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What is a Backyard Breeder?

What is a Backyard Breeder? Find Out the Facts

Last Updated on September 9, 2023 by Denise Leo. Post first published on February 2, 2023.

Are you considering buying a puppy? If so, it’s essential to understand the different types of breeders. One type you may come across is known as a backyard breeder.

But what is a backyard breeder exactly, and should they be avoided? In this article, we’ll give you the facts about these breeders and their practices so that you can make an informed decision when choosing where to buy your pup.

If you’re looking to purchase a puppy, it’s essential to know the difference between backyard and reputable breeders. The term “backyard breeder” is often derogatory, but what does it mean? Backyard breeders decide to breed their pets for profit or many other reasons.

Members of the public seem confused when defining a backyard breeder, inasmuch as to say that they regard such breeders as “bad” only if the dogs are being neglected and that many live in appalling conditions. The good news is that this isn’t always the situation.

What is a Backyard Breeder?
What is a Backyard Breeder?

What is a Backyard Breeder?

A person who breeds their pet dogs for a profit with little to no knowledge about canine genetics or animal welfare is a backyard breeder. These people are a big reason why there are so many homeless animals in shelters and needlessly killed yearly, as they don’t always spay or neuter their animals.

The puppies often have health problems from poor backyard breeding practices. A backyard breeder will breed their pets to make money without any thought for the health or quality of their animals.

On the other hand, a responsible breeder has been involved in the dog world for years, usually belongs to a national breed club, and is knowledgeable about genetics and responsible breeding practices. As a result, most pets from these sellers will end up batting the local animal shelter because they can’t be adopted.

Backyard breeding can describe a family member or friend who chooses to breed their dog. They shower the dog with all the love they can, feed her well, exercise her and ensure the vet is a prominent figure in the dog’s life when needed, including during the pregnancy and birthing periods. However, does this make backyard breeding ok? NO! It’s far from being ok.

Even if you have two same dog breed purebreds, you must do many other things apart from simply owning healthy dogs. Ethical breeders with years of experience will never develop unpredictable crossbreeds. They’ll match two dogs (one male and one female) with solid lines and have undergone a barrage of health tests that match the particular breed.

For example, Great Danes need elbow and hip tests as they’re designated problems in the breed.

They won’t produce multiple litters from a single female. They’ve been involved in breeding puppies that match the breed’s conformation. Temperament is also a governing factor when it comes to selecting a pair.

Responsible Breeders vs. Backyard Breeders Quick Facts

  • Backyard breeders decide to breed their pets for profit or other reasons without much knowledge about canine genetics or animal welfare.
  • Responsible breeders have been involved in the dog world for years, usually belong to a national breed club, and are knowledgeable about genetics and responsible breeding practices.
  • Backyard breeder puppies often have health problems from poor backyard breeding practices, while those from reputable sources will be healthy due to rigorous testing and better genetic match-ups.
  • There are ten differences between backyard breeders vs. reputable breeders, including allowing puppies to be sold before eight weeks old; not being able to visit puppy parents; not encouraging contact after the sale is made; simultaneously breeding two or more breeds of dogs; no neuter/spay contract provided; always having puppies available for sale, etc.
  • To get a new puppy, you must educate yourself on what makes these two breeding practices different to obtain a healthy quality puppy.

If You Want a Pet Puppy and Not a Dog for Shows, is This Important?

Because you have conducted plenty of research into different breeds to determine which is most suited to you and your lifestyle, check the dog has the right physical traits and temperament that you expect and that you also know enough to consider health risks that may be involved.

If you don’t care about the breed you choose, pay a visit to your local dog shelter and decide which dog deserves to be rescued and brought into a new, loving home and help save his life at the same time.

I’ll explain how different it can be in layman’s terms:
If you were offered a pair of Nike shoes for only $50 and accepted and were given a cheap knock-off shoe instead, would it still be the same? While they may appear the same, will they have the same high standard of workmanship? Will they last as long as a genuine Nike shoe? Are you given the same high-quality assurances, and are they rigorous testing to rule out health problems?

