What is your opinion on dog breeders?

Question

Do you think it is morally ok to breed dogs and sell them for a profit? Or to buy dogs from a breeder? I am kind of lost on this one... part of me thinks that if there is a breed of dog that you really want, go for it, but part of me thinks of all those homeless dogs out there. As a child, I grew up with a purebred golden retriever in the future (we arent getting a dog just now)
and wouldn't have wanted any other dog. Part of me wants to get another one just because i KNOW for sure that they are wonderful, but part of my concience feels guilty about the other dogs out there who need homes....

So what is your standpoint and opinion about dog breeding? And why?

oh yes and one thing i forgot to add is that i am NOT talking about puppy mills, which are extremely cruel and mean, but a qualified breeder who treats their animals well.

Answer 1

I currently have a Pure bred Pekingnese that lives with my mom (we got him from a petstore when i was younger, we didnt know about puppy mills then. Now i dont get my animals from petstores) And I just got my 9 week old Dachshund from a Breeder.

I've ALWAYS wanted a doxie and read up on them and decided to get one. The lady I got her from was VERY nice and kept all her dogs inside. I went to her place to check things out and I was very please. If you know a specific dog you want then go for it.

But also, my dad and stepmom didnt know what kind of dog they wanted. But they knew they wanted kids later on in life so they went to the ASPCA and adopted a german sheperd/rottie/terrior who was very submissive and was VERY obediant and calm. If you don't know what kind of dog you want, I suggest going to a shelter.

Either way, you will get a dog that loves you wholeheartedly. I feel guilty sometimes, but I know I have always wanted a doxie. Once she gets older (a year or so) I plan on going to the shelter with her to pick out a sister. I've always wanted to rescue a dog myself, but i always wanted the breed I wanted from a breeder.



Great question!

Answer 2

I've purchased dogs only from breeders (due to my mother's firm standing she won't have any other in the house), but I also work at my county pound which in turn is run by a breeder. So I believe both are absolutely great. I have no problem with requtable breeders. WHY? Because a good, responsible breeder will state in their sales contract: THEY are to recieve the dog back should the buyer no longer be able to own or care for the dog. Reputable ones DEMAND the dogs back, for the reason to keep them from going to a shelter and getting them a good second home. No matter if a friend or neighbor stated they'll take the dog happily buy the dog from you.

Here's what I see people don't understand: Good breeders have almost nothing to do with the homeless dogs. It's the OWNERS and the bad breeders or back yard breeders they buy from as well. Because they do not research, they are not prepared so they dump the dog! They can't handle the dog, so they dump it.

Hell hounds, people, just look at some of the questions asked on here! People stating because of a MINUTE problem with their animals (potty training relapse, training problems), though they'd hate to do it, if it's not fixed they're giving the dog up. Where in the blue noon do you think it's going to go? The local pound or shelter is most likely.

Instead of everyone just slandering good breeders, take a look at dog owners as well.


Learn the facts. Then you can judge and insult. Not before.

Answer 3

I ofen wonder just how many people that are down on breeders have actuality went to their home and spent time with the breeder. I doubt very many of them have. I am a breeder and very proud of what I do. I went into breeding Shih Tzu's because some of the things I have seen that I didn't like and I did do something about. I even save one from a breeder farm. All my dogs live in my home.. they are not crated and have the run of the house. I only breed my dogs once a year and only if my vet gives the ok.
My dogs comes first my puppies comes second.

When it is time to breed the male and female that are being bred stay with me or my husband. They aren't crated nor left alone. Since I have my own business I can take them to work with me.

All my dogs are DNA tested. Micro Chip. Once my puppies leave me I keep in constent contact with the people that buys my puppies. They either call me , bring the dog by so I can visit with it or send me pictures but I always know how they are doing.

I welcome people to stop by at anytime to spend time with my dogs. I do know there are bad breeders but give the ones that are good a chance. I make them sign a contract that for if any reason they can't not keep the dog no matter what age that dog is to come back to me.

I do not sale a puppy with out proving to the people that my dogs are AKC register and the puppy papers are there for me to sign off. I do have a waiting list for my puppies. They are not breed for show dogs by all means.. They are pets only. Bred to be love and give love. I am very picky who I sale my puppies to as you should be when buying from a breeder. I love my fur babies I would never put them in harms way.

