[hnybun128]

Originally Posted by manolos mom

UNETHICAL BREEDING: Any person who breeds dogs with profit as the main motivation and without consideration for the health and well-being of the puppies is guilty of ethical crimes. BREEDER: In the respected world of dog ownership, a breeder is someone who breeds only when they breed for the betterment of the breed and intend to keep one of the offspring. The betterment of the breed c...onsiders the entire standard and not just any one characteristic of the standard. The primary difference between puppy raisers and breeders is “awareness of responsibility; responsibility to the breed, to their goals, to the dogs they have bred and to the dogs they hope to breed. They also have a never-ending responsibility to the people who have bought her dogs, to the people who are about to buy her dogs and to the public image--not only of the dogs they have been producing but of the breed itself.” A breeder is a creator; they work toward a goal of perfection in their mind’s eye. They do not allow themselves to be deterred by others’ views or by what is currently popular; they don't breed to fill a market of what will sell. A breeder takes the time to mentor, to share their philosophy and help those who ask over the rough spots. They instill within those who have purchased their puppies a sense of belonging, a pride in ownership. Breeders are there to answer questions, to encourage training, to teach critical assessment before breeding. They take responsibility for the dogs that they produces for the life of the dog, always willing to take them back if necessary. Breeders are not motivated by money or supplying a market. They do the necessary genetic background testing and assure the dogs they breed are free of genetic problems. Breeders are those who have paid their dues, studied, learned, been mentored and now are also mentoring. A breeder will have earned and continue to earn the right to be respected.

VERY well said! I'd like to add that you shouldn't think that because someone seems loving towards the pups, has a nice room set up for them, or is popular that that makes them a good breeder. Just because their home is clean and the pups seem well socialized, that doesn't make them a good breeder. You should watch out especially for breeders that constantly seem to have litters available, those who don't show, and those who don't do all the necessary health testing.