which is right: Back Yard Breeder VS. Reputable Breeder

If you're wondering which type of breeder is right for your family, it's important to know the difference between choosing a backyard breeder versus selecting a reputable breeder. In this blog post, we will dive into the differences between these two types of breeders to help you make an informed decision about what's best for your family and a new pet. Let's get started!

What is a Backyard Breeder?

Backyard breeders irresponsibly breed animals in their yards. To meet the rising demand for their animals, they frequently purchase breeding stock from other backyard breeders. They lack the expertise and knowledge of responsible breeders and most only care about making money. This means they don't bother with good genetic matches and allow breeding without considering future genetic health problems. Their primary goal is to maximize profits while minimizing expenditures. They don't care about the animals in their care, so the puppies they provide are of low quality. 

Signs of a Backyard Breeder

Here are some pointers to check out before buying a puppy from a breeder to ensure they're trustworthy. Use your best judgment at all times

  • You are not allowed to visit the breeder.

  • They don't want you to meet the parents or other dogs.

  • Puppies are weaned from their mothers prior to seven weeks.

  • In most cases, dog breeders won't even inquire whether or not you have a suitable environment for a new puppy. A good breeder will want to find a great home for the puppy because it is like giving away a baby to them.

  • There are a wide variety of breeds available from the breeder.

  • There is never a shortage of puppies.

  • There is no sales agreement available from the dog breeder. The breeder's health assurance, as well as the breeder's and the buyer's respective responsibilities and rights, should all be well-documented in the contract.

  • The breeder does not prove their dogs in the show ring before breeding. Demonstrating a dog's worth in a show ring is essential for determining its breed type, assessing behavioral problems, and evaluating its overall temperament.

  • No involvement in breed-specific dog clubs on the part of the dog breeder.

How to Spot a Reputable Breeder

1.    They should have a good understanding of the breed. 

The breeder should be familiar with all of the breed's standards. Besides that, they should know the breed's temperament and patiently answer any questions you may have. 

2.    Concerned about the future home of their dogs.

They should ask you several questions about yourself, your way of life, and your family dynamics. The breeder may want to meet your whole family. The goal of reputable breeders is to see to it that their offspring are welcomed into caring, responsible homes.

3.    Maintain a lifelong concern for the well-being of the pet. 

They may ask you to sign a contract outlining the responsibilities of owning a new dog and providing proper care for it. Even after you've taken the animal home with you, a reputable breeder will continue to check up on it and see how it is going. 

4.    Provide references. 

Reputable breeders will gladly supply you with as many references as you require. Ensure to ask for veterinary references.

5.    Provide a lot of information about the breed. 

They should give the information required to register your dog with a breed club, such as the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club. In addition, they ought to supply information regarding rearing, training, feeding, and appropriate veterinary care.

Benefits of Dealing with a Reputable Breeder

1.    Health Trends

A certified dog breeder will have obtained health certifications for their dogs if they are serious about breeding healthy dogs. These include certifications for the hip and elbow and clearances for genetic diseases like heart disease, muscular dystrophy, and epilepsy. This indicates that dogs should be free of these conditions and live longer, healthier lives.

2.    Registration with the Kennel Club or the Pedigree Club

Both the Kennel Club and the Pedigree Club offer certification recognizing that puppies meet required breed standards. These breed standards describe everything from each dog breed's physical and behavioral characteristics. Certified dog breeders will be aware of the type of puppy they anticipate producing based on the standard specifications for their breed. They will also be able to offer guidance on the best caring practices for your new puppy once they have been brought into your home.

3.    Confident and Sociable

Puppies from certified breeders are typically raised in homes rather than kennels, allowing them to mature into well-adjusted adults. This contrasts with the practice of selling off puppies at the age of six weeks after they have spent the majority of their lives confined in cages (which is common practice at puppy mills). When breeders start training their puppies from an early age, by the time they are a few months old, they will already be accustomed to meeting new people and being in the company of other animals. 

4.    Vaccinated Puppies

You can be sure that the puppies you buy from a responsible breeder have been raised with care and love because they have been given the proper vaccinations. They should be immunized and properly socialized at the age of eight weeks. When you buy from a breeder who lacks integrity, there is a possibility that the puppies have not been given the appropriate care or even had their first shots.

Final Thoughts

Backyard breeders are purely selling for the money and don't really care about their dogs or puppies. They often produce unhealthy animals that may not even be purebred. Reputable breeders, on the other hand, are passionate about their breeds and want to find good homes for them. They do extensive research into bloodlines and pair dogs carefully for a long happy life. Book a new pup or dog consultation with us at Atlanta Pit Bull Training if you’re looking for a dog and need help finding a breeder. Thanks for reading!

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