When obtaining a dog, there are two routes to take—rescue or breeder. If one goes the breeder route to get a purebred dog, there is the possibility of encountering a backyard breeder and not realizing it. It is always better to deal with a reputable breeder for several reasons, such as temperament stability, care for the animals, having all questions answered correctly, and after-purchase guarantees.
Some backyard breeders are in the camp of “Oops, my dog is pregnant, everyone gets a puppy.” This piece is focused on the backyard breeder that intentionally and continuously produces litters of puppies with no regard for the safety or welfare of the dogs.
A reputable breeder has carefully selected the type of dog they want to reproduce, done their research and has become knowledgeable of the health concerns plaguing the breed standard. They will have veterinarians do health screenings for both parents to ensure healthy litters. A reputable breeder will often invest so much time, energy, and money into a litter that they rarely make a profit. Screening of potential buyers is mandatory, making sure the puppy goes to the best home possible.
A backyard breeder will not take the time to search and plan the mating process between the best possible dogs. They are in this for profit, not taking the time to invest properly in health care for the puppies. Their knowledge of the breed is limited. If a buyer has cash, they get a puppy.
Knowledge
Most reputable breeders will belong to national and local breed specific organizations. They will be able to answer any and all questions a potential owner may have, having done their research on the breed.
Facilities
With a reputable breeder, either both parents will be on hand or at least the mother will be presented. The father may have been brought in for a stud fee, but there should be information on him as well. The facilities are properly situated indicating that there has been an investment made in this litter. Most breeders will take care not to impregnate one female more than twice in her lifetime and will wait until the mother is at least two years old. At the age of two most dog breeds hit maturity and are considered an adult.
In the case of a backyard breeder the parents may be tucked away, so as not to distract potential buyers from the cuteness of the puppies. They will not be concerned for the age of their females and will start breeding them as soon as the mother has her first cycle (Anywhere from four to six months) and will continue to breed every cycle.
Health
Health is of primary importance to a reputable breeder. They will ensure every single puppy is in peak condition and offer a guarantee, usually in the form of buying the puppy back if a genetic health issue arises.
Since the backyard breeder is more interested in making a profit, they won’t make any such guarantees or promises when it comes to their litters. It is a get what you pay for kind of deal.
After Purchase
When all is said and done, the puppy has gone to their new home, a reputable breeder will be interested to know how their puppies are doing. There are often contracts as to spaying/neutering and promises to take the dog back for any reason rather than see it surrendered to an animal shelter or rescue.
A backyard breeder will not look back once the puppy has left the nest. There is usually no spay/neuter agreement and won’t take the puppy back should anything happen to it or the new owners.
Purchasing a puppy does fall under the “buyer beware” category. If a buyer is armed with knowledge of what to look for in a reputable breeder, then there shouldn’t be any reason for wariness.
