Why are responsible breeders getting a bad rap?

Question

I noticed when reading several posts that the first thing that is out of several people's mouths is breeders are only contributing to the over-population of pet. When it comes to BYB this is probably true but the breeders I know are responsible and take back any dog they breed no matter the issue so why are they all getting lumped together.

The cries of over population in shelters is distressing but if all the animals were neutered/spayed and none were ever breed again then what do you do when all the animals in the shelters have been adopted and die happily of old age. You have just extinct an entire species. I think instead of bashing breeders the effort should be made to stop pet store from selling pets and people should be doing much more research into breeders and breeds and be fully prepared for the breed they choose instead of getting one from some BYB down the road because he was cheaper and it is cool/cute/fluffy/tough looking dog. Realizing to late that they can't handle it, that they require care and time and dumping it at the shelter.

I think the screams should be for more education of the public and research before jumping into thing. Not every breed is for everyone and if more people realized that there would be far fewer dogs in shelters.

Opinions anyone?

Answer 1

Well part of the reason people disdain responsible breeders is because of the prices, they think "The pound mut is only fifty dollars, why buy a Dandie Didmont Terrier for 5,000"? And sometimes even breeders who give their dogs attention and healthcare and plan each litter charge a bit more than they have too. I can understand why people would not like that (heck, I'm still mad that I can't find a Rhodesian Ridgeback for less that 15 hundred dollars,but w/e.)

Also even though I applaud people who buy rescue animals, those people can get a little... fanatical to put it lightly. The love mutts unpredictibily and unique looks and they seem to think everyone needs to agree with them so some of the don't like breeders just because they breed purebreeds. Let's face it, you just can't please everyone.

Answer 2

Wow, I don't even think I can add to that! Very well said!!!

Answer 3

I agree - 99% of the shelter population is from BYB, puppy mills, and "other" sources. However the people who argue against "reputable" breeders do have a point - for every litter/puppy they whelp and sell, that takes the place of one of the dogs that could have been adopted. So in a sense, they are adding to the dog population as a whole - they just aren't adding to the shelter population.

However they do things PROPERLY. They know what they're doing, they don't put their dogs' lives at risk, and they don't just hand pups over to random people without doing proper checks and stuff. So the dogs they add are dogs that NEED to be added. They're the healthy ones that can keep their breed healthy and strong.

I do everything i can in my area to help people understand about mills and BYB. I talk to people, i write essays that get noticed during classes, and i plan on owning my own shelter one day - or at least working through a reputable shelter as some sort of liaison talking about the problems and how to solve them.

Answer 4

Responsible breeders getting a bad wrap on YA?

I take that with a grain of salt.

Answer 5

That documentary was just stirred up just a lot of AR feel good hasn't it? And you are right education is the key. 80% of the shelter population are BYB drop offs, and puppymill raids - the most recent one in wisconsin took in nearly 2000 adults and puppies. The last two up here in Maine combined were closer to 400-500 hundred. The other 20% are strays, abandoned, "There dog doesn't match the furniture" "My poodle mix SHEDS (no S***e sherlock) "My puppy is too aggressive" (this ones for you chalbri) people.

Before I even talked to a catahoula breeder I took a long hard look at the breed and its personality. Was this a dog I could handle? Could my bf? Hardheaded animals and me go hand in hand. I spent MONTHS talking to breeders, owners and people who work in the rescue( No Am and Canada) and I finally found my puppy.

Its why I am so sick of people coming on here for breed information rather than going and doing the homework themselves. Its easy enough to find not only the breed's national club but local club and more than a few breeders willing to take the time and talk about what they love most - the breed.

When someone asks about where to find such and such dog I give them the breed club breeder list and the rescue list. Not everyone wants a shelter dog and people need to understand that that is perfectly fine. Its like trying to push religion on someone -doesn't work

Answer 6

I don't think responsible breeders contribute to over population of dogs at shelter.  Irresponsible dog owners, puppy mills and BYBs are the problem.  And yes pet stores should stop selling dogs and cats.  They should only help shelters with adoption.  Petsmart do that I think.  

Answer 7

I am impressed with your post.  If all pets were spayed/neutered than yes, eventually, there would be no more companion animals.  This is exactly what some "groups" ultimate goal is and why responsible breeders are lumped into the same arena as puppy mills, etc.

Most responsible breeders will thoroughly interview potential families, require a contract as well as have a first option clause in that contract. They breed to improve the breed characteristics.  Yes they charge more than BYB and puppy mills, but there costs are  but in their defense their costs are a great deal more than the puppy mill breeders.

I have sprung a few "jailed" puppies in my lifetime. Pound puppies are not for everyone.  Shelters and rescues are bursting at the seams.  Some of the cause is puppy mills and BYB, but also those that take that "cute little puppy" home that grows up.  

