeders when they are selling pups.

No reputable breeder allows their pups to be sold in a pet store. If the Pet store says that, they are LYING.

What if the breeder and "Mom and pop" pet store are bestfriends? We're not talking Pet-co or Pet-smart here. Let's keep this in perspective. Is it wrong to help out others? What if they've found themselves in need of some money because of nasty inflation and the increased cost of living. Have we also considered that maybe this so-called BYB had tears in their eyes when they asked to find their dog a home?

Or have we decided not to explore ALL viable options before defemating someone else's character?

This is my personal view, and does NOT necessarily partain to the views or opinions of Doggie Styles, Doggie Styles Plus, or it's affiliates. (Patrick)

Thanks Patricia for being a reasonable and considerate human being. I have owned rough coat collies for at least 40 years now and am therefore basing my opinion upon my many experiences with only this one (wonderful) breed.
Most of you who post here will not agree, however, the simple truth is that: it is not at all necessary to show dogs to be a "responsible breeder" and not every family who wants a pedigree dog wants a show dog. In fact, some of my best dogs came from "backyard breeders" who have bred for temperment and I would never purchase a dog any other way. WHY?
Because he single most responsible thing a potential dog owner can do is to meet BOTH parent dogs (and hopefully the rest of the litter)primarily to find out about their TEMPERMENT. This is not something one can accomplish at the local pound or pet store.

Who said anything about "show dogs"? All we are saying is that there is a HUGE difference between Joe Schmo wanting to breed his dog because she's so cute & the folks KNOWING what it takes to successfully & properly breed their dog. I would NEVER call a number for a dog I found on a sign stuck in the ground, or in the penny saver, or posted on the wall of a pet store. Are the puppies, heck, are the PARENTS checked for the common issues that may arise for those particular breeds? Do you even KNOW what those issues are before you breed your dog? Do You offer health guarantees? Are you willing to take the dog back even YEARS later, if something happens?
How's this - will you sell your pup to the first person that comes to your door. no questions asked? Or will you tell them that it's almost like buying a car - you need to do research & check out other dealers? Do they have the time, room & commitment for a new puppy?
I LOVE RC Collies, but when I had initially wanted one, I went straight to a rescue, didn't even think of going to a breeder.
The whole point is to explain the difference between the 2 types of breeders; to avoid perpetuating the irresponsibility of people who couldn't care less about their dogs, to avoid the growing number of dogs with genetic issues - both physical & behavioral. AND to help ease the number of dogs that end up at the pounds.
I don't think htat's being mean or narrow minded at all.

Collielady and Doggiestylesplus-I fully understand both of the points you are making. I have had rescue dogs all my life time, in fact this has been most of the dogs I have owned. I once bought a dog from a pet store, call me dumb(I was young), he was a wonderful dog. I bought breed specific and fell in love with his sweet face. He was a good dog, but sadly lived a short life, he lost his life at 5 years old due to several serious health issues. This also could have happened to a rescue dog. Did the pet store know about it, perhaps, but he was well for about 4 years. He, like all my other dogs was not neutered because I keep my dogs with me at all times, they never run loose and they will also never mate. It is my opinion only, that a dog I own will not be fixed, again my personal opinion.
Before anyone jumps me, we are entitled to an opinion.
I currently own a rescue and a dog I bought from a breeder. The rescue has had a good life but he is older and now having some help issues, in fact he needs to go to the doctor on Monday, DTH. We will care for him until his last day but I know he doesn't feel his best these days. Again he was my rescue and a good dog.
Our second dog we bought from a wonderful breeder, we met his mom and dad and his siblings, he is a wonderful well dog.
The ladies on this forum that do wonderful things for rescue and they do, are so often totally over the top. I seldom even read their posts anymore and have stopped donating to their cause and a perfect example as to why, would be Miss Bunny's comment to me yesterday when she mentioned you know where I can go. If you don't agree with their approach, they go off on you. It takes a lot for me to tell anyway where to go but Miss Bunny was rattled because I referred to her posts as preaching, so once again you can't have an opposing opinion, if you do, you are told where to go.

I'm willing to help almost anyone with anything but this preaching my way or the highway, is total BS.

So sorry to offend you Abba, but spend a few hours in the pound & then come back & bash Bunny some more.

Again, totally over the top! Another's opinion is bashing, WOW! I actually go to the pound often.

Try reading the entire post, not just what you want to read. There is a sentence stating you ladies do good things.

"a sentence". Gee thanks! A few words. Bunny & songbirdQ, BuggyBug & Bean spend HOURS a day at this. Have you had a shelter dog die in your arms?
Have you taken the risk of bringing a sick dog home because they were dumped at the pound but an uncaring owner, PRAYING that perhaps the dog will have a better life, a second chance, but in the end they have to be put down because the owner never bothered having the baby vaccinated, but at least the dog new a few hours of love?
Have you stared into the eyes of both mixed & pure bred dogs after trying all that you could to find a rescue that can take them , & knowing that this will be their last day?
Have you bagged a pure bred dog into a garbage can because the discarded animal died in an oven of a kennel?
When you've had this same issue brought up contstantly by different people all the time, it does tend to get extremely frustrating & you do tend to get extremely impatient.
And there is no way that you can accuse us of being one sided, as you are doing the same thing, in support for what these wonderful people are trying to put a stop to.

Here's a really good example; today after the parade, there was a young woman walking around with a box of Pit puppies & "4 Sale" written on the box.
BYB or a Reputable Breeder?

FYI Do you know about the puppy lemon law? This ordinance provides that if you buy a dog from a store or breeder and have the pup checked by a vet, (I think within 48-72 hours depending upon your contract (which you should insist upon along with registration papers)you can return them (or ask for your money back)if they have health problems? On the other hand, there is no guarantee regarding temperment-and most responsible pet owners are looking for a member of the family, not a yard dog-(although if that is one's intention, a pound dog is probably just fine- and will save the poor thing's life-an honorable action). However, for those considering making a 10-18 year commitment to a member of the family, I still think it is highly preferable to buy from someone who will allow you to interact with both parent dogs.
PS Not everyone needs to feel or act in the same way to be right-or to be happy. Like my mom always said "if you can't say anything nice . . .

Robbie, the collie described below is one of the most beautiful collies I've ever seen. You can go directly to Southland Collie Rescue (http://collie.org) to see his picture. He is about 5 years old and I desperately wish I could adopt him myself, but I already have 2 collies-all I have room for. But,reading his description below reveals that unfortunately, this stunning collie has a temperment problem. So,for those of us who have kids in the neighborhood (or want to bring the dog to the lake or even walk him around the block) this big guy can be a real liability. If only I lived out on a few acres-with no one else around-as I hope someone else who loves collies and reads this post does-he might be great. Still "Robbie" is certainly a gorgeous guy who helps me see why many of you prefer rescues.

Southland Collie Rescue/ available collies
Name: Robbie 1690
Description: Robbie bonds very quickly to his main guardian,and is an affectionate, intelligent, and sweet boy. He does have a fearful ,protective side, and needs a confident adopter,used to training and working with dogs. He needs to be placed where there are not any children or grandchildren. Anyone who adopts him, has to make a serious commitment to work with him, on meeting new people and situations. SCR will provide training once a commited adopter is found that meets these needs.
Age: 5
Gender: M
Type: Purebred Rough Sable
Housebroken: Y
Children: N
Other dogs: ?
Cats: N
Dogs Location: Riverside
Contact: Lassiegal@aol.com 909-987-8617