Why do people breed their dogs when they know millions are killed each year due to overpopulation?

Question

Ok - Read this before you answer me telling me that there are reputable breeders and people who know what they are doing -
I know there are good breeders out there. I know that they are rare, but I have no problem with breeders who know what they are doing and breeding for the love of the dog- not the money. I know that Chetco is one of them, or so it seems, so don't b*tch at me telling me that I'm wrong and stupid etc. But why does 80% (give or take) of america choose to ignore the fact that 610 animals die each minute in the US? I know it's clearly ALL about the money, but do you think these people are truly unhappy people who'd rather have shelter dogs die than live w/out a few bucks? It makes me sick when I see people asking stupid questions like "Does anyone want to breed their dog w/me?" "How should i breed my dog?" "How much should I charge for my new puppies?" Clearly, if you don't know the answers to those questions, YOU SHOULD NOT BE BREEDING. Period. I'm done ranting.

Thanks everybody for your answers - i guess there are more smart people out there than I thought!

Greggreason--
Why in the world should I calm down? People dump their animals on us, the shelters, and WE are given the dirty work of going thru euthanizing the poor animal, who is perfectly healthy and could be an amazing pet. Get your head out of the gutter. Thanks for uh, telling me that I have passion, but your wording makes it seem like the things I have passion for don't count. If people like us weren't around, then i think it'd be a bigger deal. ugh people like you make me S I C K

Ok jen, you're a hypocrit. You tell me that it's none of MY business as to what other people do, but yet you insult me saying that I'm probably over 60 and have too many animals in my house.
ugh people like you should be SHOT

Answer 1

Although many people do care about specific breed standards, the answer ultimately has to be money. When you consider the fact that one unspayed female dog or cat and their offspring can exponentially produce something like 67,000 puppies or kittens over a six year period, even reputable breeders need to stop and think about what they are doing when they sell puppies to people bent on breeding. Since we've lived in this rural area, we've routinely had dogs abandoned out here. Once, someone dumped 10 dogs, mostly females that had obviously been used in puppy mill operations. They were in horrible shape. I had to help animal control catch them and it was heartbreaking to gain the trust of these dogs only to know they would be euthanized because of their health. The final two were deemed 'uncatchable' and it took me about 2 weeks to finally catch them. We had them for about a year and a half but we finally had to euthanize them because of their tendency to be aggessive toward people. The early abuse they suffered left horrible scars on them physically and emotionally. We've seen about everything here and it's been difficult for me to hold my tongue when I hear people talk about wanting to breed their dog. I have 9 dogs, including an old blind diabetic Pug that someone dumped out about 3 months ago. He requires twice daily insulin injections, but other than that and being blind, he's an awesome little dog. All I can say is that I will never again purchase an animal, because I know that when I do that, I am contributing to the horrible problem of breeding for profit. If you want a dog, cat...even a horse (don't get me started on the PMU horses), check out rescues, animal shelters, or humane societies. If you do get a puppy or kitten, have it altered before it comes into heat so you don't contribute to the problem.

Answer 2

I definitely know where you're coming from. I have worked in an animal shelter for most of my life. It's hard to not become jaded when all you see is animals coming in and not all of them go home. And it always seems like the best dogs and cats are the ones that don't make it, b/c people want the puppy, or the purebred. Don't get me wrong, all dogs are great, but people just don't understand that certain dogs work best for certain situations.
The main problem isn't so much the people, but our enemy is IGNORANCE!!!
Ignorance to the problems pet overpopulation cause, not only for the animals, but for society, people, and the earth in general.
Breeders need to understand the code of ethics for responsible breeders.
http://www.ibizan.freeservers.com/ethics.htm
http://www.acdca.org/breeders_coe.html
http://www.breeders.net/code_of_ethics.html
here are some good websites, if you're interested, but i'll sum up some of the major ones:

A responsible breeder:
1. Breeds for the sole purpose of improving the breed, without commercial intentions (hint: if you're making money breeding dogs "on the side," then you aren't breeding appropriately. The cost of responsible breeding far outweighs the price you will receive for puppies)
2. Only breeds dogs of approprate age, health, temperament, and breed standards.
3. Will not sell or consign their puppies to pet stores, puppy mills, or others wanting to breed for commercial reasons. They will be very scrutinizing as to the homes for their puppies.
4. Will not breed their dogs unless they have the resouces, knowledge, and commitment to care for all offspring, even if they must keep or take back the dogs for the rest of their lives.
5. Will keep accurate records and never misrespresent their puppies.

one of the worst statements i hear from breeders is: I found homes for all my puppies. This may be true, but do you know that those puppies won't end up in a shelter or worse themselves, and each of those puppies took the home of another dog that was already on this world.