In my opinion, when you take on the responsibility of a pet, you are responsible for that pet for it's lifetime.  They are not disposable.  Many times people don't look to the future of this little puppy growing up, the vet bills, or what their financial situation is or may be in the future, will they have to move to a no-pet home, etc.  Granted there are events that happen, that one has no control over, but that still does not lessen the responsibility.  You are responsible then to insure that your pet is placed in a good loving home if you can't afford to keep them.  I do believe that in our disposable me me me society, people don't take the time to realize that a pet is an awesome responsibility.  I am sure this is one reason why many end up in "jail".  

I agree that education is key, but by using the right approach.  Forcing or screaming at someone to spay/neuter their pet doesn't always work and depending on the approach used, it can actually make them turn away from it. (The "Who do they think they are" attitude).   I have suggested that shelters have an open houses, invite the public to actually see the shelters (all areas) and post the real data on what happens to the pets that come in in large print, posted in a highly visible area and post the actual breakdown of costs to run the shelter. Show the people the pets that are on "death row" and tell them why.

I also think that more money should be made available to spay/neuter programs for free services.  If every vet in the country would offer just 1-2 free spay/neuters each month imagine how many less unwanted pets would be in the world.   If the "animal right" groups would donate more towards free spay/neuter instead of spending millions on radical, unorthodox approaches, government lobbying,  all the advertising they do and trying to force their beliefs on everyone. think how much this would do to control overpopulation problems.

Not everyone will agree with my opinions, but these are just my beliefs.  If nothing else people should just remember that our pets give us unconditional love no matter what and they deserve to be loved and cared for a lifetime.

Answer 8

Opinion:  You're asking the people here to engage in using critical thinking skills, to think beyond the moment and beyond the feel-good propaganda.  You're asking them to realize that most of the so-called "purebreds" in shelters are products of puppymills and backyard greeders.  You're asking them to somehow understand that not everyone WANTS a poorly bred dog-whether purebred or mutt and that those people willing to buy a $1500 dog simply are not interested in a shelter animal whether it is for health or temperament reasons.  You're asking a society that has rewarded the "do what feels good" mentality by allowing irresponsible behavior to see that they are wrong.  In a society where children are given "participation ribbons" for mediocrity you are asking them to step up to the plate and see that there is a NEED to do better.

I hate to sound like a downer-- but until this society gets its head out of the clouds as a whole and stops looking at pets as disposable I don't see most people as understanding that the reason they are giving up the dog that is still jumping up on Aunt Martha and peeing on the floor is because THEY failed and the dog is NOT the problem.

And all responsible breeders can keep doing is doing what we've always done--- screen potential owners and have a requirement that the dog be returned if it needs rehoming.

(sorry about the run-on sentences)

Edit:  Someone who wants a dog from a responsible breeder and who is willing to pay EGADS $$$$ for it simply is not interested in a shelter dog.  

Repeatedly saying "Reputable/responsible breeders take away homes from shelter dogs" doesn't make it so!!!

Answer 9

It's cause most breeders are doing it for the money. No one's against responsible and professional breeders who know everything about dogs (except maybe the extremists).

It's impossible that all the dogs will be adopted from the shelters and die happily. There is too much overpopulation.

Basically, breeding is fine. I just don't want an average person who just "loves their dog" to breed that dog.

Answer 10

Too many people are buying into the Animal Rights groups lies. Those of us who actually work in the trenches (not wandering around doing odd things in front of cameras) virtually all want to be known as animal welfare NOT animal rights.

And we know that responsible breeders take back the puppies they have bred no matter how many years have passed. This is hardly cause for overpopulation in shelters.

GRRRRR

Answer 11

Wow. This is a great post and really makes one think.

Animal artwork & Rayven, you both make very valid points as well.

There are always going to be lazy people who don't want to educate themselves and do the research. When they get a puppy (be it from a breeder or shelter) and it doesn't train itself, they are going to get rid of it, because taking the time to properly train is an inconvenience.

There are too many people in society who will do away with the thing that inconveniences them the most, so that they can get on with their happy little lives. Too many people think of pets as disposable items now, instead of living, breathing creatures.

Even someone who pays a breeder a lot of money, can be a person that will put a dog in a shelter, or use it as a yard decoration.

I think that people will continue selecting breeds based on asthetics alone and that ultimately, we will always have this problem.

I don't bash breeders who breed for the betterment of the breed. I do have a problem with BYB's and puppy mills, but as long as "Teacup" whatevers are in demand and as long as Hollywood is putting out movies w/ the latest designer breeds, there will always be a job for the BYB's and Puppy millers. Sad, but true.

Thank you for this thought provoking question... Sadly, I think that not many will get it though... as we now have a society that cannot think for itself and will only believe the media.  

Answer 12

Wow, someone actually gets it!

:)

I totally agree with you.

I got both of my dogs from breeders, but they were from the good kind of breeders. The kind that isn't in it for the money.

If the public was more educated, they wouldn't be ditching their dogs in shelters.

Great point! I totally agree with you!!