Backyard Breeder
 

You may really start something asking for the definition of this term --- because different people have different notions about what it means.

To me - it just means a person who is just breeding a pet -- and not being very professional about doing it.

A lot of people who breed their pet or pets are very professional and do an excellent caring job -

Other people just take their little females, find a stud, and get a litter that they plan to sell. (These are the ones that I refer to as backyard breeders.) I think the term refers to people who aren't as professional and caring as anyone who breeds dogs should be.

The term "backyard" - itself - implies that the dogs and puppies aren't kept inside and socialized with the family. We Yorkie owners are "frontroom" or "bedroom" breeders...... our dogs and their puppies are beloved members of our family.


Carol Jean

A person who casually breeds purebred dogs with little or no regard to the breed standard, genetically linked defects or temperament.
A backyard breeder is a person who practices random or ignorant dog breeding on a small scale. The name is something of a misnomer, as many excellent breeders run small-scale programs in their houses, garages, barns, or backyards.
1. Motive for breeding: "fun", "good for kids", "to make money". Does not screen buyers and seldom refuses to sell, even if buyer is unsuitable.
2. Breeds the family pet to any convenient pet of the same breed just to have purebred pups. Has no understanding or concern with genetics, pedigree bloodlines, or breed improvement.
3. Though the pets (sire/dam of pups) may be well loved, they were not tested for hip dysplasia or for other genetic problems such as cardiomyopathy and hypothyroidism.
4. Offers no health guarantee beyond proof of shots, if that. Unqualified to give help if problems develop.
5. Seller has little knowledge of breed history, the national breed club or of the AKC breed standard. May claim this does not matter for "just pets".
6. Pups raised in makeshift accommodations, sometimes unsanitary, indicating lack of long-term investment in breeding and lack of true care for the puppies well-being.
7. Even when selling "just pets", may produce AKC papers or "championship pedigrees" as proof of quality. Yet seller does not increase his own knowledge through participation in national, regional, or local breed clubs. Is not involved in showing their dogs to "prove" quality.
8. May be unwilling to show a buyer the entire litter or to introduce the dam of the litter. Cannot or will not compare/critique pups or pup?s ancestors.
9. Prices are at the low end of local range, since must move pups quickly. Advertises in the local newspaper classifieds.
10. No concern for the future of individual pups or the breed as a whole. Does not use AKC?s limited registration option or ask for spay/neuter contract to guard against the breeding of sub-standard pups. If you cannot keep pup, tells you to take it to a dog pound or to sell it.

i agree with your post all except this quote,"7. Even when selling "just pets", may produce AKC papers or "championship pedigrees" as proof of quality. Yet seller does not increase his own knowledge through participation in national, regional, or local breed clubs. Is not involved in showing their dogs to "prove" quality." I care about my dogs very much, they are well cared for and tested. I do have championship lines and show quality dogs. I have made a huge investment to get started money wise, not counting the hours upon hours that I have spent researching the breed to make myself more knowledgable. BUT, I have no interest in showing or running around all over the country to dog shows. I have a life outside of the dogs that requires that I be at home most of the time. So, I take issue with the fact that you are saying that unless you are a show breeder, then you have no business breeding. You are so wrong but I have been here long enough to know that nothing anyone says will change your mind about that. Not all of us are cut out to be show breeders nor do we want to be. I would also like to add that some people say that unless you are a show breeder, you must be in it for the money. Well, I expect it to be a few years before I ever make any money at all on my dogs but that is okay because i don't need to use my dogs for income anyway.

I understand. However, I didn't come up with this and pulled this from definition of a Backyard Breeder.

I saw this online too: http://www.jlhweb.net/Boxermap/reputablebreeder.html
I have been mulling over the "show aspect" of being a responsible breeder too. I am just not sure about that myself. I would love to find a local Yorkshire Terrier Club but have seen no evidence of one. Nor have I been able to locate any shows close to me -- I would at least like to attend a few. Shows do afford a person an objective evaluation of their dogs for potential breeding, but I can see that it is not for everyone -- maybe not for me either. I will keep looking into this -- I have plenty of time.

Where in Florida do you live. There is the Yorkshire Terrier Club of Central Florida and The Yorkshire Terrier Club of Southern Florida. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have one close by. But, if you're serious you can still join by contacting one of the clubs and asking them about being a long distance member and what are the qualifications. Our club has many members that do not live locally. These members offer their support to the club in many other ways.

