method of making a living and aspired to become a professional breeder
Backyard Breeders -
Definition
These are the folks that will breed their favorite pet dog for any number of reasons:
They want the children to witness the miracle of birth.
They want Muffy to have just one litter before they spay her, so that she won't miss out on motherhood.
They want to make a little extra money for Christmas.
There are probably a hundred other reasons that these folks will breed their pets. They do not do much in the way of genetic testing, most of the time not even being aware that any test should be done. They will usually use the closest dog around for breeding, not really checking out pedigrees or temperament of the stud dog and whether or not he will contribute anything to this breeding.
The backyard breeder will usually keep the bitch in the house, in an area that is clean. Sometimes they will keep the puppies in the house for awhile after birth, but often they are relegated to the backyard (thus the term Backyard Breeder) or the garage as soon as the breeders have to start cleaning up after them. The children and adults playing with them may socialize the puppies to some extent. The mother of the litter is usually left with the puppies, so she has some chance to teach them some manners. These puppies are often sold at 6-7 weeks. Although this is a better time, it can be too early for some breeds.
Cost
This will usually be a reasonable price, especially if the dog you are buying is a popular breed that is readily available. They will keep the price low to be competitive so that they can move all the puppies. Some will even give them away, depending on why the breeding took place to begin with. Although the potential for high vet bills later in life is still there, it can be a less likely potential than from the above listed sources.
Hobby Breeders -
Definition
Hobby Breeders are those that breed for the love of the dog, giving no thought whatever to profit. Although they are often involved with dog sports of some kind, this is not always the case. However, the hobby breeder does study pedigrees, looking for a dog that will add something to the offspring of the litter. They know the breed standard and select the stud and bitch with an eye towards physical correctness, sound bodies, genetic health and the ability to perform the task for which the breed was originally created.
The hobby breeder will study which genetic problems are prevalent in their breed and test accordingly, often at great cost. They guarantee the health of the dogs in many cases, and sell dogs on a contract. If they determine that the puppies are not of breeding quality, they will require that the puppy be spayed or neutered at the appropriate time. They often will place them on limited registration, meaning that any offspring will not be able to be registered with the American Kennel Club (for more information on registration, visit The AKC Rules and Guidelines for Registration.
Hobby breeders will usually not let puppies go home before the age of 7-12 weeks, depending on the breed and they do much to make sure they are properly socialized. Many will do temperament testing on the puppies matching the right puppy with the right buyer. They will expose the puppies to strange noises, sights and smells. The mother of the litter is left with the puppies to teach them proper manners and friends and family are brought in for the express purpose of socializing the litter with people.
Shot records are kept and family histories (complete with pictures) and other good advice, are sent home with each and every puppy. Some puppies even have a good foundation on crate training and housebreaking when they go to their new homes.
Hobby breeders will question potential buyers, often asking for references and doing background checks. Some folks have said it can be harder to buy a puppy from some breeders than to adopt a child. They encourage you to ask questions and welcome you to their home to see how the puppies are being raised and how the adult dogs they have react with strangers and children.
When a hobby breeder plans a litter, it is usually to have something new to compete with, be it breed competition, obedience or agility, or any number of other events. Their only other goal is to ensure that the puppies they place are in a home for life. Responsible breeders will insist that you bring a puppy back to them, if you are unable to keep it - for any reason, during any stage of its life. They will encourage you to call with any problems, no matter how small or trivial they may seem. They are there to help - for the life of the puppy.
Cost
For buying direct - this will be the most "up front" cost. However, for this cost, you are getting a puppy that is guaranteed healthy, whose parents were tested for genetic problems and has been socialized a great deal. The potential for high vet bills in the future is the lowest from this source.
__________________ Kimberly |