Okay, I guess I just can't help myself and want to chime in.
Let me preface this with saying - (and please don't bludgeon me) I don't have a problem with many backyard breeders. I'm not talking about the 10 litters a year, just trying to make money people. I'm talking about people without time to show (because if they don't show, we tend to call them BYBs) but with a genuine love of the breed and dogs in general. For example, Janet (not throwing you under a bus, promise - but I was surprised at how only Michele came to your aid and thought I would join her) is a perfect breeder, IMO. I mean, she nurtures those pups in her home, loves them and cares for them. We all know because we've all (or most of us) laughed and cried and had our heartstrings pulled by the window she has allowed us into her home. I would take Janet over a show home any day of the week.
That is because I don't want a show dog. I don't care if he is too tall or too short or has ultra Champion bloodlines. Now, all of the pups sold in such homes should be sold on neuter/spay contracts - yes. And the parents should be tested - yes. But it is my understanding that the standard doesn't make perfect temperaments. Unfortunately, the AKC sets physical standards. Who are they to say that dogs within all of those specifications are sound? For me, who just wants a companion, what makes a failed show prospect any better than a dog raised by someone not on the circuit?
All that said, I do admire show people. I think they mean the best for dogs for the most part. However, I am ever the skeptic. This is not a black and white issue. There are vast areas of gray. Some show homes do not produce good pets. Some produce our forever pups. Some BYBs produce too many without attention to quality. Some BYBs love their pets and their reasons aren't money or just liking puppies - it is because they are darn good at socializing, at molding those little puppers into good companions, and will provide the kind of support/advice a household needs.
I propose Janet is one of the good ones. My breeder also would probably be considered a BYB. It is impossible to lump every non-show home breeder into one category and call it a day. Do as you wish, but I won't and can't.
Let me preface this with saying - (and please don't bludgeon me) I don't have a problem with many backyard breeders. I'm not talking about the 10 litters a year, just trying to make money people. I'm talking about people without time to show (because if they don't show, we tend to call them BYBs) but with a genuine love of the breed and dogs in general. For example, Janet (not throwing you under a bus, promise - but I was surprised at how only Michele came to your aid and thought I would join her) is a perfect breeder, IMO. I mean, she nurtures those pups in her home, loves them and cares for them. We all know because we've all (or most of us) laughed and cried and had our heartstrings pulled by the window she has allowed us into her home. I would take Janet over a show home any day of the week.
That is because I don't want a show dog. I don't care if he is too tall or too short or has ultra Champion bloodlines. Now, all of the pups sold in such homes should be sold on neuter/spay contracts - yes. And the parents should be tested - yes. But it is my understanding that the standard doesn't make perfect temperaments. Unfortunately, the AKC sets physical standards. Who are they to say that dogs within all of those specifications are sound? For me, who just wants a companion, what makes a failed show prospect any better than a dog raised by someone not on the circuit?
All that said, I do admire show people. I think they mean the best for dogs for the most part. However, I am ever the skeptic. This is not a black and white issue. There are vast areas of gray. Some show homes do not produce good pets. Some produce our forever pups. Some BYBs produce too many without attention to quality. Some BYBs love their pets and their reasons aren't money or just liking puppies - it is because they are darn good at socializing, at molding those little puppers into good companions, and will provide the kind of support/advice a household needs.
I propose Janet is one of the good ones. My breeder also would probably be considered a BYB. It is impossible to lump every non-show home breeder into one category and call it a day. Do as you wish, but I won't and can't.
). I think everybody understands my problems and why I'm more than a little upset with breeders in general. Janet takes videos, post pictures, ect. Just because she doesn't show does not mean she is not a good breeder. I've never been asked questions other than "Have you ever owned a sheltie before?" when I bought a dog. That's it. I've only had to sign one contract, and that contract was to keep the puppy mill owner from having to pay future vet expenses. I just don't think people should hand over their dogs without a little fight. If you spent all of that time caring for them, taking them to the vet, cleaning up after then, ect. then why wouldn't you want to make sure I am who you think I am? How do you know your puppy is going to get vet care? How do you know I take good care of my animal if I don't give you names to call and verify it?
I've only been able to find a few good websites about it. One of those websites was a sheltie rescue site, if you can believe it! 