We Need to Put a Stop to Breeding

Breeding really should be banned, if they're not breeding with ethics.

Purebred dogs with papers can end up in shelters. Just because a dog has papers doesn't mean it was bred by a reputable breeder who follows breeding ethics set by reputable registries. 

We shouldn't ban breeding all together, we need to ban breeding mutts. There is not a single reason as to why mutts should reproduce. Reputable breeders do not breed mutts. 

( Mutt - a dog of unknown lineage )

How do you know if a breeder is reputable?

First things first they're the realesttt. No, really though, they are the only ones who should be breeding. The REAL first thing first is, do they have papers from a reputable dog registry? If the answer is "No", walk away. If they DO in fact have papers from a reputable registry, you may proceed......... With caution!

Have they used any labels that would be considered a back yard breeder term? 

Examples of a back yard breeder term who claims to have "Pit Bulls" are of the following:

Bluenose, Rednose, Gatormouth, Gotti, Razer Edge, XL Pit Bull, XXL Pit Bull, Block Head etc. (These are the most common I have seen and heard)

First of all, if a breeder claims to have a Pit Bull or Pit Bull puppies for sale, they are not Pit Bulls if they have used any of the aforementioned bloodlines or "types".

A breeder of Pit Bulls know the only type of Pit Bull is a Pit Bull. I have recited this many times throughout this blog. The American Pit Bull Terrier is the only Pit Bull. Therefore, a Pit Bull is the only type of Pit Bull. Just as the Jack Russell Terrier is the only Jack Russell. They can both be classified as Terriers, but no other breeds can be called Pit Bulls or Jack Russells.

Basically, if a breeder is calling a dog something of ignorance (lack of knowledge), do not continue any further with said breeder. 

On to temperament...

A dog evolves into their temperament. The majority of puppies are energetic, happy, playful, loving etc. However, all human babies cry when they're hungry. As adults, they no longer cry. They become evil. At least I do. BASICALLY I am trying to tell you, a reputable breeder will wait until the dog is an adult to breed. Human brains do not stop developing until the age of 25. Dogs are not mentally or physically matured until 2 to 3 years of age. An owner (especially a breeder) will notice once a dog has become fully matured based off of it's actions. 

If you breed a male at 8 months of age, they can prove to be unstable later on in life. Temperament is another genetic trait passed down into future generations. Shyness, aggressiveness, fearfulness, dog aggression etc. can not be nurtured out of a dog. If a dog was never dog aggressive until it turned 2 or 3, it is because it has now fully matured into the dog it was always meant to be. Dog aggression will always be okay within some breeds. Just as animal aggression in general will always be an acceptable trait. Human aggression however, is NOT okay. If a dog is aggressive towards humans, first you need to try and give it a soft cull (spay or neuter). If the soft cull has no effect on the dog's aggressiveness, it needs to be put to sleep.

With that being said, waiting until the dog is age appropriate is crucial when it comes to temperament. A dog should be temperament tested by a certified dog trainer who will give unbiased results. If in doubt, ask for the trainer's name and contact information. You should then research the trainer. By breeding a dog who isn't at full maturity can be dangerous, especially depending on the breed. 

On to health....

No dog alive should be bred until it is at least 2 years of age. I'm sure you're asking why I have came up with that loony idea. Well, it really isn't a loony idea, it is again, science. Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or OFA, is a MUST when it comes to responsible breeding. All breeds are predisposed to different health problems. Large to giant breeds, especially German Shepherds, are known for having hip-dysplasia. By having a dog tested through OFA, it cannot promise the dog does not carry the genetic trait. However. it can give you an idea of the likeliness of said dog developing the genetic trait later on in life. If said dog's chances of developing any type of dysplasia is relevant, it shouldn't be bred. 

You can go directly to CLICK HERE DAMMIT  to check on a certain breed and see what their statistics are. Ask the breeder for proof of OFA testings. If the breeder is not willing to show you, it is time to walk away. You should not be spending money on a new dog or puppy for it to cost you thousands in healthcare when it was completely unavoidable. If I know a breeder does not OFA test, I know I will not use that breeder.

