Just curious.I have enough strays and cast away cats here.All I ever read about is BYB dog breeders and puppy mills.Was wondering if people are as mad at the cat breeders to. I know that I am furious with them expecially in the spring when the drop off begins.

The third type of breeder that offers puppies for sale is known as the "backyard breeder." These people should never be confused with the "small professional breeder." The backyard breeder can be considered the "bad apple" in the barrel.

"Low-Priced Puppies, Only โ.00"

This type of headline can be found all across every newspaper and small advertising publication throughout the country, each and every day. The puppies advertised are rarely, if ever, what they seem. Even if the puppies are from purebred parents, they are not bargains for they are usually the result of indiscriminate breeding. You can never be absolutely sure of what you are getting.

A Prime Example Of The Typical Backyard Breeder Sale

Mrs. Collins had been given a Collie a few years back. Several people commented on how gorgeous the dog was and, "If you ever breed her, I'll buy one of the puppies from you." Then Mrs. Collins moved into a new neighborhood in which her neighbor also had a pet Collie. At a certain time of the year, both dogs developed a tremendous liking for one another. Dollar signs began to register in the minds of both owners.

Approximately 2 months later, nine puppies had been born. Once the initial cuteness of the adoring newborns had worn off, Mrs. Collins discovered that she, and she alone, would have to bear the full brunt of this litter. She never factored in the high costs involved in puppy shots, food, worming medications and other veterinarian fees. Now after about 8 weeks, all of the puppies are weaned from the mother and Mrs. Collins is stuck feeding the entire group.

All of the "I can't wait to buy a puppy from you" friends have conveniently disappeared. Then one day Mrs. Collins discovers that she is only allowed a specific number of dogs on the property, as outlined in the apartment rules. Now she is faced with a fact: these purebred Collies must now be dumped!

Full of worms, and not inoculated against anything, Mrs. Collins is faced with three choices. She can dump them off on some unsuspecting pet shop, take them to the animal shelter, or place an ad in the local paper and try to recoup some of her money.

So, this litter of Collie puppies end up in the Sunday newspaper. No one will know until it's too late that the puppies will have terrible temperaments. Nobody checked the pedigrees (if in fact there had been any to begin with) to find out exactly what was behind the two Collies who had been mated.

I am using the term "mated" instead of "bred" because true breeding is a science that takes time, skill, and devotion to creating the healthiest puppies possible. Backyard breeders like Mrs. Collins have no clue as to what it takes to create a real purebred puppy. So beware of buying cheap pets from your local newspaper.

Consequently, if you are disgruntled over the high prices that professional breeders are asking for their puppies, remember that breeding and raising good dogs is not a cheap investment. Puppies must be given the best food available, including vitamins and mineral supplements. Veterinary fees are not cheap. The professional breeder knows all of these things. And all of these reasons are why buying a good puppy from a professional breeder is worth every dollar you spend.

They charge much more than other breeders so I was wondering if anyone has actually dealt with them before? Are they reputable breeders and are their dogs really that good?

Shopping From A Breeder (2): The Large Professional Breeder (Part 1)

Generally speaking, there are three different types of breeders: the large professional breeder, the small professional breeder, and what is usually referred to as the "backyard breeder." Today we will discuss the advantages of buying your puppy from a large professional breeder.

When, and if, you find yourself dealing with a large kennel, you can best bet that you will be involved with people who have been in the breeding business for a long time. They will know what they are talking about. Running a large operation such as that requires a great deal of time, skill, money, and most importantly, a deep passion for their work.

Large Professional Breeders Have Plenty Of Staff Members & Quite The Selection

Many large kennel owners have managers who run things for them. However, if you wish to talk to the owner and make your final purchase from him, by all means do so. If for some reason he can't be found, tread very slowly. You have every right to culminate any business dealings with the owner if you wish.

Another advantage of dealing with a large kennel is that the selection is usually pretty great. The people and the service you find there may not be as personal as the smaller kennels, but you'll be able to choose from a large assortment of colors and ages. A more mature dog should be considered if you don't feel like going through training and time required by the very young puppy.

More Than Enough Information Provided On The Dog You Have Interests In

The professional breeder will be able to discuss the puppy you're interested in, and very thoroughly. He will know the sire and the dam and will be able to give you detailed information on the pedigrees. You will be able find out about the temperament of the parents, how others in the litter have fared, or how previous litters from the same parents have fared. You will be able to see obedience records, and championships that have come down through the lineage of that particular puppy you are considering purchasing.

You will be given specific information on a feeding and exercise program which can carry your puppy right through to maturity. This may seem novel, but it's incredible how many dog owners are at a loss when it comes to giving their pet the appropriate amount of exercise which is necessary for that particular breed.

The large professional breeder can tell you the amount of grooming the puppy should have, whether or not he sheds, and how much. Certain breeds shed more profusely than others, and many a new dog owner has been horrified when they have found hairs from a German Shepherd on the couch. "My wife hates all of that hair!" or "He is a short-haired dog, I didn't think he would shed so much!" is usually the complaints before the hapless dog is resold or dropped off at the local animal shelter.

My parents are trying to find a respectable dog breeder and they have found some that accept visa or mastercard. Is accepting credit for a puppy a major clue that it is a puppy mill?

Any good advice on how to find a respectable yet local dog breeder?

