Backyard breeder
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A backyard breeder is a person who practices random or ignorant dog breeding on a small scale. The name is something of a misnomer, as many excellent breeders run small-scale programs in their houses, garages, barns, or backyards.
The term is meant to refer to people who are ignorant of selective breeding goals and techniques, and are not familiar with the breed standard of their chosen breed of dog. Backyard breeders are motivated by the idea of profit, not realizing that the hobby of animal breeding practiced on a small scale is not usually profitable when one factors in costs such as health, maintenance and pregnancy care. People who have not considered these factors often stint their breeding stock in terms of veterinary care and adequate maintenance. The puppies they produce may have genetic disorders or undisclosed illnesses, but will often try to sell their stock before they become evident to buyers. They rarely screen potential buyers or inform them on breeds whose care and maintenance may be inappropriate for their lifestyle.
When such breeding is carried out on a large scale, the venue is called a puppy mill (especially in North America) or puppy farm.
Other categories of backyard breeders noted by dog clubs include parents who wish to breed animals so that their children can experience the process. These people may not be motivated by profit but have not adequately considered that they may be adding to the population of unhealthy or unwanted dogs. Another group of concern are those who mistakenly believe that it is necessary to allow bitches to have one litter before being spayed, or those who believe that neutering harms male dogs in some way, or that the keeping of a neutered dog is in some way harmful to the owner's macho image.
Backyard breeding is also blamed for the proliferation of aggressive dogs for the usually illegal sports of baiting and dog fighting, and to defend venues of criminal activity. Aggressive dogs are also important to the macho image of men in some segments of society. Dog fanciers generally believe that such ill-bred dogs are the reason for the bad reputation of some breeds in the public perception, and the resulting breed-specific legislation.
See also
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