To breed or not to breed

There is a place in the dog world for breeders. What makes a good breeder? Knowledge of breed? Concern for the placement of puppies in quality homes? Health testing to insure good health? In the current war against puppy mills, it can be difficult to hear the word "breeder" and equate it with something positive. Isn't a breeder adding to the pet over population problem? What would happen if there were no breeders? The world's animal shelters would close down and every pet would find a home. Right? Let's look at the various types of breeders.

First,the show breeder. These are generally accepted as the "good" breeders. They show their dogs, earn titles and seem to have improving the breed as their top most priority. They select for qualities that define the breed, short snouts, wide chests, dense coats. But how much emphasis is put on personality? They may be the most beautiful example of the breed standard but if the personality isn't there, then what?

Then there is the commercial breeder. I equate these to legal puppy mills. They have a kennel license, and the dogs' basic needs are met: food, water, shelter. But many of these breeders have 10 plus adult dogs. With this many dogs, how is it possible to know each one, evaluate their temperament, know their health and provide proper exercise and stimulation on a daily basis? Many of these dogs live in outside kennels. Yes they have shelter from the elements and adequate food and water and very often proper medical care, but what about mental health? What about evaluating for personality? It is a proven fact that puppies inherit some of their personality traits from their parents.

Next you have the puppy mills. Dogs that are bred over and over, without regard for their health or comfort. These dogs live in squalid conditions, with innumerable health problems and inadequate basic necessities. The puppies go to anyone with money. The adult dogs are disposed of when they are no longer able to breed.

Then you have the hobby breeder. This is a person who has a love for a certain breed or a few breeds, has a small number of dogs, and often has the dogs in the home as pets first and foremost. They know the background of the breed and have good knowledge of their pet's personalities and health. They show concern for the placement of the puppies and often provide support and follow up to the new families.

Finally there is the back yard breeder. It used to be that the definition of backyard breeder was someone who had their dog tied to a box at the end of the yard and indiscriminately allowed her to breed with any old stray that wandered into the yard. I believe the backyard breeder of today is simply a family who decides to breed their pet. The family may or may not do research into the health of their pet. The family usually believes the personality of their pet is wonderful and would like to have a puppy with a similar personality or knows of someone who wants one.

So what's good and what's bad? Is breeding of any sort equatable to prostitution? Are shelter dogs the way to go? I believe that dogs deserve to have their needs met. Can you be responsible, provide a good home for the dogs in your care including their physical as well as mental health,and be dedicated to finding the best possible homes for the offspring you produce? It is not breeding that is evil, it is the lack of ownership and accountablility that fills the shelters with unwanted dogs and puppies. The cute little puppy will get into things and grow up. That is not the breeders fault.