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Are You A "Backyard Breeder"?
by Margaret Canty
all rights reserved; Are you a backyard breeder? (c)2002

The term has a derogatory ring to it. It should. So called "backyard breeders" produce millions of low quality "purebred" dogs and cats each year. They are sold to the unsuspecting public and often reach the end of their lives at an animal shelter (It is estimated that 20% of all the dogs and cats killed at animal shelters are "purebred.) or, worse yet, abandoned or killed by an owner who is frustrated by the animal's inherited shortcomings. The production of these animals also means that millions of healthy, good natured dogs and cats must be killed in our nation's animal shelters because their potential homes are already occupied by a low quality, "backyard" bred pet. Are you a backyard breeder? The following questions may help you identify yourself. A "no" answer for any question means you probably deserve the title, "backyard breeder."

You understand that, as a responsible breeder, you will not earn a dime in profits. You are breeding your animals because you love the breed and you want to produce the best example of that breed you can.

Your breeding stock has been shown and has earned titles in confirmation and obedience (dogs). Or it is a PROVEN working animal (livestock herding or guardian)

Your breeding stock has been screened for inherited defects. Dogs should be screened for hip and shoulder dysplasia, heart abnormalities, eye problems, and behavior traits such as inappropriate aggressiveness and excessive timidness. These animals must be eliminated from the breeding program through sterilization or euthanasia. You would never sell them to an unsuspecting customer, especially a large, aggressive dog.

You avoid fads. A good example of a fad is the mass production of Dalmatians after both editions of Disney's "101 Dalmatians" were released. Contrary to the cuddly Disney portrayal, Dalmatians are known for their hyperactive, stubborn personalties and their intolerance of children. Another more tragic breeding fad has been the mass production of Rottweiler, chow chows, and pit bulls with inherited aggressive personalities. These breeds represent a huge percentage of attacks on children, pets, and livestock often resulting in death and serious injury. Chows and pit bulls were bred for dogfighting, and were never meant to be "pets."

You never allow a purchaser to remove a puppy from your kennel before it is eight weeks of age or a kitten from your cattery before it is eight weeks of age. (Kittens are not socially ready to leave their dam until they are 12 to 14 weeks of age.) Early removal from your premises compromises the young animal's immune system and its emotional development.

All your sale animals are vaccinated and de-wormed before they leave your premises. If you don't spend money on preventive medical care, then you are unethically concentrating on profits.

You do not produce a litter until you already have several buyers. This means you avoid producing extra animals. You shouldn't have to resort to advertizing in the local newspaper to sell your animals. You have a absolute return policy, no questions asked.

You never sell your puppies or kittens in a pet store. This encourages impulse buying by people who may not be ready financially or emotionally to give your pet a goodhome. Pets stores that sell puppies and kittens contribute to this sad scenario and should be boycotted.

You educate your clients about showing, obedience, health care and pet overpopulation. You insist that pet quality animals be sterilized. You insist that breeding quality animals undergo the same scrutiny you apply to you animals.

Are you looking for a new pet?

With today's serious pet overpopulation, you should consider rescuing a cat or dog from your local shelter. There are few ethical reasons supporting your need to buy a purebred animal. One reason would be that you will be competing in confirmation and obedience trials. Another reason would be if you have a specific need that can best be fulfilled by a certain breed, such as a Pyrenees to guard your sheep, a Border collie to herd your sheep, or a retriever to hunt for you. You should not be buying a purebred to impress your friends or society. You should not be buying a purebred to satisfy a fad pushed on you or your family by the popular media.

If you buy a purebred, make sure you seek out a breeder who agrees with all the clauses listed above. Do not breed your pet unless you plan to follow these ethics as well.