When it comes to Dog Breeding what makes a breeder good or bad? This is a very controversial subject I personally take very seriously!
Many people become breeders for reasons that are not well-educated or realistic. With the alarming number of both pure bred and mixed breed dogs being euthanized every year because they had no homes it is absolutely crucial that a person go into it for serious, rational reasons.
Responsible vs Irresponsible
What distinguishes responsible dog breeding from irresponsible or even borderline abuse? Since dogs can have anywhere from 1 - 11 puppies in a litter it is something every dog owner should take seriously, and you as a dog buyer need to do the same.
In breeding circles, a male canine is referred to as a dog, while a female canine is called a bitch. The father of a litter is called the sire, and the mother of a litter is called the dam.
Offspring are generally called pups or puppies until they are about a year old. A group of offspring is a litter. The process of birth is whelping.
Learning these terms are the easy part if becoming a responsible dog breeder.
Back Yard Breeder: Any person perpetuating the poor quality pure bred "pet" producing puppies that are not of a higher quality than the breeding pair. They don't test for genetic disease or disorder. They breed for the purpose of fun or profit.
Most do not understand the process involved in choosing a mating pair.
Puppy Mill: A person or organization that produces more than the standard number of litters per year (which is 2) with more than two breeds of dogs. They don't test for any diseases or disorders or attempt to produce puppies of a higher quality than the breeding animals. They're entire purpose is for profit.
We have all heard these terms and yet these breeders are enabled by irresponsible buyers.
I have had people say to me "why should I pay that much for your dog, when I can go down the street and get one for half the price". I always ask "where" and if they tell me, I go check it out.
I don't do this to thwart competition, but rather to check on their breeding practices. I want NO puppy mills in my neighborhood
Responsible Breeder: A person who breeds for the betterment of the breed, who tests for genetic disorder and disease and strives to reduce it's occurrence through careful selective breeding.
Responsible breeders are aware of the health and fittness of their breeding stock at all times. They do not skimp on necessary Vet care and assure each and every one receives necassary vaccinations and wormings.
Each litter mate is treated as an individual and given any specialized care or treatment as needed. Each pup should be socialized and handled from day one. This early socialization forms the foundation for development of a happy, healthy dog.
Should You Breed Your Dog?
According to the Humane Society of the United States, 3–4 million dogs and cats are put down each year in the United States and many more are confined to cages in shelters because there are many more animals than there are homes.
Spaying or castrating dogs helps keep overpopulation down. There are estimated to be 400 million dogs in the world.
If you really aren't sure, and think you really want to breed your dog, do as a very wise breeder once told a group of young would-be breeders
"Walk through an animal shelter, if you can look into the eyes of every dog that is cowering alone and afraid in those cages and be absolutely certain so help you God that no dog you ever bring into this world will ever be among them for any reason, EVER, for as long as you live, then you can be a dog breeder"