Why do people dislike dog breeders?

Question

Some breeders treat dogs humanely but all breeders have to struggle with the negative connotation involving their line of work. I want to become a breeder and I know I would be humane to my dogs and puppies but I don't know how to announce to people that I want to be breeder without getting attitude or scowled faces. I don't know how to deal with the negativity.

Thank you to all who responded, whether negatively or positively, I am pondering both sides of this argument. I am both passionate and compassionate. I really do feel badly about animals being euthanized every day. This has given me much food for thought about whether I want to become a breeder.
On the other hand, I had really done my research about the Shih Tzu breed standards, getting a good vet, heat cycles, pregnancy, labor, whelping, care of newborns and etc. I have an organized list of all the whelping/puppy care supplies I would need and planned it out. I did not for one minute think that I would just put two dogs together and let them have at it.
I am torn in this conflict.
One of my dogs is a rescue from a family that was starving her and letting her suffer from multiple conditions like skin allergies, pyoderma, staph infections & fleas. I can't stand knowing that there are others out there like this.
I just know I have the best intentions for wanting to breed.

Do you want to know who is really responsible for dog overpopulation? Do you want to know what breeders think of the whole "breeding vs. rescues" issue? Visit this site....It helped me make my mind up http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/articles/breedersvsrescues.htm

Answer 1

Uneducated people think that all breeders are the same...BYB, puppy-millers, and real breeders. They lump them into one group and think the same about all of them.
Many people also think that just because you breed, your puppies are taking homes from dogs in shelters.....which is NOT the case with real breeders.
Education goes a long way, but cannot be forced on the unwilling!!!!!

Well...I rest my case!!!!!! Totally clueless dolts that ACTUALLY think that EACH person that buys from a breeder would go to a shelter and get "dog-of-the-day" if they didn't go to a breeder.
ANyone ever think that some people LIKE to be involved in activities with their dogs that require a dog BRED for that purpose???? I cannot do draft and water work with a Cocker Spaniel. WHy would I go and get someone else's reject when I can get a breed that suits my purpose???? Know what the NUMBER ONE reason people get RID of their dog to a shelter???? Because it was the WRONG DOG FROM THE START!!!!!
People that go through real breeders are FAR less likely to dupm at a shelter because they have given real THOUGHT to the dog purchase!!!!! It is NOT an impulse buy!!!!! The more though you put in, the less likely you are to be dissapointed!!!

Get a clue people!!! Not everyone wants a shelter dog! I have had several and ALL came with major issues!!!! Don't expect everyone to desire that!!!!!

And for their "proof" they are citing YOUTUBE!!!! Jesus!! Get a freaking CLUE!!!!

Answer 2

All breeders reputable or not get slammed . People are uneducated & throw all breeders into one barrel. I am a breeder & I'll be the first to admit they are some crappy breeders around. To be a responsible breeder your going to need $$$$ , a mentor in your breed, show your future breeding dogs, & countless hours of research. If my husband knew how much money , I spend on my dogs , he'd shoot me ! When it comes to negative comments ignore them. Remeber to always be polite, no matter what. A little kindness goes a long ways ! I have been accused of running a puppy mill by two prospective buyers. After visiting my dogs (I only have 3 breeding females) , myself, & my home. They both purchased puppies. As long as your breeding to better the breed and your dogs are very well cared for. don't worry.

Answer 3

I do volunteer dog rescue and see the problems of bad breeding and overpopulation. However, I do not dislike all breeders. In fact, some of my best friends and dog mentors are responsible breeders. The woman who ran our breed rescue before she retired and we took over breeds dogs and I have and continue to learn scads from her. She shows her dogs too. And she continues to do rescue work as so many reputable breeders do.

The difference between those breeders I admire and those whose practices I dislike is enormous. K eloquently described how to become a reputable breeder and gave advice well worth taking.

Answer 4

The easiest way to do this is to not breed more dogs than you can handle, and to study up all that you can on the breed you plan to use. With the uprise of puppy mills in the last few years a lot of at home breeders are being lumped in with them. Not to mention you have people who breed dogs and don't have a full understanding of the diseases hereditary issues that each particular breed is prone to. My best advice is to do your homework find a good vet who deals with at home breeders and can be avail any time for any problems that might arise or even will do house calls.

If you mean well and aren't trying to do this just for the money then I say go for it have fun and make sure this is something you really want to do and not just something that seems like a good idea at the time.

Answer 5

It's not that the breeders treat the dog in an outwardly inhumane manner. It's that there are so many irresponsible breeders who aren't educated and don't know what they're doing. You really have to prove yourself as a breeder to earn respect. You can do this through healthy lines that fall within breed standards and excellent temperament.

