In our last article we explored the practice of puppy mills.  We saw that it was one of three types of puppy breeding operations and of those three, one of the ones to avoid when purchasing a puppy.  Its defining feature is high volume production without regard to breed standards or the welfare of the dams, sires, and puppies that they produce.  We also saw how it can be surprisingly difficult to determine whether a breeder is a puppy mill, and why, for the welfare of the dogs, they should never be supported.

In this article we are going to look at another type of breeder.  Backyard breeders—as they are commonly known—are the second of three types of dog breeders, and one to also be avoided.

So, what is a backyard breeder?  Google defines it as, “someone who breeds dogs with little to no knowledge of genetics, breed standards, or responsible animal care. Driven by profit or accidental litters, they lack the selective breeding practices, health screenings, and ethical oversight of reputable breeders.”

Let’s break that down. 

The definition indicates that a backyard breeder lacks the ethical oversight of reputable breeders.  What does that mean?  Unlike a preservation breeder, a backyard breeder is unlikely to be a member of a national kennel club such as the Canadian Kennel Club.  In addition, they will not be a member of a national breed association.  This indicates two things: 1) their dogs are likely not registered as purebred dogs, 2) the breeders have not made an ethical commitment to the betterment of their dogs.  On this second point, let’s use the example of the Miniature Schnauzer Club of Canada.  On their website it indicates that, “All members must sign and abide by the Club’s Code of Recommended Practices as a condition of membership.”

The Google definition also indicates that backyard breeders have little to no knowledge of genetics or breed standards.  This is demonstrated by default when looking at a mixed-breed dog.  Basic genetics tells us that when combining two dogs of different breeds, you can never reliably create a specific genetic outcome.  A common example of this is a claim often made by doodle breeders about dogs guaranteed to be hypoallergenic.  This cannot be possible.  A non-hypoallergenic dog matched with a hypoallergenic dog will produce both kinds.  In other words, it will not always produce one trait.  Structure, something that is guided by breed standards in purebred dogs, is another genetic trait that cannot be reliably predicted in a mixed breed.  That’s important as compromised structure affects the dog’s long-term health and mobility and should be safeguarded against.  Another indicator of having little to no knowledge of genetics is the lack of genetic health testing of the parents.  A breeder who is not aware of the importance of scrutinizing breed specific genetic disease, is not equipped to produce healthy and sound puppies.

Expecting responsible animal care is a given.  So much goes into the health and safety of dogs being bred. It’s not straight forward to produce puppies in a responsible way.   For example, a very close relationship with a reproductive vet must be established right from the get-go.  That vet is on standby from before insemination to after the pups have been weaned.  While this can be the case for some backyard breeders, there are many who do not use the services of a specialized vet either due to a lack of understanding for the need to do so, or because they are happy to let nature take its course.

Then there is profit.  What better way to make a few bucks than to pair a couple of pets a few times and sell the puppies, right?  Wrong.  Any preservation breeder will tell you there is no money to be made in breeding dogs.  If you are making money, you have either cracked the magic code, or you’re missing a few steps in bringing a genetically sound, healthy, well socialized puppy into this world.  We say it’s the latter.

Now this is where it gets tricky.  The Google definition for backyard breeders includes those who have had an accidental litter.  We feel that is not always the case.  In the breeding world, most of us know a preservation breeder who has had an unplanned pregnancy.  It’s something to be avoided at all costs, but it sometimes happens.  Our hearts go out to the preservation breeders who have had to face this sort of challenge, which may come with missed opportunities to better the breed. 

Another reason that motivates backyard breeders is novelty.  The backyard breeder may want their dam to have the experience of motherhood, or they may want their family to have the experience of puppies in the home.  As noble as this may seem, it is lacking the planning necessary to produce a well-bred, healthy dog.  Again, to cite the Google definition, “they lack the selective breeding practices, health screenings, and ethical oversight”.

Let’s move beyond the Google definition and take a closer look at a common practice: designer breeds.  Backyard breeders, like puppy mills, may try their hand at a designer breed.  The most common of these are Poodle crosses or sport mixes.  It’s important to note that the dogs used for these breedings are already compromised.  Preservation breeders who work toward the highest standard will sell on a contract, including a non-breeding clause, which is enforceable in a court of law.  That means the breeding dogs that were used for designer breeds did not come from a preservation breeder, rather they were produced by backyard breeders.  That’s two or more generations of poorly bred dogs.  The puppies that are produced will have the decks stacked against them when it comes to health.

Another practice that is common for backyard breeders is to claim purebred status of their dogs but not have them registered.  In Canada it is law to register a purebred animal.  Specifically, section 64(h) of the Animal Pedigree Act makes it unlawful to offer to sell, contract to sell, or sell an animal as a purebred if it is not registered or eligible to be registered as a purebred.

There is so much more to be said about the practice of backyard breeding and the associated negatives when it comes to breeding puppies.   Instead, in our next article, we will move on and explore the positives of working with a preservation breeder.  We will look at the practices and commitment preservation breeders share, which enables them to produce puppies bred to the highest standards for show, performance, and most importantly, as family companions. 

If you found this article to be helpful, be sure to like and share it so that others can understand the importance of working with responsible breeders, as they go about finding a great puppy to call their own.