10/19/2024
Taken from someone else, but I totally agree
WHAT MAKES A BREEDER?
We live in a weird time where breeders are often shamed and pet buyers and ridiculed for going to breeders for a puppy. Adopt don't shop! they say. Is that a rescue?? NO? THE HORROR! Now, I've been in dogs nearly 20 years now, and this was starting when I joined the game, so those who came before me, from a time when kennels actually existed and breeders actually BRED DOGS without being shamed for "too many litters" have seen the progression more than I have. That said, I keep hearing "I'm not REALLY a breeder" or "oh I didn't get that dog from a breeder, just a little old lady who had puppies" I'm sorry...what?
Usually these statements come from the general public, at the vet's office in the waiting room, or when I work at grooming shops. No one wants to admit they bought their dog at a breeders, and there are people bringing puppies into the world claiming to NOT be breeders. But there are people actively involved in the sport of pure bred dogs, making the same claims. Actively breeding, showing, campaigning dogs, but because they dont breed "much" they claim to "not" be breeders? We, as responsible, ethical preservation breeders, are facing enough backlash and we are facing extinction as Animal Rights "anti breeding" and anti pet ownership laws are being passed left and right across our country. yet, much of this shame has come from within, starting with the "you're a puppy mill if you breed too many litters" talk, but continuing with "well I'm not REALLY a breeder", while actively breeding. Just remember: Every one of us can be called a puppy mill by someone out there who hates breeding period. One litter a year, or 5, they dont care. If nothing else, we need to stand up for ourselves, our sport, our hobby, and our RIGHTS to breed dogs. And for the love of DOGS take OWNERSHIP and responsibility. Because if you're breeding dogs, at all, on purpose, you are A BREEDER.