Backyard Breeders

[Woogie Man]

I read most of the article. I respect the author's right to his opinion and feel there is a special place in Heaven for those who work on behalf of unwanted dogs. I just can't make the connection between shelter dogs and people who breed 'off standard'. We have a local station that runs a 'pet of the week' feature with the Humane Society and our newspaper does a 'pet of the day' with the same shelter. I have never seen a pure bred dog of any breed featured, off-standard or not. Most are pit mixes and retriever mixes. These dogs, for the most part, come from irresponsible owners not getting their pet spayed or neutered, not from a breeder, no matter what label you stick on them. Also, the mentality of thinking of a pet as 'disposable' adds a lot to the problem. As far as dogs being bred 'off-standard', that is a sad fact due to a breed's popularity. Take a look at any of the top 10 breeds and you will find many being bred 'off-standard'. For example, my brother recently bought a Rhodesian Ridgeback, not one of the most popular breeds. I helped him in his search and we found very few that weren't exellent representations of the breed. Since they aren't a 'popular' breed , only true fanciers are breeding them, for the most part. Breeding off-standard is a consequence of a breed's popularity. I know it upsets purists but it's just the way it is.

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by Woogie Man

I read most of the article. I respect the author's right to his opinion and feel there is a special place in Heaven for those who work on behalf of unwanted dogs. I just can't make the connection between shelter dogs and people who breed 'off standard'. We have a local station that runs a 'pet of the week' feature with the Humane Society and our newspaper does a 'pet of the day' with the same shelter. I have never seen a pure bred dog of any breed featured, off-standard or not. Most are pit mixes and retriever mixes. These dogs, for the most part, come from irresponsible owners not getting their pet spayed or neutered, not from a breeder, no matter what label you stick on them. Also, the mentality of thinking of a pet as 'disposable' adds a lot to the problem. As far as dogs being bred 'off-standard', that is a sad fact due to a breed's popularity. Take a look at any of the top 10 breeds and you will find many being bred 'off-standard'. For example, my brother recently bought a Rhodesian Ridgeback, not one of the most popular breeds. I helped him in his search and we found very few that weren't exellent representations of the breed. Since they aren't a 'popular' breed , only true fanciers are breeding them, for the most part. Breeding off-standard is a consequence of a breed's popularity. I know it upsets purists but it's just the way it is.

If you watched Oprah's show on puppymills, one of the staggering statistics mentioned was the fact that close to 50% of the dogs who end up in shelters or rescue are purebred. The reason that you don't see them when you visit shelters is that most contact the appropriate breed rescue when one is turned in.

You are absolutely right that breeding off-standard is a consequence ia a breed's popularity. It goes hand in hand with all the health problems that result from irresponsible breeding. Yorkies are the #1 most popular breed according to the AKC. They are the #1 best selling pet shop puppy. They are also 36 times more likely to have a liver shunt that all other breeds combined according to the recent UT study and are ranked #4 by the OFA in cases of luxating patellas.

[kathylynch]

Originally Posted by katelin

Okay, I know I said I was through with this, but this seems like the place to ask:

What is the difference between a backyard breeder and a hobby breeder? Any difference?

imo hobby breeders have maybe 1 or 2 litters a year. and is trying to produce
for the betterment of the breed. Aiming for quailty not quainty.
HEALTH should be there #1 concern!!!
imo a backyard breeder is a lower scale of a puppymill.
Same mind set breeding for profit!!! Nothing goes back into the breed
except maybe dog food. and they have to feed there dogs or they cannot produce. jmo most of them will not take there
dogs in for a examine to make sure they are even suitable for breeding.
and sent pups out same way putting this on the owner to have them checked.I really don't call them byb it is irresponsible breeding should be the name.
this is jmo.

[kathylynch]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

If you watched Oprah's show on puppymills, one of the staggering statistics mentioned was the fact that close to 50% of the dogs who end up in shelters or rescue are purebred. The reason that you don't see them when you visit shelters is that most contact the appropriate breed rescue when one is turned in.

You are absolutely right that breeding off-standard is a consequence ia a breed's popularity. It goes hand in hand with all the health problems that result from irresponsible breeding. Yorkies are the #1 most popular breed according to the AKC. They are the #1 best selling pet shop puppy. They are also 36 times more likely to have a liver shunt that all other breeds combined according to the recent UT study and are ranked #4 by the OFA in cases of luxating patellas.

Great post!!

[pea496]

My little guy came from a hobby breeder. I did not want a show dog or even care about papers (although he came with AKC). I love him to death and would consider purchasing another from the same breeder. Conner was so well socialized when he came to me. He loves kids, adults and other animals. He is just a complete joy.

We have very few dogs around here in the pounds. My two sisters adopted dogs from Louisianna (they truck them here to CT to adopting families). One sister adopted a black lab and the other adopted a small terrier mix.

[tegamom1]

I must say that I agree with most of what was said in the link that was posted. I am also happy to see more discussion and programs coming out to make people more aware of what is going on. There are respectable hobby breeders but unfortunately, I feel the number of byb's is growing by leaps and bounds.

[BakersDozen]

Originally Posted by Woogie Man

I read most of the article. I respect the author's right to his opinion and feel there is a special place in Heaven for those who work on behalf of unwanted dogs. I just can't make the connection between shelter dogs and people who breed 'off standard'. We have a local station that runs a 'pet of the week' feature with the Humane Society and our newspaper does a 'pet of the day' with the same shelter. I have never seen a pure bred dog of any breed featured, off-standard or not. Most are pit mixes and retriever mixes. These dogs, for the most part, come from irresponsible owners not getting their pet spayed or neutered, not from a breeder, no matter what label you stick on them. Also, the mentality of thinking of a pet as 'disposable' adds a lot to the problem. As far as dogs being bred 'off-standard', that is a sad fact due to a breed's popularity. Take a look at any of the top 10 breeds and you will find many being bred 'off-standard'. For example, my brother recently bought a Rhodesian Ridgeback, not one of the most popular breeds. I helped him in his search and we found very few that weren't exellent representations of the breed. Since they aren't a 'popular' breed , only true fanciers are breeding them, for the most part. Breeding off-standard is a consequence of a breed's popularity. I know it upsets purists but it's just the way it is.

[NanaDtreasures]

I just wanted to say my thread had little if anything to do with your post.
I've gotten lots of private Emails...thats what it was about
And I want everyone to know that.
You have always been more then nice to YTers AND me~!

[bjh]

Originally Posted by NanaDtreasures

I just wanted to say my thread had little if anything to do with your post.
I've gotten lots of private Emails...thats what it was about
And I want everyone to know that.
You have always been more then nice to YTers AND me~!

Thank you, I did not start this thread to start a debate and I do not want to offend anyone. I try not to judge people. I have learned much from YT and on the other hand I hope I have also helped others. We cannot possibly know everyone's situation. We should all be able to give constructive advise and take constructive advise without always taking it so personal. We should all strive to do better but each person has to do it in their own way and at their own pace.