Definitions of a Responsible Breeder

[Quercus]

This is GREAT! I wonder if we can make it a sticky here? I don't know how to do that…

[JoT]

Wonderful. Thank you for sharing. I have printed out a copy.
Jo

[stazy]

Interesting link.

[DebraDownSouth]

I think there is no need to separate the last 2. Nor do I see the typical BYB like portrayed. Most are simply clueless, breeding because they want to, no idea of any problems with it and not trying to cheat or deceive anyone… they simply are not informed. It is rarely mainly for profit. Heck often they give the pups away. The second they move into knowledge enough to try to appear so, they have moved, imho, into the puppymill category whether they produce 1 litter or 10 or 100 a year. That is a "for profit" arena. Further, I don't think there is a true difference between puppymill/commercial. The separation, to me, is utterly meaningless. And sadly, I also know of many pm/commercial who are more active in events because the public is getting wise and having a few titled dogs helps them sell many more.

[YodelDogs]

I actually agree with Debra about this. Puppy mills and commercial breeders are the same thing with the same goals. Hobby breeders and reputable experienced breeders are the same thing. Putting on seminars or writing books does not make a person a better breeder than an experienced, dedicated "hobby" breeder. I also agree with Debra that most BYBs are just clueless, especially if it is thier first litter.

[dmey]

I think the main difference, and I think it's an important one, between the hobby breeder and the reputable experienced breeder from the chart is scale, the hobby breeder having a few dogs mostly as pets, where the other can have a large number of dogs. That's not to say that the hobby breeder is not reputable and experienced, or vice versa.
I am not sure, I think I would prefer maybe a hobby breeder? For example, how would you categorize Fopaw basenjis? I was looking at their site,i think from what I can see on the site and everything I have heard of them here, and as valued members of this forum, that they are more the hobby breeder from the chart.. Right??? And maybe eldorado would be the experienced reputable breeder from the chart because they have a lot of dogs…

[gbroxon]

I think it's a great chart to use for comparison for the average dog buyer. I also believe that most BYBs are in it for the money…although I don't believe they're in it to make a living...just a little extra $.

[DebraDownSouth]

I don't think experienced breeders more likely to have large numbers than a hobby breeder. Since I don't see a difference between them, all responsible reputable breeders fit together.

Sadly "hobby breeder" is used a LOT by byb/pm to fool the public, saying they are RESPONSIBLE, just don't show.

[tanza]

I consider myself a Hobby Breeder…. because this is my hobby... and why I work to support it...

What I see most in BYB ads is the words like "Family" or Family Business.....

I think that BYB's latch onto anything that they can find that would make them sound more responsible to the general public....

[Schouiffy]

Hey, could we make that link a sticky ????? Alex ?

[Quercus]

@gbroxon:

I think it's a great chart to use for comparison for the average dog buyer. I also believe that most BYBs are in it for the money…although I don't believe they're in it to make a living...just a little extra $.

exactly…the term that you hear most often is for the breeding to "get the money back I spent on the dog" as if a pet were an investment!! ugh...

[Andrew]

@Quercus:

exactly…the term that you hear most often is for the breeding to "get the money back I spent on the dog" as if a pet were an investment!! ugh...

A pet is an investment…. although your returns are in the companionship and affection you receive Similar to the way a car is an investment. As soon as you drive it off the lot, it loses much of its value to others (depreciates) & although it provides a service, costs you time, money, upkeep & maintenance for around a decade.
But on a more serious note, I like this chart a lot. I do think its a great reference for those who aren't sure what differentiates good breeders from less reputable breeders, even if some of the lines between two different categories could blur or overlap.