The answer is: You don’t know, and I don’t know because I have no idea what materials were used to make the shoes. Why did I do it? The exact reason for most things; is to profit from the transaction.

Puppies can also be knock-offs that help the sellers make money. If you don’t mind what brand you have, adopt a dog from a shelter. You must share this information to help make others aware of the severe problem caused by backyard breeders.

10 Differences between backyard breeder vs reputable breeder
10 Differences Between Backyard breeder vs Reputable Breeder

Whether you buy a puppy through any breeder or take home a rescued dog, it’s your choice. I struggle to listen to the slogan – “adopt, don’t shop!” People have their preferences. Our culture needs to be more open-minded and let people make the right decisions for their families.

Sadly, however, not all breeders are responsible, so shelters are full. If you cannot continue caring for the dog, tell the breeder, or he may tell you to return the dog to him. If you go through a breeder, the options listed below can help you recognize the differences between a backyard breeder and a reputable breeder.

10 Differences Between Backyard Breeder vs. Reputable Breeder

1. Breeders permit puppies to be sold to buyers prior to eight weeks old. They’ll claim it’s fine because they’re weaned off the mother. FALSE!!!

No circumstances allow a puppy to leave home early, and some breeders refuse until the puppies are ten weeks of age as an added precaution.
The puppies learn much from their siblings and mother at this crucial time. If this doesn’t happen, it will be very likely that behavior and social skills may be of low quality.

2. You won’t be permitted to visit the puppy’s parents.

Any responsible breeder would be extremely happy to give you access to parents that will produce the litter you can eventually choose from and take ownership of such a bundle of joy. If the father is housed elsewhere) the breeder will have photos and can explain more about him, including his personality and lineage.

You’ll learn more about the puppy when you meet the parents because they should have a similar behavior style. You’ll know your puppy’s appearance once he’s an adult. What sort of temperament does he have? Can you manage an adult version?

Once the litter has been born, you should be able to visit again to see how the litter and mother behave. The breeder will take care of a lot of the socializing process before you take your puppy home.

3. You’re not encouraged to maintain contact.

Some backyard breeders dislike being visited as they don’t care about much except the money.

Genuine dog breeders will love their dogs and puppies and will also have input into how you care for them when you take a puppy home. The dog breeder is like an uncle to the dogs and puppies, so he naturally wants to hear how they’re going, and one aspect of that is offering lifelong assistance when required.

The dog breeder will appreciate new photos as your puppy grows in age and physical shape. Stories of their life are also something a breeder would enjoy hearing. They will also love seeing pictures and hearing stories as your puppy grows. The breeder will want to maintain a great relationship with you.

10 Differences between Reputable Breeders and Backyard Breeders
10 Differences between Reputable Breeders and Backyard Breeders

4. You’re not asked any questions about yourself and the home where the new puppy will live.

Responsible breeders want to keep in touch. They should ask questions to ensure the puppy is going to a good home with a loving family. Remember that you’re “auditioning him” to see if he meets your standards, BUT he’s also doing the same to you. The breeder can usually give you an information packet to help you quickly learn more about the puppy.

5. A breeder is simultaneously breeding two or more dog breeds.

A responsible breeder should focus on a single breed to do the dog and himself the best job possible. A genuine breeder’s goal is to improve the breed. This is quite complex. For example, the Great Pyrenees is much more than fluffy and large.
If a breeder wants to pair dogs for breeding purposes, they must consider the parents’ traits and how they could affect the puppies.

6. A breeder won’t provide you with a neuter/spay contract.

Only a small number of people have the qualifications to breed. A responsible breeder will provide a Limited Contract for registration and a deadline date the end date for having your dog neutered.

Breeders will be very finicky about issuing a complete registration for a puppy. Generally, the fully registered puppy will be given to a responsible, known breeder.

7. There are ALWAYS puppies for sale.

The majority of legitimate dog breeders write a waiting list of potential buyers for the puppies. They only breed once sufficient people are keen to buy most of a litter once they’re born. The breeder is keen to provide good homes for the puppies when they’re ready, so the list starts before any puppies are born.

