What is a True Breeder? Dog Breeding Ethics

The complex world of dog breeding involves various participants, but The American Kennel Club establishes standards that serve as a benchmark for ethical practices. These standards emphasize responsible breeding, which values genetic health testing—a critical tool utilized to minimize hereditary diseases in breeds such as German Shepherds. A central question arises when considering these practices: what is a true breeder, and their conduct differs significantly from that of a puppy mill operator. Determining who meets the criteria is essential for preserving breed integrity and ensuring the welfare of canine companions.

Defining Ethical Dog Breeding: A Foundation of Responsibility

The cornerstone of any reputable dog breeding program rests upon a solid foundation of ethical considerations. Ethical dog breeding moves beyond the mere production of puppies; it embodies a commitment to the health, well-being, and temperament of both the parent dogs and their offspring.

It requires a deep understanding of canine genetics, a dedication to health testing, and a willingness to prioritize the long-term welfare of the breed over immediate financial gain. A truly ethical breeder approaches their work with a sense of responsibility and stewardship, recognizing the profound impact their decisions have on the lives of the animals in their care and on the breed as a whole.

Ethics: The Moral Compass of Dog Breeding

Ethics, in the context of dog breeding, encompasses a set of moral principles that guide decision-making. These principles dictate how breeders should treat their dogs, what steps they should take to ensure their health and welfare, and how they should approach the breeding process.

At its core, ethical breeding is about doing what is right for the dogs, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. This includes making informed decisions based on scientific evidence, prioritizing the avoidance of genetic diseases, and providing a nurturing environment for puppies to thrive.

An ethical breeder will always act in the best interests of their dogs, even if it means foregoing a potentially profitable breeding opportunity.

Profit vs. Responsible Breeding: A Fundamental Divergence

A clear distinction must be drawn between breeding for profit and responsible breeding. While financial sustainability is important for any breeding program, it should never be the primary driver of decision-making.

Breeders who prioritize profit above all else often cut corners on health testing, housing, and socialization, leading to compromised animal welfare. They may breed dogs with known genetic problems simply because they are popular or produce large litters. This focus on financial gain often results in unhealthy, poorly socialized puppies who are more likely to develop behavioral issues or require extensive veterinary care.

Responsible breeding, on the other hand, places the welfare of the dogs and the improvement of the breed at the forefront. Breeders who adhere to this philosophy invest in comprehensive health testing, carefully select breeding pairs based on temperament and genetic compatibility, and provide their dogs with a stimulating and enriching environment. They are committed to producing healthy, well-adjusted puppies who will make excellent companions.

This commitment often means limiting the number of litters produced, carefully screening potential buyers, and providing ongoing support to puppy owners.

The Breed Standard: A Guide with Limitations

The breed standard, as defined by kennel clubs, serves as a guide for breeders seeking to preserve and improve the characteristics of a particular breed. It outlines the ideal physical and temperamental traits for the breed, providing a framework for breeders to evaluate their dogs and make informed breeding decisions.

However, it is crucial to recognize that the breed standard should not be the sole determinant of breeding decisions. A slavish adherence to the standard, without regard for health and temperament, can lead to the perpetuation of genetic problems and the loss of genetic diversity.

Ethical breeders understand that health and temperament are paramount, and they are willing to prioritize these traits over purely cosmetic considerations. They use the breed standard as a guide, but they also exercise critical judgment, recognizing that some traits may be detrimental to the overall health and well-being of the dog. Responsible breeders must be vigilant in guarding against exaggerations in breed type, which may be driven by fashion or show ring trends, but detrimental to the health and welfare of the dogs.

Furthermore, it's important to acknowledge that breed standards are human constructs and are subject to change over time. Breeders should remain open to new scientific information and be willing to adapt their breeding practices as needed to ensure the health and welfare of their dogs.

Core Principles: The Pillars of Responsible Breeding

Defining Ethical Dog Breeding: A Foundation of Responsibility The cornerstone of any reputable dog breeding program rests upon a solid foundation of ethical considerations. Ethical dog breeding moves beyond the mere production of puppies; it embodies a commitment to the health, well-being, and temperament of both the parent dogs and their offspring. This section explores the core principles that underpin responsible breeding practices.

The Foundation: Comprehensive Health Testing

At the heart of responsible breeding lies a dedication to minimizing the risk of genetic diseases. Comprehensive health testing is not merely a suggestion, but a crucial responsibility. This involves screening potential breeding dogs for a range of inherited conditions that are prevalent within their breed.

The goal is to identify carriers or affected individuals, enabling breeders to make informed decisions that reduce the likelihood of passing on these conditions to future generations.

Leveraging Health Testing Databases and Veterinary Diagnostic Labs

Breeders must leverage available resources to conduct thorough health testing. This includes utilizing established health testing databases like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). The OFA maintains registries for various conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiac abnormalities, and thyroid disorders.

Submitting test results to these databases allows for transparency and facilitates informed breeding decisions within the broader breeding community.

Moreover, veterinary diagnostic labs play a vital role in conducting specialized genetic tests. These tests can identify specific gene mutations associated with inherited diseases. Working closely with a knowledgeable veterinarian is essential to determine the appropriate health tests for each breed and to interpret the results accurately.

Evaluating Temperament: Beyond Physical Health

While physical health is paramount, temperament is equally important. A dog's temperament encompasses its mental and emotional stability, its reactivity to stimuli, and its overall suitability as a companion animal.