On to conformation...

Are you buying a puppy because you want it to look a certain way? Just because a dog doesn't look identical to the ones you searched on google doesn't mean it is mixed with something. It doesn't? Uh.... Nooo. A dog can be 10000000000% purebred and not fit breed standards. However, a reputable breeder will not breed a dog if it does not meet the breed's conformation and temperament standards.

Ask to see the dam (puppy's mom) in person. If a breeder is not willing to let you come to their house, they need to at least be willing to show you videos. Some people are sketchy, so I do not hold a breeder a fault for not disclosing their location. Take a good look at the dam. Does she physically meet breed standards? If she does, move on to the sire (puppy's dad). Some breeders will use a stud which belongs to another person. However, reputable breeders will use a stud that also meets breed standards. If the sire also fits breed standards, you may continue.

If either the dam or sire do not meet breed standards, do not buy a puppy from them. Just because the sire and dam meet breed standards does not mean all puppies from the litter will meet the standard. However, you have a better chance of your puppy being your dream "google image" with both parents being conformationally correct.

Moving on to reasoning... 

Why does the breeder breed? Do they think their dog is pretty? Do they like puppy breath? Do they just like the breed? If that is their only answer, walk away.

A reputable breeder will ONLY breed for a purpose. There are MANY different purposes for breeding dogs. However, if the main purpose isn't to better the breed, walk away. A reputable breeder will only breed dogs who fit conformation standards, temperament standards, health standards, etc. Whether the purpose of their breeding be for show or work, they will always need a reason behind it. That reason should be to better the breed. 

If you breed mutts, you cannot better any breeds. You can only better pure breeds. There is literally no conformation a mutt should follow. Therefore, mutts should not be bred. Breeding mutts literally kills dogs world wide. Chances of a back yard breeder's dog ending up in a shelter is statistically higher than that of a reputable breeder. 

How many litters does the breeder have annually?

If a breeder has one stud to 10 females, there should be major red flags. If a breeder is using their dog's to pay bills, walk away. Reputable breeders can put upward 10 thousand dollars into one litter. This can be between healthcare, food, shots, appointments, stud fees, testings, shows, training etc. A breeder will usually shoot for recouping the amount of money they have spent to care for the litter. If a breeder is selling a puppy for 2500 dollars because they spent 2500 dollars on the dam or sire, walk away. Breeding shouldn't be considered a job, but rather a hobby.

If a breeder has 5, 6, 7, 11, 15 litters a year, you should look elsewhere. Back yard breeders see their dogs as cash cows. If a breeder has 2 litters in the same year with the same female, look elsewhere. Again, the dog is being seen as a cash cow. It is detrimental to the dam's health if she is being bred back to back.

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Overall, a lot more goes into breeding than just somebody who likes puppies. Of course you should look for a breeder who loves and cares for their dogs. However, loving and caring for a dog does not make a breeder. A lot of time, money, and research goes into being a reputable breeder. Not every person will have what it takes to be a good breeder.

We need to fight to put an end to back yard breeding. Shelters are not overrun with reputable breeders productions. Shelters are overrun with unwanted mutts who were sadly produced by back yard breeders. An accidental breeding makes one a back yard breeder as well.

Stay away from pet stores! Pet stores are nothing more than puppy peddlers who buy out a whole litter from puppy mills and commercial breeders. Stick with a breeder who breeds one breed. Breeding is literally a full-time hobby. Breeders learn something new every day. A good breeder will stick to one, maybe two, breeds. Not all breeds are the same. Breeders cannot know the main things to know about 10 different breeds. Not to mention, it is typically illegal to own more than 4 domesticated animals in one household unless they're under the age of 6 months. 

Do your research before purchasing a puppy. If you are not willing to put in the research to find a reputable breeder, adopt a deserving dog or puppy from your local shelter or a rescue. Purchasing puppies from back yard breeders will give them more momentum to continue to destroy breeds.