Reputable Dog Breeding Trivia Quiz

Answer: Backyard breeder

Many people wrongly assume that the term "backyard breeder" is to be taken literally. Disreputable breeding can take place anywhere, not specifically in a backyard. The term "backyard" is purely a figure of speech and is used to describe the more frowned upon, unprofessional approach some people take to breeding. In the UK it's more commonly known as "backstreet breeding".

Answer: For betterment of the breed in question

The only acceptable reason to breed is for betterment of the breed in question ie. to improve the breed in terms of health, temperament, conformation or working ability. It is considered very ignorant to breed for any other reason ie. for the novelty of cute puppies, for profit or so children can witness the miracle of life first hand.

Answer: Money

Breeding reputably is very expensive and includes costs such as genetic testing, show entry fees, potential emergency vet care, vaccination fees, stud fees, etc. Reputable breeders can often do little more than cover their costs.

Unofficial breeders are, for the most part, only in it for the money and the puppies sold are often not well cared for - many die soon after they've been sold.

Answer: They will place the puppy on a limited registration with their nation's Kennel Club until they have proof it is spayed/neutered

Placing a puppy on a limited registration means that any offspring it has itself cannot be registered. Granted, it cannot actually stop potential new owners from breeding their new puppy but, as most realise that an unregistered puppy is worth hardly anything (and as most are only in it for the money they think they will make), is will deter most.

They would rather have a registered puppy that can't reproduce itself than an unregistered puppy that can.

Answer: The new owners are required to have them spayed/neutered at the appropriate age

It is inevitable that all reputable breeders will produce SOME dogs that just do not have the potential to be anything other than a loving pet. The difference between these breeders and backyard breeders is that these breeders do not AIM to produce pet-quality dogs.

The best way to ensure their genes are not perpetuated is to make their spaying/neutering a requirement by their new owners. The best way to do this is to place the puppy on a limited registration until proof that it has been spayed/neutered is in possession of the breeder.

Answer: There are enough wasting away in shelters. Why produce more?

There are many reasons why it is unacceptable to breed mutts, but the fact that so many are wasting away in shelters has to be one of the biggest. Reputable breeders work to better the breed, and when breeding is done properly, it is not at all frowned upon.

There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as lurchers. These are strictly mutts, but are bred for a specific reason: to work. This is very different to putting two dogs of random breeds together and allowing them to breed.

Answer: A national Kennel Club, while the only legit dog registry, still registers dogs that do not have genetic clearances and have not been shown/worked/titled

A national Kennel Club will register the good, the bad and the ugly. As long as a dog is a proven purebred, it can be registered. Reputable breeders don't just breed purebreds - they breed purebreds that are proven to be healthy and proven to be quality examples of their breed.

Answer: They have far better means of advertising and communicating with the people most suitable to own their puppies

Reputable breeders will be associated with local/national breed clubs and will frequent many shows and working events. Through this they will have acquired many contacts in the dog breeding world and thus will not have to resort to advertising on any public website to sell their puppies. Reputable breeders are in such high demand that they often have a waiting list of over a year long for puppies.

Answer: A contract that states on what conditions the puppy was sold, including health guarantees

The contract is a huge "must". Not only does it make it clear to everybody involved who holds what responsibilities, it also protects both parties should someone decide to ignore what the contract states. The other options, whilst nice sentiments, are not necessary. Taping the whelping would hardly be the #1 priority when a dog is giving birth and in a very vulnerable situation, most new owners would rather buy their own lead/collar and most people should be able to find their own vet surgery/obedience classes/groomers.

Answer: To check how tidy the house is

Contrary to popular belief, a reputable breeder coming to your house is NOT there to check how tidy it is. Of course, a good breeder knows there is a difference between untidiness and dirtiness/lack of safety, the latter of which would indicate a household that is not safe for a very young animal, and would not send an animal to a home where there a significant danger of it being poisoned, electrocuted or abused in any way.