We must understand that, the moment we domesticated dogs and cats for our own personal use and gain, that we made an agreement to the balance of life to be their caretakers, and responsible for their welfare, for they cannot be returned to the ecosystem as wild animals without upsetting the balance.

Answer 3

Hey calm down. The fact that overpopulation of small pets is not the breeders fault lady. People don't spay or neuter their animals, which causes them to make woopie with animals in the street. Those animals give birth to pups or kittens, and then those animals that live on the streets are found by the pounds, held in a kennel for awhile, and then killed. I know that sucks to but the real problem is people need to spay and/or nueter their pets. And those who choose not to do it are the professional breeders who are able to keep the breed population under control while breeding a good dog for good owners.

I'm 100% sure that 98% of domesticated animal overpopulation comes from careless owners who don't keep a watchful eye on their pets. These pets have an animal instinct to mate with any animal anywhere of the same species.

You posed a great issue, but unfortunately it is pointed in the wrong direction. I tip my hat in admiration for the passion you have about this whole thing. Cheers!

Answer 4

I work as a behaviorial trainer with a dog rescue.
I wish more people thought like you.
Although I train dogs most of the time I just fix the "operator error"
Most of what I see are people problems not dog problems.
I see so many dogs in rescue beacuse the person had no clue what the breed was like or how much work they were.
If people would just be responsible my life would be easier and many dogs lives better.
I totally agree with your post. If you do know the simple questions you have no business breeding a dog.

Answer 5

I have just bred my boston terrier with my other boston...and did it only to share the love of the breed with others. Irresponsibility with pets is just one issue people have...I mean, why do some people care more about animals than humans? Or a rain forest vs. children. Don't get me wrong, I love animals too...I just think alot of things are out of whack in the whole world, not just animal overpopulation. Personal responsibility is where the problem is...spay your dog or cat if you don't want litters of unwanted pets. It's all about learning - don't tell people they shouldn't breed just because they don't know certain things. Seriously, what kind of a world would it be if YOU could not have asked this?! Stop preaching, go out and act if its something you feel this passionately about!

Answer 6

Agreed with your ranting. It's all about making the money. I haven't bought a dog from a breeder and don't intend to. The animals that I have gotten in the past are from the humane society. I feel that I am doing my part in finding a good home for the cat and dog.

Answer 7

You have a really good question. There are people who don't have much common sence, and even though they are told, they dont see anything other than whats sitting in there face. For example: They see they're cute little dog would probably love to have puppies, and they would be so cute. They also know they probably can't keep them. So that is when they think " well i can give them to a family who needs a dog to love" "if im going to do that, why not sell them?" Thata the majority of people, and the rest are just dumb and dont care, they just want to let their dog mate.

Answer 8

I agree with you, but there's one other thing you should consider. I'd say the majority of dogs that are considered "over population" are strays and run away's that mate. Not so much the dogs from breeders. A lot of breeders already have pre determined homes for a good portion of their puppies. (Not that, that isn't also the case when they can't sell / take care of them) but do consider how many strays are out there and that are caught.

I think breeding is just fine when it's out of the puppy mills hands... They are the true animals! More people should adopt.

Answer 9

It's a simple case of supply and demand. For whatever reason, there is great demand for purebred dogs, and breeders are doing their best to match this demand. Yes, it is about money, but the bottom line is that if there wasn't such a high demand, this wouldn't even be an issue; thus, consumers must share the responsibility for the overpopulation problem.

Answer 10

I couldn't agree with you more. I have only owned pound puppies for my entire life and will never own a pure bred. These dogs are the best and who cares where they come from? I only have to pay $50-$90 to adopt a lovable, reliable, and loyal dog. I always spay or neuter my dog. I dont want to be the cause of overpopulation. I think you are totally right. There are other ways of making money. Get a second job like the rest of us!