The sport of dog showing is not for everyone. It does not have to encompass your life, I'm a mother of 3 and a grandmother of 6. I show on the average of 1 weekend a month, on rare occassions maybe 2 and keep my trips within driving distance.

I show because I want more knowledgable people that know the standard to go over my dogs and evaluate them. Everytime I go into the ring - this is done. Yes, it is time consumming and cost a lot of money to show, but this way I know if my dogs are worth breeding. This is just my opinion and how I feel. I am my dogs mom, so I may have on "Rosey colored glasses"- so to speak and not evaluate them as strong as I could. You also learn a lot going to the shows. I understand not everyone can go to shows. But I do because I feel this way I am doing all I can for the breed.
There is not a breed club near me - but I am a member of my all-breed AKC dog club! We have monthly meetings and have very knowledgable speakers attend. I learn a lot there too!
P.S. Love the comparison chart! :thumbup:
T.

I show for the same reason. I breed for myself and only when I want that next Champion for my breeding program. To tell the truth, breeding is the part I hate the most, no it's the whelping part. I start to cry when my moms go into labor.

Me too! Whelping is the hardest! I think this is another reason I do not breed that often. This last litter - pup was stuck and of course had to go up into mom and rescue the pup. The pup made it. But it always makes me so nervous. I do not want to loose my mom or any pups.
:thumbup: - Mardelin!
T.

Had the same problem with my last litter. Puppy was just a bit bigger than the other 2. Thank God the biggest one was the last one. All I could think of was, I can't push in, so I have to get you out. His head was out, so I broke the sack and got him breathing before lubricating mom and helping her push out the puppy just enough to get under it's shoulders and ease him the rest of the way out.

I live in the panhandle, NW Florida, near Pensacola. I need to attend a few to know if this is something that I would want to do. One weekend a month within driving distance would not be bad.

Do you ever show over towards FL? I looked more in depth at the link you had given for http://www.onofrio.com and I did find there is a show coming in Pensacola in March and some others not too far in February. I will make those and go from there.

There is a Dog Fanciers Association nearby -- not breed specific. Maybe that would be a place to start?

Is this person a backyard breeder?

A person who breeds their healthy, good looking 5 pound little registered female Yorkier to a handsome, registered, healthy, 5 pound male Yorkie.

They didn't do any genetic/DNA testing etc, because she doesn't expect any particular health problems. Her own dog and the father of the litter are perfectly healthy. She knows the parents of her dog - who are alive and healthy, but knows nothing about any other ancestors.

This person has never been interested in showing her dog and belongs to no organizations. She has not studied the Yorkie breed extensively, but has read about the breed and can certainly tell people what it is like having a Yorkie for a pet. Her family has loved and enjoyed their little dog for years.

She has two friends and a vet ready to help her when her dog delivers. If there are any problems, it will be taken to the vet.

The mother and pups will be in her home - and will be loved and cared for by the family. They will be well socialized.

She plans to price her pups close to what other Yorkie pups in her area are going for. She is willing to drop her price, if necessary.

She cares very much about the homes her pups will go to and will not hesitate to say "no" to a perspective buyer, if she feels that wouldn't be a good home for a little Yorkie.

Her dog has been checked by a vet and the pups will have whatever care (shots, etc.) her vet (a good vet) tells her are necessary.

Any perspective buyer can visit her home and meet the puppies mother.

She plans to have her buyers take their pups to their vets. If there are any serious problems found - they can return the pups for a full refund.

****** This is the way a lot of people breed - and I wouldn't want to call them "backyard breeders." But, still they don't meet all the above rules...


Carol Jean

That makes sense. I know I will see my two in the most perfect light. The only two breeders I know in my area bred my puppies and might also look at them more favorably. So, an unbiased view would be appreciated.

I'll start going to shows in February -- sooner if I can find anything nearby. After a few, I should know if this is for me. It is still too soon to know if my two are going to be show or breeding quality -- but the more I know, the better decisions I can make.

Try infodog.com. Is there a Toy Dog Club in your area.

I've yet to show in Florida. Plenty of shows here in the Texas, Oklahoma. Once a year travel to Kansas City, MO and NY for the Specialties there. 3 or 4 day shows work out better, giving you a better chance for finishing your dogs.

FlDebra - at the show you can also speak to the judge after they are finished judging. Great way to get their opinion - more details and a great way to learn! Some judges are better and know more than others - so be sure to know what their background and knowledge is.

