Navigating the world of dog breeding can be challenging, especially when it comes to backyard breeders. In this article, we’ll examine the potential drawbacks and ethical considerations of backyard dog breeders and offer advice on how to find responsible breeders.
Along the way, we’ll explore other backyard-related topics, such as managing a backyard greenhouse and building a backyard sandpit. Join us as we delve into the world of dog breeding and help you make the best decisions for your family and furry friends.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Importance of socialization for dogs |
| Risks associated with backyard breeding |
| Responsible pet ownership includes spaying and neutering |
| Adopting a dog from a shelter can save a life |
| Knowing the breed of your dog is important for their health |
Are Backyard Dog Breeders Bad?
Backyard dog breeders can be a bad thing. Why? Because they’re not professional breeders and they don’t have the knowledge or experience of a professional breeder.
These people are usually just looking to make some money, and don’t care about the puppies or their health. They may also be breeding dogs with health problems.
The main difference between backyard dog breeders and professional ones is that professionals put a lot of time into getting their dogs ready for breeding, including making sure that they’re healthy and happy before starting a litter.
Backyard breeders often skip this step because it takes too much time away from them making money off of selling puppies!
Backyard breeding of animals can be a controversial topic. If you’re curious about whether it’s legal or not, check out our article on the legality of backyard breeding to get a better understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding this issue.
What Is The Purpose Of A Backyard Breeder?
Backyard breeders have a wide range of personal motivations for breeding dogs. Some are in it to make money, while others want to get rid of unwanted puppies or simply have a hobby.
Others may hope to help their friends raise the puppies they need, while others want to keep certain breeds going and ensure their survival.
The bottom line is that if you’re considering buying a puppy from a backyard breeder, there’s no way of knowing how much experience the breeder has or whether they’ve thought through the implications of what they’re doing.
Why Are Backyard Breeders Bad?
Backyard breeders are bad because they do not care about the health of the animals, their welfare, or their mental and physical health.
They also don’t care about socialization or training for their puppies which means that when you buy from them, you’re likely to end up with an unhealthy pet that has no idea how to behave around people.
This can be dangerous if you have small children or other pets in your home who might not understand why a dog would act out of control or be aggressive towards them.
Interested in raising animals in your backyard? Our article on 11 animals that can be raised in the backyard provides a helpful guide to choosing the right animal for your space and needs.
Do Backyard Dogs Get Health Issues More Often?
Yes. The majority of backyard breeders have not been breeding their dogs for health and longevity, so they are more likely to pass along genetic issues that can lead to serious illnesses later on in the dog’s life.
Common Dog Breeds and Their Health Issues
| Breed | Health Issues |
|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | Hip dysplasia, obesity, ear infections |
| German Shepherd | Hip dysplasia, bloat, allergies |
| Bulldog | Respiratory issues, hip dysplasia, skin infections |
| Golden Retriever | Hip dysplasia, cancer, skin allergies |
| Beagle | Obesity, ear infections, epilepsy |
What Is Considered A Backyard Breeder?
A backyard breeder is someone who breeds dogs on a small scale, without any of the professional standards that a professional breeder would have.
They do not have a license, they do not have a kennel or proper housing for their dogs, they usually don’t take their animals to the vet regularly and they often keep them in poor conditions.
The hardest part about being careful with where you buy your dog from is knowing what makes it more likely that you will come across one of these backyard breeders. If you see an ad offering puppies at half price then beware!
If this type of person tries to sell you one of their puppies for less than $200 then run away as fast as possible because there is probably something wrong with this animal.
The best way to tell if someone is a backyard breeder is if they refuse to show pictures or videos of their breeding facility (or lack thereof).
Pros and Cons of Backyard Breeding
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Control over breeding process | Potential health risks to animals |
| Ability to breed rare or unique breeds | Lack of regulation and oversight |
| Financial gain from selling puppies | Increased likelihood of behavioral issues |
| Ability to keep puppies within the family | Contributing to the pet overpopulation problem |
Why You Should Not Buy A Dog From A Pet Store?
You don’t know the history of the dog. The history of a dog can be very important, especially if you’re buying it as a companion for your children. You may not have any idea where this dog came from or how it was treated before being sold to you.
For example, some backyard breeders don’t properly socialize their puppies so that they are friendly and comfortable around people and other dogs when they grow older (which is why it’s best to buy from reputable breeders).
You don’t know the health of the dog. A lot of pet stores get puppies from backyard breeders who don’t take proper care of them when they’re young and that means that puppy mills often use poor breeding practices like inbreeding (which leads to genetic problems).
Or unhealthy conditions for breeding dogs (like extreme heat). So even if you think that all puppies look adorable right now, do some research into what kind of conditions they were raised in!
You don’t know whether or not this puppy has been vaccinated against diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, and kennel cough.*
Is It Bad To Buy A Dog From Craigslist Or Facebook?
No, it is not bad to buy a dog from Craigslist or Facebook.
There are many good dogs available on these sites. However, you should be careful to check the background of the breeder and the health of each dog before you decide to purchase one.
Raising backyard chickens not only provides fresh eggs, but it also has environmental benefits. Learn more about why backyard chickens are good for the environment by checking out our article on the environmental benefits of raising backyard chickens.
