What exactly is a "breeder"? There are a couple kinds of breeders out there... "Professional/reputable breeder": Usually say things like "I'm trying to improve on the breed." or "I want to give people the chance to have a great (insert breed of dog here) without going to a darn puppy store." If they aren't headed to Westminster to be the be-all, end-all champion of the world for that breed, what good are they really doing? "Recreational breeder": a/k/a the "I bought my dog and he/she has papers, so I breed him/her to make money...but only once a year." breeder. Basically, this is like asking the guy who mows your lawn to also tune your car up because he's got a good set of tools. "Backyard breeder": Yes, the backyard breeder (BYB). The differences between this "person" and a puppy mill is volume, or the number of dogs sold. Believe me, if they could breed 80 dogs and have 800 puppies, they would. These folks don't care about lineage, genetics or morals. Don't even THINK about asking them about the homeless animal situation. Jail is usually a good place for these folks (cruelty to animals is a felony in Florida). For starters, very few breeders are reputable. Sure, they may be pros, but they're still questionable in the ethical/moral forum. If you go to a breeder (of any kind) that doesn't do some sort of breed rescue for their breed...run. You've seen the ads in the papers... Golden Retriever, AKC, 5 male/4 female, championship lineage, great temperament, parents on premesis, ready on such-and-such a date, takng deposits, CASH ONLY. 813-555-1212. So...what's wrong with this. Well, for starters, buying a dog from a "backyard breeder" (BYB) is a one-way ticket to misery. Most of these folks are in it for the money. Sadly, too many of these individuals realize later that to make money in the puppy business, one must have many breeding pairs and many litters (this is how so many puppy mills get started). That being said, let's say that you still want to buy a puppy from an ad in the paper, on the internet, in a trade magazine, etc. VOCAL would like to show you how to research your breeder. RESEARCHING A BREEDER (click here to learn how) Remember, it's never too late to head to your local animal shelter, SPCA or Humane Society. Do you know what kind of dog or cat you really want? Try a breed rescue. It's the right thing to do. VOCAL proudly supports the adoption of an unwanted, cast-aside animal from a shelter, breed rescue or other foster situation. VOCAL also proudly supports adopting a best friend from an open intake, or "kill" shelter. Don't avoid these places because animals die there. It's not the shelter's fault in most cases. Read the truth about "kill" vs. "no-kill" shelters here. |
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What exactly is a "breeder"? There are a couple kinds of breeders out there... "Professional/reputable breeder": Usually say things like "I'm trying to improve on the breed." or "I want to give people the chance to have a great (insert breed of dog here) without going to a darn puppy store." If they aren't headed to Westminster to be the be-all, end-all champion of the world for that breed, what good are they really doing? "Recreational breeder": a/k/a the "I bought my dog and he/she has papers, so I breed him/her to make money...but only once a year." breeder. Basically, this is like asking the guy who mows your lawn to also tune your car up because he's got a good set of tools. "Backyard breeder": Yes, the backyard breeder (BYB). The differences between this "person" and a puppy mill is volume, or the number of dogs sold. Believe me, if they could breed 80 dogs and have 800 puppies, they would. These folks don't care about lineage, genetics or morals. Don't even THINK about asking them about the homeless animal situation. Jail is usually a good place for these folks (cruelty to animals is a felony in Florida). For starters, very few breeders are reputable. Sure, they may be pros, but they're still questionable in the ethical/moral forum. If you go to a breeder (of any kind) that doesn't do some sort of breed rescue for their breed...run. You've seen the ads in the papers... Golden Retriever, AKC, 5 male/4 female, championship lineage, great temperament, parents on premesis, ready on such-and-such a date, takng deposits, CASH ONLY. 813-555-1212. So...what's wrong with this. Well, for starters, buying a dog from a "backyard breeder" (BYB) is a one-way ticket to misery. Most of these folks are in it for the money. Sadly, too many of these individuals realize later that to make money in the puppy business, one must have many breeding pairs and many litters (this is how so many puppy mills get started). That being said, let's say that you still want to buy a puppy from an ad in the paper, on the internet, in a trade magazine, etc. VOCAL would like to show you how to research your breeder. RESEARCHING A BREEDER (click here to learn how) Remember, it's never too late to head to your local animal shelter, SPCA or Humane Society. Do you know what kind of dog or cat you really want? Try a breed rescue. It's the right thing to do. VOCAL proudly supports the adoption of an unwanted, cast-aside animal from a shelter, breed rescue or other foster situation. VOCAL also proudly supports adopting a best friend from an open intake, or "kill" shelter. Don't avoid these places because animals die there. It's not the shelter's fault in most cases. Read the truth about "kill" vs. "no-kill" shelters here. |
