"The reason people breed Labradors
is that they're the most popular breed and that they make lots of money
having puppies, right?"
WRONG!--but, unfortunately, right
in some cases also. How can this be?
The truth is, there are breeders and there are breeders. On the high
end there are a number of serious hobby breeders (this
is true of any breed) whose main purpose is to breed the best dogs they
possibly can and who do so in an effort to improve their breed and enhance
the qualities of that breed. Money is not a consideration for these breeders
in that they are willing to spend what it takes to keep their own dogs
healthy, participate with others in the enjoyment of various dog-related
activities, and maintain the highest standards of breeding knowledge and
ethics. They study genetics, pedigrees, canine behavior (important in
order to breed the correct temperament), health-related issues, and more.
They invest a tremendous amount of time and energy in their dogs and in
becoming as knowledgeable as possible about their breed. Various hobby
breeders have contributed to a discussion of what it means to be a responsible
breeder -- reading their comments
and browsing through this
site (please excuse the cat stuff!) should help in understanding
the difference between this group and the next category.
The next category is what responsible hobby breeders refer to as "backyard
breeders". These are individuals who breed for a variety of reasons
("I want one just like my PreciousDog" or "I want the
children to see the miracle of birth", etc., etc., ad infinitum,
ad nauseum...). They are not necessarily bad breeders intentionally;
but they haven't invested the energy and time required to know how to
go about it in a way which minimizes problems with the offspring and
sends puppies to happy, loving homes. These puppies are normally the
ones you see advertised in the newspaper for less money than the hobby
breeder charges (who is just breaking even, usually), and they are also
one of the major contributors to the presence of pure-bred puppies in
animal shelters. However, not all is lost with this group. Many of them
can be educated to either do it responsibly or not do it at all.
The third category represents the worst of all possible scenarios.
The true puppy
mill whose only motive is profit. The practices of these "breeders"
are sickening, disgusting, immoral, and -- unfortunately -- legal in
several mid-Western states. They keep dogs in incredibly unsanitary
conditions, seldom use vets, breed bitches on their first cycle and
on every cycle after that until the poor creature is totally wasted
and then they unceremoniously destroy her -- they won't keep or feed
a non-revenue-producing animal. These people provide most of the puppies
found in pet shops; it's one of the major reasons responsible breeders
won't be caught dead in a shop that sells dogs (cats either, for that
matter -- and usually no pets at all!). For more information on puppy
mills, check these sites:
Abby's
Story
The Pittstown
Puppy Mill
And to see what reputable breeders would consider a puppy mill cloaked
in an imposter's costume of respectability, see "Pick
of the Litter". Over 30 breeds, litters available all of the
time, they ship anywhere to anyone who sends in the cash. Although this
site makes liberal use of some "buzz words" to make you think
otherwise, the absence of things like OFA and CERF clearances on breeding
stock, screening of buyers, and promoting puppies as breeding stock speaks
for itself. You be the judge.
To see what a true Breeder's Code of Ethics looks like, there are several
AKC Licensed Labrador Retriever Clubs who have web sites that include
copies of their breeders codes and articles to help you know what to look
for. There is surprising commonality regarding what is included. Check
with your breeder to find out what practices are followed. Some of the
Breeders Codes are available on these sites:
Back to Kellyn Labradors Home Page
Lakewood, Colorado 80227