Byb
 

Seriously, what does this mean? If I breed my yorkie at my house and sell them would I be considered a byb? How is a person distinguished between a byb and something else? I hear a lot of bashing here about byb and getting a pup from a reputable breeder. Where do these reputable breeders breed and raise their pups? Is it not at their house? How do you become a reputable breeder, don't you have to start somewhere? Weren't they not once byb? Just wondering??

All good questions! To not be considered a backyard breeder, STUDY, know what you are doing, and know the background of your dogs. Take your female and male and have them checked thoroughly by your vet and get his opinion of breeding them. Study and have one of those reputable breeders that has many years experience look them over and give you their opinion about them meeting standard and be good breed representatives. Then study some more and read all you can by the experienced breeders here at YT. I know I have study in there several times, but that is what it takes. I thought I was well prepared and still ran up against a very difficult situation. I think it is a matter of constant learning. The something else you want to start out as, I guess is hobby breeder. Although I don't think some respect any but the long-time established breeders. But you are right, we have to start somewhere!

Also make sure you are fully aware of the dangers of losing your female. I thought I was safe as mine was so healthy and a good size. But breeding toy dogs is always a danger and mine did not make it.

I was just wondering. I guess all reputable breeders were a byb or hobby breeder at one point right? So you will just have to have the stigma of a byb until you have proven yourself, kinda like your studs, lol.

i think a good breeder, a reputable breeder would not have started as a BYB or a 'hobby breeder'. they would have studied everything they needed to know, and had a mentor, go to dog shows...etc. (done LOTS of preparations work in advance)

i don't think they would JUST START breeding their dogs and learn as they go... that would be a BYB.

here is a pretty good explanation that someone just posted on another thread.
Backyard Breeder vs Reputable Breeder

Thank you. Everytime I try to do a search for something it tells me not found. I don't think I am doing something correctly. Again, thanks.

I understand that but if you spend many years researching and getting all the information your still just a newbie at it when you first start no matter how informed you get. Are you considered a reputable breeder right off the bat if you do these things? Do you not have to prove yourself in the eyes of the Yorkie community somehow?

Sorry, this sounds more sarcastic that intended. lol How do I rephrase?

when you are a new breeder, you would probably get a reputable and very experienced breeder to be your mentor and you most likely would not do it by yourself.

Well maybe I have it wrong -- I thought hobby breeder was the one that was just starting but did all of the background work and was well prepared, studied, mentored, and had the right dogs for breeding. Since they are all just slang and not technical descriptions, I guess they can mean anything we want. Recently, I described myself as a "studied novice" -- how is that for a term? :) But I was also willing to be called a hobby breeder.:confused: Now I don't know....... to tell the truth I don't think I will have to worry after I sell this litter. This was just too tough for me. I think I would be a nervous wreck if I ever tried again. I miss my sweet Sadie girl!

were you able to click the link and see the comparison between the two?

good point! Your puppy is adorable by the way!!! I love all these pictures. They make me want another one. lol

Your ultimate goal should be to be a hobbyist breeder. Learn the breed and learn it well. Learn all health problems that affect the breed. Learn the faults of the Yorkie as you do not want to reproduce those faults. Get to know a Hobbyist breeder who has done well with the breed. Perhaps you can get involved as to watching a breeding, whelping, etc. But truthfully, most of your experience gained is what you are going to learn as a litter is whelped. You might encounter a problem your mentor breeder has not ever had. A breeder is not born a breeder so yes you learn along the way. Breeding is a result of trying to better the breed. Have the dog as close to the AKC standard as possible. All breeders have their own definition of a breeder. And there are many who might think you are a BYB if you don't breed your dogs exactly as they do. Remember, a Hobbyist breeder, breeds to better the breed. Not to have just any ole pups to make money. Or think it would be nice to have the kids witness a pup being born, yikes! And yes, of course you are going to breed in your home. Breeding in your home is definitely not a BYB. Most people do have the pups in their homes accept for the ones who have kennels and keep their dogs there day in and day out. You must always try to be there when the lttter is born in case of problems. You must also consider what you would do if you have pups left that do not sell. What would you do? It takes a lot of "considering" before breeding.
And can I suggest you never sell them at Christmas as presents? I bred Goldens and would never sell on Christmas or Easter. Pups are not novelties, they don't wear off like presents do. And that can be exactly what happens. New pup, new fun, Christmas is over and so the fun starts to wear off. But I do know peope who will sell their pups on holidays because they can ask more money. Sad.
Research the breed, do your considering, find a mentor and do the very best you can to breed closest to the AKC standard. You will then NOT be a BYB even if you don't do what each breeder tells you to do. Remember everyone has their own definition. And their own ways. You will hear so many different views.

