Ethical Breeders vs. Backyard Breeders

Regardless of side, breeding of any kind is a very sensitive subject (especially nowadays where shelters and rescue groups are operating at max capacity, and euthanasia rates are at their highest in years nationwide).

While the above is due to several factors (most of which is human lack of: commitment, responsibility, compassion, and negligence), unethical, irresponsible, profit-based breeding (aka "backyard breeding") is a contributing factor.

It's literally impossible to open popular apps nowadays (such as Nextdoor or Facebook) without seeing, yet another, dog being rehomed, found (many are being dumped or abandoned by their owner), or puppies being "rehomed" (which makes zero literal sense; they're being *sold* for profit).

There are, of course, instances where accidents happen: gardeners leaving a gate open, doors not latching when we close them, kids leaving the front door cracked, dogs giving pet sitters or dog walkers the slip, in tact dogs getting together and producing a litter (never a matter of "if" but *when*. Sex drive is an intense and deeply ingrained part of every animal. While some dogs may give us the slip, most "accidental" litters are pure irresponsibility on our part). All this being said, the bottom line is this....

We don't have a dog problem.

We have a human problem.

And countless puppies and dogs everywhere (as well as cats, horses, etc.) are paying the price for this... often the "ultimate" price.

(Ethical) Breeding is both an art and a science. There's an insane amount of research, knowledge, experience, respect, and passion involved.

Backyard breeding is becoming more popular given the current economic climate, and - quite frankly - greed, lack of compassion, and disrespect. It's nothing more than getting 2 dogs of a certain breed together, letting Nature take its course, then selling the puppies for profit. No health screenings, no DNA or genetic testing, no respect or knowledge, no care.

Now, while citing a "rehoming fee" is also used to prevent dogs from getting into the wrong hands, many backyard breeders will use this to avoid cyber-bashing and backlash. They just want to make a sale.

I will always rescue. There are far too many amazing dogs--- and good, but gravely misunderstood dogs --- in shelters and in need). But I also support ethical breeding (breeders doing it *right* and for the right reasons; sadly, they don't make up the majority- but they do exist).

This post is to create awareness.

Whenever we make a purchase of anything (even our food), we're casting a vote in honor of the practice and intention behind it.

Do your homework.

Be a part of the solution, not the problem.

And do realize that dogs in shelters and rescue aren't flawed or broken. They're simply homeless (...and this is an entirely different post).