[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by blitz

Exactly. I believe a respectable breeder is breeding because they are looking for their dogs to improve their own line or are looking for that next great dog -- not to supply the pet population. Just because one keeps their dogs in the house, sleeping in their beds, etc. does not improve the breed or make a contribution to the future of the breed any more than a puppymill does or a byb. I see some websites advertising upcoming litters for sale and even advertising their newborn puppies and taking deposits.

In Maryland it's even illegal to advertise with pictures of puppies under eight weeks old.

This is one of my favorite descriptions of a backyard breeder:

Every breed of dog recognized by the AKC has a written standard, a blueprint of what the dog should look like and act like. These standards were written so that all would know what a quality example of the breed is and strive to produce dogs that meet or exceed the standard in health, temperament and appearance. To be sure you are breeding dogs that meet these standards, your dogs must be judged by people who have a lifetime of experience among the breed. If your personal dog has not yet been in front of a judge, then you do NOT have an AKC standard dog, you have one that is pet quality and that is fine. AKC papers DO NOT signify a dog with Breeding quality standards!!!!!

A pet is to be loved, cherished, trained, cared for, spoiled and bragged about, but it is NEVER to be bred. No matter how cute or sweet the dog may be, if it is not up to the standard, you have no business breeding it. Even if you have a purebred dog this does not give you the right to breed it. Most purebred dogs are not breeding quality. If you breed your pet quality dog, you are a "backyard breeder", whether you breed the dog in your backyard, garage, living room or an expensive hotel room, the term is still backyard breeder.

http://www.21stcenturycares.org/backyardbreeders.htm