Carol and Jemma

I did! thanks. It did explain a lot.

You ladies are Awesome. Thanks for all the great information!!! I am learning so much every day I just love coming here!!!

i can not even imagine the kind of stress you have to go through when breed dogs. i was also told that the dog's temperament changes once they breed. did you notice that in your dog?

Gosh how stupid can I be to have forgotten to say this. ALWAYS HAVE YOUR DOGS GENETICALLY CLEARED!!!. And do not breed before 2 yrs of age. You cannot get a final OFA reading until a dog reaches 2 years of age. DON"T go on preliminary readings, only finals.

thank you so much. :D milu is my baby, i love her so much. she is almost 14 months old now. :animal36

In my opinion, a BYB basically begins breeding like this. Oh gosh, I paid $500 dollars for this CKC registered yorkie female and now she's in heat (I think). My friends neighbor has a male yorkie that she wants to breed to my female so off we go to get the deed done(no concern for genetics, or testing).... Weeks later, OH CRAP! she is pregnant (I think...I mean her belly is getting big). I guess I need to try to find out what to do so I don't lose any of these little precious puppies. I mean they are worth at least $400-500 each!! Go to yorkie talk and ask the most basic questions like 'how long are they pregnant for?' Then get offended by any answer that doesn't praise you for bringing a new litter into the world. Then you wake up one morning to find that your precious darling has managed to give birth all alone while you were sleeping to 3 little babies (in her kennel of course). You are so relieved, I mean that little bundle should bring you over a $1000 dollars profit. 6 weeks later, those little money bags are taken from their mom and sold through the local paper to the first people to show up with enough money.(shots and worm med. were purchased at the local farm supply. vets are too expensive and cut into your profits.) No interviews, no home checks. It was such a great and profitable experience you now think you may get another female and start your own "yorkie business!!"

Reputable breeders, have generally owned yorkies for a long time and know almost everything there is to know about the breed. They research for a long time everything that is involved in breeding and usually have experience with breeding from another reputable breeder. They spend time finding a female that meets the AKC standards of a yorkie and a male that meets the same standards. Then both dogs are tested for every genetic problem that yorkies are prone to in order to avoid passing faults on to puppies. Then they wait until, in the vets, opinion the female is old enough and healthy enough to breed. Breeding is done under close supervision. The breeder closely monitors the female's pregnancy and knows all the signs to look for to ensure things are going well. They know well in advance when to expect the new litter and have emergency medical supplies ready and the vet on stand-by in the event of problems. They spend the last week of the pregnancy monitoring temperatures and basically sleeping next to the expectant mother. Birth is monitored closely with the reputable breeder sitting next to the new mom (no bathroom breaks, no sleeping, cramping legs and all). As soon as the pups and mom are rested, they are off to the vet for a thorough check. The pups stay with mom for a minimum of 8 - 12 weeks and new homes are interviewed thoroughly. Once the litter in new homes, the mother is not bred again until she is physically recovered (usually a year).

Both litters were born at home. Both litters are yorkies, but the difference is the quality of the dog you purchase. Both breeders are new at this, but one is in it for the money and one is in it for the breed.

I agree with your definition of hobby breeder altho it doesn't mean one just starting out. It means that that breeder is doing all the right things but only has a few dogs that live in their home. I consider myself a "hobby" breeder altho some refer to me as a "breeder/exhibitor. I haven't paid enough dues to earn that title tho.:)

This is exactly right .

Here is my favorite explanation of a backyard breeder:


Every breed of dog recognized by the AKC has a written standard, a blueprint of what the dog should look like and act like. These standards were written
so that all would know what a quality example of the breed is and strive to
produce dogs that meet or exceed the standard in health, temperament and
appearance. To be sure you are breeding dogs that meet these standards,
your dogs must be judged by people who have a lifetime of experience among the
breed.

Do you know the standard of the Pure Breed Dog? Does your dog
meet this standard according to an AKC Judge? If not, your dog is pet
quality. A pet is to be loved, cherished, trained, cared for, spoiled and
bragged about, but it is NEVER to be bred. No matter how cute or sweet the
dog may be, if it is not up to the standard, you have no business breeding
it.

If you have a purebred dog this does not give you the right to breed it.

Most purebred dogs are not breeding quality. If you breed your pet quality
dog, you are a backyard breeder, whether you breed the dog in your
backyard, garage, living room or an expensive hotel room, the term is still backyard
breeder.