If I Don’t Have Papers, Does That Mean My Dog Comes From A Backyard Breeder?
A lot of people wonder if their dog is from a backyard breeder. If you don’t have papers for your dog, it means that he/she was born in a puppy mill and was likely taken from his or her mom too soon.
Buying from a backyard breeder supports the puppy mill industry, which means that more dogs will be born into horrible conditions where they are kept in cages with no human contact or love.
Buying from backyard breeders also increases demand for these types of dogs, which leads to even more puppies being bred in terrible conditions.
If you want to support animal rescue groups instead of supporting puppy mills, please do not buy from backyards!
Why Should You Not Adopt From A Puppy Mill?
If you’ve been thinking about getting a dog, then you’re probably considering going to a breeder. Puppy mills are not only bad for your health, but they’re also bad for the environment and the economy.
Here’s why:
Dogs who live in puppy mills are physically abused and neglected by breeders because they want to produce as many dogs as possible to make money.
This means that their living conditions are often very poor they may have no bedding or toys at all (or just one toy), live outside without proper shelter of any kind (even if it’s -10 degrees outside), and never see sunlight or fresh air, etc.
These conditions can lead to severe health problems like deafness and blindness due to untreated infections such as mange, and heartworm disease caused by ticks that carry parasites that infect dogs’ blood cells (this is fatal if left untreated).
Hypothyroidism causes weight gain leading up to diabetes mellitus type 1 where there are high sugar levels in the blood due not having enough insulin produced naturally anymore after suffering from too much stress over time so now we need artificial insulin injections daily which cost $40 per month plus another $20 every time we go get them refilled upon the expiry date.”
Deer can be a nuisance in your backyard, but there are ways to keep them out. Check out our guide on how to keep deer out of your backyard to learn about effective strategies for deterring these animals.
Where Do The Dogs Go After They Are Rescued From Puppy Mills/Backyard Breeders?
The dogs that have been rescued from these places are either put up for adoption, or they are fostered in a home. The ones who are not tame enough to be around people will go to a professional trainer and learn how to become more sociable and friendly.
The rescues also work with other shelters and rescues across the country, as well as across state lines and even international borders.
What Can I Do To Help Stop Puppy Mills And Backyard Breeders?
If you’re looking to buy a puppy, please don’t get one from a backyard breeder.
Instead, try these alternatives:
- find a reputable rescue or shelter in your area and adopt a dog that needs a home
- attend an adoption event at a local animal shelter to meet dogs who need homes (you can search for events on PetFinder)
- consider fostering or adopting an older or special needs dog (these dogs are often less likely to be adopted)
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand what a backyard breeder is and how to avoid buying from one.
As always, if you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. We would love to hear from you!
Grass isn’t the only option for your backyard landscape. If you’re looking for alternative options, our article on what to replace your backyard grass with provides creative and eco-friendly alternatives that will make your yard stand out.
Further Reading
How to Recognize Bad Breeders: This article provides additional information on how to recognize and avoid bad dog breeders.
Signs of a Bad Breeder: This article discusses the signs of a bad breeder and provides tips for finding a reputable one.
Are Backyard Breeders Illegal? Explained: This article provides more information about the legality of backyard breeders, which is a related topic to the article being analyzed.
Are Backyard Breeders Good? Explained: This article examines the advantages and disadvantages of backyard breeding, which is a topic related to the article being analyzed.
11 Animals That Can Be Raised in the Backyard: This article talks about different animals that can be raised in the backyard, which is a relevant topic to the article being analyzed since it provides alternatives to breeding dogs.
How Do I Keep Deer Out of My Backyard?: This article discusses ways to keep deer out of the backyard, which is a topic relevant to the article being analyzed since it can help prevent backyard breeders from attracting deer.
Are Backyard Chickens Good for the Environment?: This article examines the environmental benefits of raising chickens in the backyard, which is a related topic to the article being analyzed since it provides an alternative to breeding dogs.
FAQs
Q: What are backyard dog breeders?
A: Backyard dog breeders are individuals who breed dogs in their backyard without proper knowledge, facilities, and breeding practices.
Q: Why are backyard dog breeders bad?
A: Backyard dog breeders are often responsible for producing puppies with health problems and behavioral issues due to improper breeding practices. They also contribute to the pet overpopulation problem by breeding dogs without proper screening and care.
Q: How can I recognize a bad dog breeder?
A: Signs of a bad dog breeder include overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions, lack of proper health testing and documentation, and unwillingness to show you the puppy’s parents or the breeding facilities.
Q: Are backyard breeders illegal?
A: The laws regarding backyard breeding vary by location. Some areas have regulations in place that restrict or prohibit backyard breeding, while others do not. It’s important to check with local authorities to determine the legality of backyard breeding in your area.
Q: Are backyard chickens a good alternative to backyard dog breeding?
A: Backyard chickens can be a good alternative to backyard dog breeding, as they provide a source of food and can also help with pest control and fertilizing the soil. However, it’s important to research and understand the care and maintenance required before starting a backyard chicken flock.
For 15 years, Hellen James has worked in the gardening industry as an expert and landscape designer. During her career, she has worked for a variety of businesses that specialize in landscaping and gardening from small firms to large corporations.