Breeder Characteristics |
Trait | Puppy Mill | Commercial Breeder |
Backyard Breeder |
Reputable Hobby Breeder | Reputable Experienced Breeder |
Motive for Breeding |
To make a profit |
To supply the demand & make a profit |
To produce puppies for profit, often for the kids, or to have another just like one of the parents. |
To better the breed & continue a well thought out plan. |
To perfect a specific type to leave a legacy. |
Breed Club Member |
Hardly ever |
Has a network of business contacts instead. |
May masquerade as a member |
Yes & Extremely dedicated |
Yes & very active, generally an officer |
Mentor |
Not interested in breed improvement |
Does not specialize in specific breed |
Works independently, lacks guidance |
Invites knowledge |
Is a mentor, writes books/articles, conducts seminars |
Breeds to the Standard |
Uses any available stock. |
Focuses on general appearance. |
May not even know what it is. Breeds to any convenient dog. |
Strives towards the ideal |
Often helps to define it. |
Activity in dog related activities (shows, trials, rescues) |
Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers--pet shops, etc. |
Does not need to promote establishment, sells to brokers, pet shops etc. |
Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials |
Shows and trials to prove worth Shows & trials to objectively test breeding stock. |
Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. |
Knowledge of the Breed |
Often pretends to know some. |
Claims that it's not important. |
May share false/incomplete info |
Studies continuously |
Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. |
Sells pets with spay/neuter contract and tries to stay in touch with new owners |
Often issues papers via generic "registries" |
All pups sold have full breeding rights. |
May charge more for "breeding" papers. |
Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny |
Always differentiates breed/pet quality and insists on frequent updates |
Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in depth guarantees |
No need to, mostly supplies brokers and pet shops |
Meets minimum standards as required by state law.
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May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Considers shows and trials as too "political". |
Goes above and beyond standard requirement |
Maintains a solid support system -accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced |
Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. |
No interest may offer papers as proof of quality.
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No interest May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. |
Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. |
Intensive testing always a priority |
Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. |
Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. |
Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. |
Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable |
Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. |
Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced |
Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data.
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Clean environment always maintained |
Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. |
Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. |
Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. |
Usually "home raised with love" and well cared for. |
Often Cluttered but always healthy and mentally stimulating |
Expected longevity with any particular breed |
Will continue as long as the sales are coming. |
Depends on popularity of specific breeds. |
Unrealistic expectations - easily disillusioned. |
On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. |
Involved with the breed/ breeding for decades-makes a lifetime commitment |
Health Guarantee provided |
No cuts into profits |
7 day guarantee mandated by state |
No health guarantee beyond proof of 1st set of shots, if that. Not qualified to give advice if problem arises. |
Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. |
Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. |
Ability to meet the parents of the litter |
If available, may be in poor physical condition. |
If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. |
May or may not be well loved & cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. |
Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment, stud dog too if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. |
Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities & can speak at length about how puppies compare. |
What you can expect after purchase |
Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. |
No concern for dog after sale is final. |
Tells you if you can't keep it to take it to the pound or shelter. |
Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. |
After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. |
Price |
Lowest End of Range |
Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. |
Mid Range to move puppies quickly |
High end of mid range |
Price will not reflect all that is invested |
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