Pedigree important?

[tinalove]

I would rather a breeder from the YT referral list as a start. I personally wouldn't care for a breeder that always has puppies. That would be a sign to me that they are in it for the money.

[Yorkiemom1]

Originally Posted by tinalove

I would rather a breeder from the YT referral list as a start. I personally wouldn't care for a breeder that always has puppies. That would be a sign to me that they are in it for the money.

I think I can see what you are trying to say, but if a breeder is not abusing her dogs, and she is conducting her business with honesty, sincerety, ethics and a genuine concern for her puppies and her new owners as well, I dont think a "breeder" can be critisized or faulted for "making money" doing what she loves. Puppy mills are in it for the money...... Certainly does NOT mean all breeders are "in it for the money". I can not imagine that ANYONE out there thinks a responsible, ethical breeder should be taking a beating and loosing her butt, going in the hole, and giving away her babies, just because she breeds dogs!!! In my opinion, that is plain ludicrous! Just because I breed Yorkies (I happen to adore the breed, and I want to be able to provide exemplary, healthy representation of the breed to anyone that is approved for one of my babies), I should not be expected to be doing it for free! Anyone that does breed responsibly, let me assure you, is NOT making money hand over fist....my expenses annually are more than what 25% of this Nation makes in an annual salary, according to the latest figures from the governemnt....my business barely covers my expenses....and while I am a breeder, this IS my business, and I have to produce 2-3 litters per year to even meet those expenses. If I do not make enough to cover my expenses, my dogs will suffer and my business will fold (actually I would quit before I sacrificed anything I do for my dogs.)

[ironmike86]

I'm not a breeder. But meet a few who show there dogs. They aren't making $$. They breed for themselves to show dogs. If they have 2-3 litters a year from 2-3 females. average 4-5pups. They aren't making $$. They offset some cost. They have adult dogs that need good food and vet care. Puppies that need vet care. Travel to all the shows =$$. When you win you get a pretty ribbon. If you make it to Eukanuba or Westminster and get a sponsorship then maybe. Puppy mills make $$ = Not vet care, barely anything for means of survival ect So some breeders may make a little $$ but then if you include all the time they put in for care. They make the same $$ a Housewife makes. I'm sure some ppl here can relate to that. Except the dogs show appreciation.

[gracielove]

I have never shown dogs but did show purebred cats. By the time you just get started in such an endeavor you have put in many long hours traveling to shows and visiting and working with breeders. If you buy your breeding stock outright you have put big money into those animals that cost much more than a quality pet. Vet bills and proper equipment, not to mention the best of food and supplements, is costly. Selling a few puppies (or kittens) a year does not come close to covering the investment in hours and dollars. It should be a labor of love although the sale of puppies/kitten does help keep the line going but I would call it more of a supplement.

That being said I do know of breeders that in my personal opinion do breed much more than I feel comfortable with in order to sell puppies to help with their ambitions. My main issue with this is that the animals become less of a labor of love and much more about the money. I guess it depends on what a person's aim and ambitions are.

[crystalsmom]

Originally Posted by gracielove

I have never shown dogs but did show purebred cats. By the time you just get started in such an endeavor you have put in many long hours traveling to shows and visiting and working with breeders. If you buy your breeding stock outright you have put big money into those animals that cost much more than a quality pet. Vet bills and proper equipment, not to mention the best of food and supplements, is costly. Selling a few puppies (or kittens) a year does not come close to covering the investment in hours and dollars. It should be a labor of love although the sale of puppies/kitten does help keep the line going but I would call it more of a supplement.

That being said I do know of breeders that in my personal opinion do breed much more than I feel comfortable with in order to sell puppies to help with their ambitions. My main issue with this is that the animals become less of a labor of love and much more about the money. I guess it depends on what a person's aim and ambitions are.

Gracielove, your point is well taken and very true. In the show world and those breeding and doing it right there could come a time in their endeavor that it goes the wrong way. Nothing wrong with making money but when it becomes your full endeavor, then everything else is seen in a different light and ethics go by the wayside.