Responsible versus Irresponsible Dog Breeding

What makes a breeder good or bad? What distinguishes responsible handling of breeding from irresponsible or even borderline abuse? Here are some basic definitions to start with: Back Yard Breeder: Any person(s) perpetuating the poor quality pure bred "pet" producing puppies that are not of a higher quality than the breeding pair that does not test for genetic disease or disorder or pursue a general improvement of the breed for the purpose of fun or profit. Puppy Mill: A person or organization that produces more than the standard number of litters per year (Which is 2) with more than two breeds of dogs that does not test for any diseases or disorders or attempt to produce puppies of a higher quality than the breeding animals for the purpose of profit. Responsible Breeder: A person who breeds for the betterment of the breed, who tests for genetic disorder and disease and strives to reduce it's occurence through careful selective breeding producing puppies of a higher quality than the breeding pair for the purpose of improving the breed.

Should I breed my dog?

Many people go into breeding for reasons that are not well-educated or realistic. With the alarming number of both pure bred and mixed breed dogs being euthanized every year because they had no homes it is absolutely crucial that a person go into breeding for serious, rational reasons and for none of the following: 1. My dog is so cute and wonderful, my neighbors love him and alot of people have said they would like to have a dogs just like him(her) 2. A dog makes a better pet after it has had a litter (False. Dogs actually become more territorial, and their chances of cancer and other deadly diseases increase by over 90% when they are bred) 3. I want my children to see the miracle of birth 4. My dog is purebred and has papers 5. I want another dog just like mine 6. I can make a little extra money 7. I want to create a new breed 8. My neighbor really wants my dog to breed with theirs 9. It would be fun 10. I like puppies and want alot of them

If you really aren't sure, and think you really want to breed your dog, do as a very wise breeder once told a group of young would-be breeders "Walk through an animal shelter, if you can look into the eyes of every dog that is cowering alone and afraid in those cages and be absolutely certain so help you God that no dog you ever bring into this world will ever be among them for any reason, EVER, for as long as you live, then you can be a dog breeder"

Dogbreed Rescues For the rescue and placement of unwanted purebred dogs

No More Puppymills Site dedicated to educating and informing the public about Mills.

Brazos County Animal Shelter My local shelter, understaffed but dedicated, often has purebreds available for adoption.