Answer 6

A few disreputable breeders have caused others to be tarred with the same brush by some people. Anyone who subscribes to Dogs magazine or its like knows better. Were I looking for a purebred dog, I'd look for a proper breeder. So would most people. If you decide breeding dogs is for you, join a breeders association. Best of luck!

Answer 7

I am not going to sugar coat this, so, I'm sorry if I upset you.

Unfortunately, you will be greeted with a share of negativity regardless of your intentions. I kind of see what you mean, but I ask you to seriously consider the other side.

The dog breeding industry has gotten waaayyyyy out of control. Breeders are producing these puppies in alarming numbers. On the other hand, homeless dogs who aren't as genetically perfect sit and wait to either be adopted or put down. It's not like there's a dog shortage.
But because of the love affair people have with "designer dogs", the pretty dogs get purchased, while the ordinary mutts sit in cages. It isn't fair to bring more dogs into this world while there are many perfectly loyal and wonderful dogs waiting to be brought home. Do you know how many innocent dogs (and cats) get euthanized every day? Go look that up and maybe you'll feel a little more sympathy for them.
It's not a valid way to make money. If so, then that would be blood money; the blood of all the dogs that died so that one of your bred dogs could live.
THAT is why people hate dog breeders.

Answer 8

Well this is very easy if you phrase your question correctly.
If it is information your want then state that. If your asking about breeding, and what to be a responsible breeder than I would answer your question gladly. If you ask and are really ready to do the research, spend the time reading everything you can get your hands on about the breed of dogs you have chosen then I'll be glad to talk with you.
Just don't ask a question about this after your dog has already mated and is now in labor and you don't know what the heck to do!

Being a good and responsible breeder is alot more than getting 2 dogs together and wondering what to do next.
You want to be a breeder than ask away for the future. It took me 5 years before I decided to breed. There are no short cuts if your going to do it right. Are you willing to research, read, get a mentor, show your dog?

Answer 9

If you would like to become a breeder, please remember that breeding is not a profession. It's an avocation. Responsible breeders breed to preserve and improve the breed to which they are dedicated. They all have other careers from which they earn a living, in order to support the expensive hobby of responsible dog breeding.
If you are sincerely dedicated to your breed and have the money to invest in breeding, the first thing to do is obtain a copy of the Breed's standard. Many breed parent clubs can also provide you with a booklet that is a "visualization" of the standard. Study the standard and the illustrated visualization until you know the standard from memory and have a good idea of what is considered "correct" for the breed.
Next, find out about dog shows in your area. Attend the shows watch your breed ring and train your eye to determine which dogs most closely conform to the standard. Speak to some of the breeders whose dogs are fine specimens and see if one would be willing to mentor you in the breed. Obtain a show quality female pup from one of the breeder's whose dogs you admire. While proving your dog's breeding quality in the ring by finishing her championship, you will learn a lot about how to preserve and improve your breed. Your female will not be ready to breed until her third heat, and after the age of two, so during this time, you will read, read, read, about your breed, dog anatomy, genetics, breeding, and the whelping and rearing of puppies.
When the times comes to breed your female, you will have her evaluated by breeders whose dogs you admire and whose ethics you respect. You will, with their help, decide which traits to strenghten and which to improve or correct by breeding her to a dog who has been producing those qualities in his get. You will have all the health clearances and genetic testing done that is available. The appropriate stud may not be local, so you must travel to evaluate various studs from various kennels. Then, when you decide which stud to use, you will pay the stud fee, have your female tested for brucellosis, and send your female to be bred.
If all goes well, your female will be pregnant. You will buy all the necessary whelping equipment. In 63 days, your female will whelp one puppy, (or deliver one by Caesarian section), which you will decide to keep because she is a better specimen of the breed then her mother. In that way, you will continue to improve the breed. (Personal experience and food for thought).
Remember also, that being dedicated to a chosen breed entails much more than producing puppies. It is the responsible breeders who found, fund & man the Breed Rescue Groups, who fund and participate in studies of canine health issues, who educate the public, mentor aspiring breeders, and in general dedicate their lives to the welfare of their breed.
It's a very serious investment of time, money and passion.

Answer 10

I don't dislike all dog breeders.

I admire and respect the time and effort that reputable breeders put into their dogs.

I dislike backyard breeders and puppymills. All they do is contribute to over-population of pets and are often just out to make a quick buck (puppymills especially). They also breed sub-par quality dogs (which are often unhealthy as well).

EDIT:
To the person who said yorkies are rare, they were the 2nd popular dog breed registered in the AKC in 2006. They are not rare at all, in fact, they are quite common.
http://www.akc.org/reg/dogreg_stats.cfm