8. You’re not given a contract.

The contract in question must do a few things:

  •  Must state that the dog is in good health.
  •  Breeder’s expectations of the new owner.
  •  New owner’s expectations of the breeder.
  •  Each breed has numerous tests that the breeder MUST have completed PRIOR to breeding any dogs.
  •  E.g., large dogs must need their hips tested because this sort of problem is a natural occurrence in large dogs.
  •  You must be provided with a written copy of the results of all tests carried out.
  •  It must say if there’s a problem and you can no longer look after your puppy, he should be returned to that breeder because no responsible breeder permits any of their previously owned dogs to get sent to a rescue/shelter.

9. A breeder is not remotely active in dog clubs specific to the breed and does not participate at dog shows.

Breeders always want more education about their dogs/puppies, and being active in dog breed clubs is a specific method. If a breeder is a member of one or more clubs, it’s clear he’s keen to increase his knowledge about his breed. Dog breeders who are active exhibitors at dog shows and have champion dogs have a strong knowledge of their chosen breed and commitment.

10. Why the list?

These items are beneficial if you plan on approaching a dog breeder. Know what questions you should be asking.

what is a backyard breeder
What is a backyard breeder?

Reputable Quality Breeders Quick Facts

  • Responsible dog breeders agree to adhere to a strict code of ethics and standards such as the ones set by the American Kennel Club (AKC). They have extensive knowledge of their chosen breed’s characteristics, traits, and potential health problems.
  • Responsible dog breeders place their puppies in their chosen homes after screening potential owners, and they provide the necessary information about their puppies’ health, diet, exercise, and training.
  • Most responsible breeders often hold on to puppies from a litter for show or breeding purposes and keep in touch with puppy owners throughout the dog’s life.
  • Reputable Breeders usually are members of their national breed-specific clubs and breed-specific rescue groups.
What is a Backyard Breeder?
What is a Backyard Breeder?

Why are Backyard Breeders Bad?

Backyard breeders are often considered bad because they breed their pet dogs without knowledge of correct breeding practices, the breed standard, potential health issues, and the quality of their breeding dogs. It seems like these “breeders” only have one goal in mind: making money off the puppies and selling as many as possible.

If a breeder is guilty of one or more pointers, that’s not an absolute that he’s a lousy breeder, but they’re signs to watch for. Are there other indicators you keep an eye out for when deciding which breeders to follow through with? Backyard breeding dogs do not produce quality puppies.

Preservation hobby breeders breed the best puppies. Preservation hobby breeders are usually also members of their national breed-specific club.

Conclusion: What is a Backyard Breeder?

As a new dog owner, you want to ensure your puppy is healthy and happy. In order for this to happen, you need to know the difference between backyard breeders and responsible breeders.
Suppose you’re looking into getting a new puppy or already have one at home.

You must educate yourself on what makes these two breeding practices different to obtain a healthy, quality puppy.

Backyard breeders do not have the appropriate knowledge of genetics and breeding practices. They may be inexperienced, they may be unethical, or they may lack a good understanding of correct breeding practices.

If you’re looking for a new pet that’s lots of fun but doesn’t cost as much money in the long run (and has all sorts of other benefits!), check out adopting from your local shelter.

Copyright CaninePals.Com. All Rights Reserved.
References and Further Reading:
American Kennel Club.
English Kennel Club.
Australian National Kennel Council.

Author

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  • Denise Leo

    My name is Denise Leo, and I hail from Australia. My journey with dogs, especially with the delightful Pomeranian breed, has been a lifelong passion extending over 50 years. I have had the honor of breeding and exhibiting close to 100 Pomeranian Champions, dedicating many years to the intricate art of dog training across various disciplines. Beyond the show ring, my experience stretches to the pastoral fields as both a Dairy Farmer and Beef Cattle Breeder, where working with dogs of all breeds has been an integral part of my daily life. This diverse exposure has deepened my understanding and appreciation for these incredible animals. I firmly believe that dogs are the most extraordinary beings in our universe, capable of offering us unconditional love that surpasses even their own self-interest. The countless wonderful dogs that have shared my life over the years have not only brought immense joy and companionship but have also profoundly enriched my existence in ways I could never have imagined. About us page