Answer 4

Everybody who has had a bad puppy experience is quick to blame the breeder. However, as a very conscientious AKC breeder, I am appalled at the lack of knowledge presented by most puppy buyers. Before you ever consider buying a puppy, it is YOUR responsibility to completely research which suppliers might be reputable in your area. There are many who are not, it is true. But, if you buy one of their puppies and have a bad experience, you can only blame yourself for perpetuating that breeder's business. You VOTE with your dollars!
As for "profit"...there is very LITTLE profit, and actually a great deal of expense if one is operating a reputable kennel business. So, then WHY do breeders raise puppies? The concern is to preserve a particular breed because they prefer and particularly love that breed. Reputable breeders are VERY selective about which dogs they use to parent puppies.
Yes, you may choose a dog from the pound, but you never know the history of that dog. You may be getting in over your head with an older dog. Or, you might get lucky...it's a crapshoot. Whatever you do...Do Your Homework BEFORE getting emotionally involved in getting a dog. You deserve better, and so does the dog.

Answer 5

A reputable dog breed serves a purpose aside from making a profit. A certified dog breeder (not a puppy mill, or a backyard breeder but someone who is reputable) helps to preserve the standard for the breed.

Many dog breeds would have gone extinct if breeders hadn't been around to nurture the breed and bring popularity back for that breed.

There are dogs out there in shelters and being put to sleep and homeless not because of breeders but because people aren't responsible. They don't spay / neuter their pets, they don't take responsibility and train their animal, they just aren't good people. It has nothing to do w/ dog breeders.

They are helping to save and preserve dog breeds.

Answer 6

I have both shelter dogs and a pure bred. Honestly, I have fallen on both sides of the fence, but this is how I think of it...

Reputable breeders don't make that large of a profit on their puppies, if any. They put quite a bit of money into breeding beautiful, healthy, exceptional representations of that breed. They believe in furthering the breed not increasing the profit. If you are dealing with a good, reputable breeder, you do get what you pay for and so much more.

Of course, shelters have a special place in my heart and always will. I am sure I will almost always have a rescue in my home. For someone who is just looking for a good pet and doesn't feel strongly one way or the other which breed to get, this is the place for them.

Answer 7

Reputable breeders that do health testing prior to breeding to determine if the dog is even breedable and helps determine which pairings will reduce the chances of passing on health issues. Breeding only quality dogs that conform to the breed standard, thorough health screening and well balanced temperments. These breeders will take a pup/dog back if you can no longer keep or maintain it, any age, regardless of circumstances and they are very happy to assist you at anytime along the line if you need help with you pup. (Lifetime breeder support)
They rarely make a "profit" from breeding dogs, as the money put into the sires & dams and then the litters when they arrive to ensure quality pups is phenominal (which alot of people don't understand).

The ones that we refer to as Back Yard Breeders, that claim they have Champion blood lines, and they're referring to 5 or 6 generations ago, do not do health testing and breed their females ever time they come in heat, they usually have pups available at all times, and sometimes more than one litter at a time, probably breed 3 or 4 different breeds (some even mixed breeds on purpose), those are the ones you need to be careful to avoid. These breeders, once they've got your money, you're on your own......

If you are looking into a purebred dog, a reputable/responsible breeder will have more questions for you than you do for them!

Answer 8

it depends on what you mean by qualified
in my opinion, im qualified to breed dogs, i have whelped several litters, participated in matings, hand fed puppies, and have six of my own dogs, but i dont breed my dogs because i dont think any of them could further the breed

i think a good breeder only breeds a litter to make better speciman of that breed, and, most really good breeders will back up thier dogs,

so, if you buy a golden from "me" and two years from now cant keep it, i will take it back and keep it until i find it another home,
i will breed only enough dogs i can reasonably care for if god forbid EVERY ONE is returned for one reason of another

and

i will activelyu participate in golden rescue and probably foster pure bred goldens that i did not breed, and i will be able to tell you every bad thing about golden retreivers before i tell you one nice thing

your right to feel guilty, but why not just adopt a golden retreiver from a rescue, they are out there and need homes and you will be deleting from the problem instead of just not adding

Answer 9

I'm agree with you. Purebred dogs are amazing because you know the quality of the dog but also, rescuing a dog, (which i have done my whole life) saves a dog. MY friend has a pure bred Golden Retriever named Quincy and the dog is amazing. She also saved a dog named Cinnamon.

I don't hate dog breeders but i would much Rather rescue a dog unless i needed to get a pure bred, like an allergy dog (where the dog doesn't give of dandruff so people aren't allergic)

Answer 10

I'm torn too...
firstly, any selling of any thing that is living and breathing, has a heartbeat and a soul bothers me...it's too close to slavery for me..many folks who sell animals don't do thourough checks of the homes they are going to, what kind of people they are going to...I've seen so many animals (dogs/cats/horses) end up in homes that are just horrible! (living and breathing loving creatures are not cars to be made a profit off of)
On the other hand...a breeder, who breeds a line of dogs/cats/horses whatever that are top of the breed...conformation, temperment etc...
but many people get pets that are purebred and breed them without regard to health (dysplasia etc) or temperment just because they want to make a buck..
that's awful..
again, I'm torn