Being a dog breeder I have learned a lot about bloodlines, genetics, testing, breed clubs and animal behavior. I do tons of research about the dogs I am breeding so that I can both improve my dogs breed and continue the characteristics in that breed that is both the standard as well as desired for that breed. I spend hours talking to breeders, looking over papers, researching bloodlines, etc. which is, or should be, a normal part of showing and breeding dogs. Other huge parts of my program include getting testing done on my animals to ensure healthy animals without some of the possible genetic issues, working in field tests and trials to find proven inherent abilities desired by people interested in my breed, and constant work with the dogs themselves. Becoming a dog breeder is expensive, its time consuming, and it is a huge responsibility.

My issues come, quite frankly, from seeing all these “designer” dogs being bred and sold. Watching this new fad develop and become popular has been a hard pill to swallow. I know someone who paid 350.00+ dollars for a dog that was one part this that and the other. My personal feeling is it’s a mutt, no there is nothing wrong with a mutt. However, you can get one at the animal shelter, usually with all their shots, spayed or neutered and occasionally house broken and well adjusted for fewer than 100.00. An added benefit is being able to provide a well needed home for an unfortunate dog. While I agree some shelter animals have serious issues and will never make good pets, it is true this happens to shelter pet and purebred alike, however the lead organizations for shelters have tried to put things in place to weed out problem pets, like the ASPCA for example. However, people also have to accept responsibility and learn about proper dog care and obedience and not expect a dog to just get it.

Breeding a pet is not an easy thing and should not be entered into lightly. It involves research, education, a network of other respected breeders and veterinarians, as well as friends to lend a hand when needed. A responsible breeder will breed with consideration for the pups they will create before they are even a factor, begin finding homes before their birth, provide a lifetime of help and support for each dog they bring into the world and offer help when things come up, as they do in life to ensure their dog has a place to return to if anything every changes. Another important thing to note is when you breed a dog there is always the chance that you will lose your dog, their puppies or both.

The facts are that there are too many dogs in pounds and on the street for people to be intentionally creating dogs for fun or profit. To be clear I am not only opposed to “designer” dog breeders but also to the breeders of purebred dogs out there breeding without consideration and that is just as wrong to me especially since they are marketing themselves otherwise. People should look into breeders always ask tons of questions and consider carefully why they want a dog and what they want the dog to be in their lives for, companionship, hunting, showing, agility, or just to be spoiled remember that pure bred dogs are great and have a place but if you want a cute dog and don’t care what it is or want certain types of dog or a certain look there are places to find them. For your “designer” dog the animal shelter is by far the best place to find them, you can even let the animal shelter know what types of breed you are interested in and they can contact you if something like the breeds you want comes into the shelter. Know what you are looking for, the time you have available for your pet, and size requirements for your living situation and always take at least a day to think over a pet purchase, when you rush into buying a pet unprepared everyone involved ends up unhappy.