And sometimes a handler can be more cost effective - they travel and you can stay home - cost is about the same as if you went. Just make sure you trust and know the handler well. I had one before when I showed in the past and was great. I really trusted her and she was a good friend. :)

As far as "Backyard Breeders" go - actions speak louder than words. Watch what they do not just what the person says.

SnowWa - sounds like your person is on the right track - but could go farther. Testing is better - you have more proof then that your dogs are okay. It is also worth knowing - feel more confident. Researching lines - is not that hard if there are champions in the line and research should be done. Sounds like she loves her dog!
T.

Most vets do not know our specific breed standards. My vet, and he is great, does not know color or texture and did not know the limit of 7 pounds for our breed standard. They can tell you whether a dog looks healthy, but it would be impossible for them to know the specific breed standard of all dogs. That is why it is important for the breeder to research and know their standard before breeding.
T.

Thanks to Mardelin and Topknot for sharing information. I think the learning curve is going to be long and enjoyable for me.

I started out with a Companion Yorkie and just wanted to know more.....never in a million years did I think that the love of this breed and my quest for knowledge would lead me down this path......it's frustrating, heartbreaking at times, but oh so rewarding when you have those little ones jumping and kissing on you or when you finish that champion.

hmmm...I'd like to know what the experts think on this as well.

Well I'm not an expert but I do know that one definition is not going to cover everything. So what's a hobby breeder? How does it differ from a backyard breeder? Many parts of the backyard breeder seems to apply. If breeding is not how you make your living does that mean you're a hobby breeder? I show because I love to take Connor out and show him off, I make excellent connections and I learn a ton. I met a exhibitor yesterday though whose dog even beat Connor a few monthes back and she's planning to breed him to her 13 lb. female. When I asked her why, she stated why not? Just because you show doesn't mean you will breed to the standard apparently. I know that there's a market for decent quality pets that are more affordable so there will always be those who would be considered backyard breeders. My first yorkie was 12 lbs. and only $500., I thank God for him. He introduced my to the world of Yorkies. Oh by the way, I beat her dog twice this weekend, Connor is growing up rather nicely!

I agree with you, just because you show doesn't always make you a responsible breeder. I've seen some poor representation of the breed in the ring. And yes, there are irresponsible breeders showing their dogs.

The one thing that amazes me is the astronomical prices that backyard breeders charge for their pets. Most first time yorkie families are not aware that your responsible exhibitor/breeder companion yorky prices are very affordable, and most of the time less that your backyard breeder. The only problem is that most of breed for themselves and only a couple of litters a year, therefore don't always have companion yorkies available.

Yes, I agree too. Not everyone that shows is reputable or do things as they should. But at least if they show - and do not do what is right - they do get the looks. If you know what I mean.
I show for myself - to get a second and third and 4th ... opinion on my dogs and to learn more.
Yes, I have also seen some poor reputation of our breed in the ring - poor color, roach backed, wrong coat texture, side winders. But that is up to those owners to enter them. The judges responsiblity is to to pick the one that represents our standard the best. You learn a lot at shows. Not only what you have, but what others have. It is a learning process for everyone.
T.

What is a side winder?

Gait is also important. They should walk straight and watch their foot placements. A side winder is one that walks at in angle - usually front legs going away from you. This is one thing the judge is looking for when you walk out and come back, whether it is out and back or the "L" or "Tiangle" formation.
T.

Re:Sidewinder -- Is this something you can train them out of? I am asking because sometimes it seem like my little girl Sadie (2 months old) runs a little sideways but not always. Do they sometimes grow out of it? Is this a fault when it comes to breeding or just a loss of points in judging at a show?

I think it was easier thinking only of them as pets. At first I thought she looked a little long-legged but now she seems fine on that count. Then I wondered about silver roots on Ben's head. I will be seeing all sorts of traits and wondering about them. LOL! Luckily, I do not have my heart set on showing and if they turn out to be loving pets only -- that is still a WONDERFUL thing! I absolutely love them!

If you watch the sidewinders out of the ring, they usually have a normal gait. A lot of the times it's caused by pulling up on the lead, or they're just uncomfortable with their surroundings......You can work them out of it, by walking them against a wall or a curb

You can also confuse them by changing hands from left to right when you make a turn, then they will walk straight. Do this while training. One of the dogs in my handling classes did this and it worked.
T.

I have also seen owners/handlers hold up so tight on the lead that the dogs front paws doesn't even touch the floor.
T.