Back Yard Breeders (BYB's) vs. Show/Hobby Breeders |
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1.
Motive for breeding: "fun," "Good for kids," "To
make money." Doesn't screen buyers and seldom refuses to sell, even
if buyer is unsuitable. 2.
Breeds family pet to any convenient pet of same breed just to have
purebred pups. Has no concern for genetics, bloodlines or breed
improvement. 3.
Though
pet may be well-loved, it wasn’t x-rayed for hip dysplasia or checked
for other heritable health problems. 4.
Offers
no health guarantees beyond proof of shots, if that. Unqualified to give
help if problems develop. 5.
Seller
has little knowledge of breed history or AKC breed standard. May claim
that this doesn't matter for "just pets." Breeds for, or from
colors NOT accepted by the breed standard, breeds for 'fads'. 6.
Pups raised in makeshift accommodations, indicating lack of long-term
investment for breeding. 7.
Even when selling "just pets," may produce AKC papers or
"championship pedigree" as proof of quality. Yet seller doesn't
increase own knowledge through participation in national or local breed
club. Doesn't show own dogs to "prove" quality. 8.
May be unwilling to show buyer entire litter or to introduce dam of
litter. Can't or won't compare/critique pups, or pups' ancestors. 9.
Prices at low end of local range, since pups must move quickly. 10.
No
concern for the future of individual pups or breed as a whole. Doesn't use
AKC's limited registration option or ask for spay/neuter contract to guard
against breeding of substandard pets. If you can't keep pup, tells you to
take it to the pound, or sell it. Reputable
Hobby Breeder 1.
Dedication
to producing quality dogs is serious avocation. Has so much invested in
dogs that struggles to break even, not
make profit. Will sell pups only to approved buyers. 2.
Can explain how planned breedings to empasize specific qualities through
linebreeding, outcrossing or, more rarely, inbreeding. 3.
Has
breeding stock checked for genetic faults that occur in that specific
breed. Is knowledgeable, and honest about their dogs health and health
problems in the breed as a whole. If dogs are tested, should be able to
produce certificates to prove as such. 4.
Lifetime
commitment to help owner with any genetic, or health problems that occur.
Usually stands behind their pups with a guarantee. 5.
Loves breed and can talk at length about its background, uses and ideal
type. 6.
Has a a serious investment in dog equiptment such as puppy pens, crates,
and grooming tables and knows how to use it. 7.
Belongs to a local or national dog club, indicating a love for sport of
dogs. Exhibits own dogs as an objective test of how stock measures up. 8.
Shows litter and dam in a clean environment. Helps buyer evaluate and
choose pup. Explains criteria for "show picks" versus "pet
picks." 9.
Prices will be at mid to high end of local range, not cut-rate. Price
won't reflect all that is invested in pups. 10. After purchase, will help with grooming or training problems. Will take back pup you can't keep rather than see it disposed of inappropriately. Sells pets with spay/neuter agreement or limited AKC registration. |
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