Backyard breeders (BYBs) usually do not have bad intentions. However the results of backyard breeding are often devastating and obviously add immensely to the pet overpopulation in this country.
Most of these so-called purebred dogs are sold locally through newspaper ads. Most BYBs feel that their responsibility to the dog ends when they have sold the dog. The MAJORITY of these backyard breeders do not have the knowledge to breed dogs. They do not research genetic or health problems in their dogs, thus breeding dogs prone to having severe problems. Most do not know how to raise a healthy, well-socialized litter. Most will not or do not have the knowledge to help the new owners with problems that come up. These puppies are usually not sold with contracts. The majority will NOT take their dogs back if the dog does develop any kind of health or behavioral problem. THESE ARE THE DOGS THAT FIND THEMSELVES IN RESCUE OR WORSE!
Most backyard breeders do it for the money or because they feel they have a ‘cute’ dog. Some feel that dogs should have at least one litter. They do not consider what kind of home the puppy will be going to.
You will often pay a lot less for one of these puppies because the breeder spent a lot less to ensure their physical and emotional health. However, in the long run, you are likely to pay a great deal more in vet bills or you may just have to give the dog up because you can’t cope with the problems. REPUTABLE BREEDERS TAKE CARE OF THER OWN.
A SAD CASE
A little boy came into Rescue. He had had several families in his short lifetime but couldn’t find a forever home. The first impression was of his size….a Westie is normally between 15 and 22 pounds. This boy was thin and weighed 25 pounds. Then came his personality. As he grew to know his foster family, he would become more and more unpredictable. He would lay on the floor while everyone watched TV and then suddenly jump up and charge at a person, growling and curling his lip. He lived in 3 foster homes and each time, his behavior got worse as he became accustomed to the home. Finally he bit when someone walked into the room. Now we understood why he was unable to keep a home.
During his foster stay, we had his hips x-rayed. He had a positive diagnosis of hip displasia. This condition is the result of poor breeding. It is very painful and not curable. The only help for it is extensive surgery and even then, there is likely to be remaining pain. This boy had to be put to sleep. The family that bought him typically thought they got a bargain price for a purebred Westie. What they really got was a lot of disappointment and medical bills along with a sad life for any dog. Because the breeders sold the puppy and got their money, they will keep on producing more of these dogs….and people will keep on buying them.