I am relatively new to YT, and this is one of the toughest topics I see keep coming up, but here goes... All breeders are not equal, whatever you call them - hobby, backyard, or puppymills. I grew up with my parents breeding German Shepherds and Rotties. Most parent clubs of purebreed AKC clubs ask breeders to include clauses in their contracts for the dogs to be returned to the breeder NOT SHELTERS. These reputable breeders are very concerned with where their dogs are for their entire lives. That life may be in the breeders home or a pet home, and yes, some dogs get retired. I know breeders who have set up wills and have arranged with other breeders, who share their bloodlines, etc.. to be responsible for the dogs after their own passing or inability to continue as a breeder/shower. I know breeders who can not part with their adults and those who do so reluctantly. My personal acquaintances are often more concerned about adult placements because "everyone loves a puppy." Since most purebred dogs in pet homes still come from pet stores and chains (they support the larger breeder operations which are mostly the puppy mills we often see raided in the news) there are no return policies. I am not saying that there aren't some nice dogs in rescue, only that they came through someone who did not followup or keep in touch with their breeder or came from a NO RETURN policy place. If they contacted their breeder - and that person is among the respectable breeders -that dog would not end up in rescue. Breeders placing a dog in rescue is not responsible breeding. Our contracts spelled out responsibilities of the owners which included basic obedience - no one wants a dog with bad habits. Breeders can do all in their power to find a good home and assure it a safe place to be returned, but they can't make the owner return it or rehome it responsibly. Dogs that find their way into rescue are not the fault of responsible breeders - irresponsible pet owners are. |