Shopping From A Breeder (7): Purebred Puppies Are Worth Every Penny!

What you pay for your new dog depends to a large extent on the particular breed you want, how popular it is when you want it, what part of the country you live in, and the time of year you decide to buy the dog. And if you are shopping for a new dog during Thanksgiving or Christmas, holiday seasons can be on the high side, because the demand is that much greater.

The price range for a good eight week old puppy will vary from about $500 (pet quality) to approximately $3,000 on up (a show dog prospect). The high price being a puppy who comes from a pedigreed line which has a history of champions. If a puppy has fully "grown out" and is about eight to 12 months old, the price has been known to shoot up to as much as $10,000 or more.

Do Smaller Dogs Cost Less?

The size of a breed has nothing to do with the cost of the puppy. Many toy breeds, such as the Poodle or Yorkshire Terriers, are expensive, simply as a result of supply and demand. Since the demand for them is so great, it is not unusual that the entire litter is sold even before it arrives. Smaller dogs are easier to care for, less expensive to maintain, and require far less living space.

A female will usually be less expensive than a male unless she exhibits a great show potential. In that case, she will cost more because a great female puppy will be the foundation stock of a future breeding line. Many people do not wish to purchase a female simply because they don't want the problem of dealing with newborn puppies, which will happen unless the animal is spayed. However, as far as being good pets, females are every bit as good as males and some people even feel females learn quicker, and easier.

Unscrupulous Breeders

As in any business, there will occasionally be found unscrupulous breeders with whom you might make contact with from time to time. Fortunately, they are soon discovered and ferreted out by members of their own profession who described him as the "cancer" of the breeding world. Word travels very rapidly throughout the "doggie" world.

In your search for the ultimate puppy, please take your time and do not rush in and buy the first dog you fall in love with. No matter how irresistible he may be, make sure he is exactly what you want. Check out other litters. In other words, shop around a bit before buying. Hopefully, the dog will be living with you for the rest of his or her life, and a good part of yours.

Shopping From A Breeder (5): The Small Professional Breeder (Part 2)

Shopping for a new puppy through a small professional breeder is one of the best choices you could make. These breeders offer much more personal help with questions and interests than larger breeder organizations do, and with more respected care for their puppies than you could possibly imagine.

However, as mentioned previously, small breeders are absolutely meticulous with choosing the right family for their pups. "Do you have any children?" "If so, how many do you have and what are the ages?" are example questions you will be asked. And these questions are important to the devoted breeder, as in many instances, very young children are unintentionally cruel to small puppies.

The small professional breeder will also want to make sure that the children, no matter what ages, will not be solely responsible for the puppy's welfare. Youngsters' interests wane quickly. As great as their intentions, basketball practice or a new boyfriend can readily replace the constant attention first given to the family's new puppy.

"Do you work?" "Who is at home during the day?" These should be self-explanatory. No puppy should be left alone all day to fend for itself. It certainly cannot be expected to housetrain itself, or teach itself the necessary do's and don'ts of family membership.

"How many dogs have you previously owned?" This is the clincher. If you have owned quite a few, be prepared to explain what's become of them. If, for one reason or another, they have disappeared in rapid succession, it isn't too much for the breeder to expect that his puppy will join their ranks and turn you down as a customer.

What Difference Does It Make? What Business Is It To The Breeder?

The answer is: PLENTY!

If he was on his hands and knees helping his female give birth to the litter, helping her rub life into their little bodies, up nights feeding them with an eye dropper to make certain each pup got its fair share of food - then yes, the small breeder will make it his business to make sure that the life he helped into this world is destined for a good home!

The small professional breeder is seldom in the breeding business to make money. They may make money boarding, they may make money with grooming, or even handling dogs in the show ring, but they know there's no profit in raising two or three litters each year. They firmly believe that the litters they raise are absolutely the best specimens of their favored breed.

You Are Getting The Best Of The Best

By careful and selective breeding, these small breeders have attempted to eliminate any and all known faults, and to improve certain characteristics of the breed. Truly, theirs is a labor of love. You may have to pay a lot more for the puppy you select, but trust me when I say this; the small professional breeder has invested more time, love, and attention in the puppy then what he is being paid for, guaranteed!

One Last Note About Small Professional Breeders

Some small breeders do not like doing business at a distance. Do not be disappointed if you hear: "Oh I'm sorry, we do not ship puppies but if you'd like to come and see us, we'll be very happy to meet you."

In essence, these breeders know that puppies are trusting little bundles of love and they feel that it is their responsibility to do everything in their power to guarantee the most loving and permanent home possible.

You know greyhound racing is a somewhat popular sport and you know greyhound dog breeders do it for the money so they select the ones to keep and what do you think they do with the ones that don't measure up. And worse, what do you think they do to the campions that win all the dog races after that dog gets older? I like animals but I really wonder if a dog is worth a man's life?
greyhound mummy
I did not mean the post to be offensive but it is in fact true. I lived in an area that greyhound racing was popular and there was an investigative tv news show on this topic and it is true that greyhound breeders do it for business reasons and it true they kill their dogs generally speaking when the dogs are no longer useful. Just by using your imagination you know it is true because they must go through many many litters a year and many dogs trained to be runners and a few champions and on with the next cycle and they do kill their dogs. I am sorry if this offends you but that doesn't make it any less true ok!