If your pet quality dog has AKC papers, that's nice but it doesn't change
anything. You still don't have the right to breed it.

If your pet quality dog cost you $500 be glad you had the money to afford
it. You still have no right to breed it.

Do you think you can make your $500 back if you breed your pet dog or if
your pet dog is a color or size that isn't in the standard but you just know
everyone will want buy a pup if you breed her? Shame on you! Now you are a backyard
breeder with the purpose of breeding pups for bucks.

If the price for a tail dock or an ear crop seem high to you, what are you
going to do when your beloved pet needs an emergency C section. Will you
even be there with her to know if she is in trouble? Would you recognize
trouble before it's too late?

And if you still want to breed your pet dog but need to ask who's supposed
to cut off the tails and ears, ask yourself "What the Hell am I thinking!"

Do you think genetic testing is something they used in the OJ trial but has
nothing to do with your dog breeding career? You are a backyard breeder.

Backyard breeders sell pups that aren't up to the standard of the breed.


ShelterDog Rescue - Are you a BackYard Breeder?

Now that sounds harsh, lol. That is probably the way a lot of people do it. I see what you mean. I have never had a dog in my time that was a purebred. We always got those poor little puppies that needed a home so terribly bad. My parents are such suckers for a sad face they have 7 stray dogs that they are taking care of right now. Not counting the cats that just show up at their door. I was always a believer that why go buy a dog when there are soo many out there that need good homes. They don't have a human society where they live and I don't think she would call them if she did. She trys her best to find them a home and if she can't they stay with them. I am thinking now that I have read all these posts about BYB and breeders that the lady I got Rocco from was a byb. Although he had to be of a certain age and I got to see the place and his parents she hasn't contacted me once since I have had him to check and see how he is doing. I of course not knowing some of the things I know now didn't know there was such a thing. Just thought breeders were breeders. Now I know. Did I have a point or have I just rambled, lol. I lost track.

tskinner

LOL I am sorry if I sound harsh, but this is a subject close to my heart. I see so many "yorkies" around here that look like anything but a yorkie. They even have AKC, CKC, etc. papers. I have friends that have been deceived and disappointed by BYBs that don't have a clue what their puppies will look like as adults. I also have many, many rescues that have come into my life and I have to bring them back from the brink of death and work hard to find real, loving homes for them. Most of these 'rescues' are actually pure bred dogs that come from BYB's that pump out puppies with no concern for their future well being. Just last week I got a new male yorkie that had been passed from person to person for most of his short 3 years. It breaks my heart.

I did breed my yorkie last year, only after tons of research, testing, and mentoring by her breeder. I had 5 homes waiting for the litter. Diva gave birth to 2 males who weighed 2 ozs. each at birth. I spent countless nights and tons of money on her and those babies and in the end lost one. The surviving one stayed with me until he was 12 weeks old and then went to my best friend who was there the night he was born. She studied and asked questions and knew everything she could about yorkies before she got him. I visit him constantly and have an agreement with her that he WILL come back to me if for any reason she can no longer care for him. (I doubt that will ever happen!) He is almost a year old and weighs 2lbs. 4oz. He was neutered last month and is extremely well cared for. That is what anyone who choses to bring these precious babies into this world should do. I chose not to breed her again because of the chance that she would possibly have extremely small puppies again. I was new at it, but did not consider my a BYB.

I don't mean to sound harsh, but I have seen both sides of the issue. I just wish everyone that chooses to breed would take a trip to a local shelter before they decide to "make some money".:cry:

Sorry, didn't mean harsh in a bad sense just a realistic opening my eyes sort of harsh. That make sense? I would like to get rocco neutered but my husband said the same thing about when I asked him to get neutered, lol. No one is doing anything to his boys and the same goes for the other man of the house, lol.

Do you breed purely for profit?
Do your dogs undergo all the neccessary health tests before they are bred?
Do you plan to research and learn from an experienced breeder BEFORE ever attempting to breed yourself?
Do they adhere to the breed standard? Are you striving to produce dogs that adhere to the breed standard?
Do you intend to always put the best interst of the breed, your stock and pups produced first and foremost?
Do you plan to be extremely strict in only placing any pups produced yourself?
Do you plan to do everything possible to ensure new owners are going to present the best possible home to your pups?
Are you willing to stand behind the dogs your produce in the event that a health issue arises with one of them?
Are you willing to take them back if that happens or even if the new owner can no longer care for the dog?


IMO, if you answer yes to all of these questions (and then some) then you are on the right path to becoming a reputable breeder. If any or all of these aspects are area that you feel are not really that important, then you would fall more along the lines of being a BYB.