Pets - Backyard Breeders

Pets of the Kawarthas

Back Yard Breeders

By Susan Porter Dunkley,Peterborough Humane Society

While we at the Peterborough Humane Society actively promote #Adoptdontshop, we recognize that there aremany options for people looking to add that special someone (furry) in their lives. We often get asked, whatdoes it mean to shop from a “backyard breeder”?

The term “backyard breeder” is often used to describe dog breeders who intentionally breed one or a few dogs but have very little knowledge or who accidently litter because they hadn’t got around to spaying their female dog yet. They may seem harmless, but there are so many of them that they are making a substantial contribution to Canada’s pet overpopulation crisis. In many cases, the animals involved are not tested for health or genetic problems and typically there is no thought to where the puppies will go.

If you care about dogs, one of the worst things you can do is purchase a dog from a bad breeder. When you find a dog breeder, it is essential that you check references. Talk to other families that have purchased dogs from that breeder. Check that the breeder is affiliated with the local and national breed clubs. Most importantly, make sure you visit the breeding facility and meet the puppies’ parents (mother at least).

QUESTIONS TO ASK A DOG BREEDER: The breeder should be able to give you detailed answers that confirm what you have learned from your own research on the breed. What type of care is required for this specific breed? Does the breed have specific needs I should be aware of? How long have you been breeding dogs? Do you sell your dogs to pet stores, puppy brokers, wholesalers, or online? Can I visit the facilities where you breed and house your dogs? Can I meet the litter of puppies and their mother? What is the health and behavior history of this line (parents, grandparents, etc)? Can I see the breed registration papers for the puppies and their parents?

If the breeder cannot produce these, leave without buying a puppy.

Can I see the veterinary records of the puppies and their parents? What happens if my dog is diagnosed with a hereditary disease? Does the puppy I buy come with a guarantee? What happens if I can no longer keep my dog?

THINGS TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT: If the dogs in the facility appear to be in poor health, or the facility is poorly kept, walk away.

Is there is mandatory spaying/neutering of pet quality animals? Do they always have puppies for sale, sometimes two or three litters at a time? Did the breeder screen you or ask questions about your home environment and the life you can provide for the puppy? Are the puppies are ready to go before the proper age (under eight weeks of age)? Can they provide references from previous clients.

Responsible breeders will take back the dog, and/or refund all or part of the fee you paid for the dog, and/ or work with you to have the dog treated (if you want to keep the dog). A good breeder wants to know if the puppies remain in good health. The breeder should tell you that you can return the dog if at any time in the dog’s lifetime you determine you cannot keep it They will want to be aware that the puppies stay in good health.

When talking to or meeting with a dog breeder, you must look at the facts, but also go with your gut. If something does not feel right, ask questions or consider visiting your local Humane Society or rescue shelter and give a chance to one of the many dogs that come in to their care on a regular basis.