Some very good responses above.
It's not uncommon to see the
excuse tossed around that "everyone has to start somewhere." Well, obviously. IMO the difference is in
how one starts their program. Do they start it after extensive research, testing, and working with a mentor and excellent vet, and with quality, healthy representations of the breed or by acquiring any two dogs and trying to 'pick it up as they go along.'
The latter is what people generally take issue with. I have never seen anyone criticized for breeding
responsibly.