Responsible breeders prioritize temperament evaluation to ensure that they are producing dogs that are not only healthy but also well-adjusted and safe.

Insights from Experts

The insights of canine behavior experts such as Dr. Ian Dunbar and Patricia McConnell are invaluable in temperament assessment. Their work emphasizes the importance of early socialization, positive reinforcement training, and understanding canine communication.

Breeders should be knowledgeable about canine body language and stress signals. They must also conduct temperament tests and observe the behavior of potential breeding dogs in various situations.

Maintaining Genetic Diversity: A Bulwark Against Disease

Genetic diversity is the raw material of evolution and adaptation. A breeding population with limited genetic diversity is more vulnerable to inherited diseases and reduced fertility. Responsible breeders actively work to maintain genetic diversity within their breeding programs.

Understanding Inbreeding Coefficient (COI), Linebreeding, and Outcrossing

Inbreeding Coefficient (COI) is a measure of the percentage of genes that are identical by descent in an individual. Higher COI values indicate a greater degree of inbreeding, which can increase the risk of expressing deleterious recessive genes. Responsible breeders aim to keep COI values as low as possible.

Linebreeding is a form of inbreeding that focuses on concentrating the genes of a particular ancestor. While linebreeding can be used to enhance desirable traits, it must be practiced cautiously to avoid increasing COI and the risk of genetic problems.

Outcrossing, on the other hand, involves breeding unrelated individuals. Outcrossing is the most effective way to increase genetic diversity and reduce the risk of inherited diseases.

Pedigree Analysis: Unveiling Ancestral Patterns

Pedigree analysis is the study of a dog's ancestry, typically going back several generations. By examining pedigrees, breeders can identify potential health and temperament issues that may be present in the lineage.

Leveraging Pedigree Databases

Pedigree databases are valuable tools for conducting pedigree analysis. These databases contain information on the ancestry, health, and accomplishments of thousands of dogs. Breeders can use these databases to identify common ancestors, assess the prevalence of certain genetic diseases, and estimate COI values.

Selective Breeding: Balancing Traits and Overall Health

Selective breeding involves choosing which individuals to breed based on their desirable traits. While selective breeding can be used to improve breed characteristics, it must be balanced with a focus on overall health and temperament.

Breeders should avoid prioritizing cosmetic traits at the expense of health or temperament.

Breed-Specific Considerations and the Role of Parent Clubs

Each breed has its own unique set of health and temperament concerns. Breed-specific considerations are crucial in responsible breeding. Breeders must be knowledgeable about the specific genetic diseases that are prevalent in their breed. They must also adhere to the recommendations of breed-specific parent clubs.

These clubs often provide valuable information on health testing, temperament assessment, and responsible breeding practices. They can also offer mentorship and support to new breeders. Engaging with such organizations and heeding their guidelines is paramount for ethical breeding within a specific breed.

Key Players: Experts and Organizations Shaping Ethical Breeding

After establishing a robust foundation for ethical dog breeding practices, it is imperative to identify the key players who actively shape and guide these standards. From veterinary experts offering invaluable guidance to registration bodies and health certification organizations, these entities play critical roles in promoting responsible breeding practices and safeguarding canine welfare. Let's delve into their individual contributions and influence within the dog breeding community.

Veterinary Experts and Their Ethical Guidance

Ethical dog breeding relies heavily on the expertise and guidance of veterinary professionals who possess specialized knowledge in canine health, genetics, and reproduction. Several veterinarians have emerged as prominent voices in promoting ethical breeding practices, offering valuable insights and recommendations to breeders.

Dr. Claudia Orlandi, for example, is renowned for her work in canine reproduction and her advocacy for responsible breeding practices. She emphasizes the importance of thorough health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and responsible puppy care.

Dr. Marty Greer is another respected veterinarian who provides extensive guidance to breeders on various aspects of canine health, including nutrition, vaccination protocols, and genetic disease management.

Dr. Jerold Bell, a veterinary geneticist, has made significant contributions to our understanding of canine genetics and the inheritance of genetic diseases. His expertise is crucial in helping breeders make informed decisions about breeding pairs and minimize the risk of producing puppies with genetic disorders.

These veterinary experts offer invaluable guidance to breeders, empowering them to make informed decisions that prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs. Their expertise is essential in promoting ethical breeding practices and ensuring the production of healthy, well-adjusted puppies.

Registration Bodies: The American Kennel Club (AKC) and United Kennel Club (UKC)

Registration bodies, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC), play a significant role in the dog breeding community by maintaining breed standards and pedigrees. These organizations provide a framework for breeders to register their dogs, participate in dog shows, and promote the preservation of specific breeds.

However, it is important to critically examine the role of registration bodies in promoting ethical breeding practices.

While they offer valuable services, concerns have been raised about the extent to which these organizations actively enforce ethical standards and prevent irresponsible breeding practices.

For example, the AKC has faced criticism for not adequately addressing issues such as overbreeding, puppy mills, and the registration of dogs with known genetic health problems. While the AKC offers various programs and resources to promote responsible breeding, their effectiveness in curbing unethical practices remains a subject of debate.

Similarly, the UKC, while generally considered to have stricter breeding standards than the AKC, still faces challenges in ensuring that all registered breeders adhere to ethical practices.

It is crucial for registration bodies to strengthen their efforts in promoting ethical breeding practices, including stricter enforcement of breed standards, mandatory health testing, and educational programs for breeders. By doing so, they can play a more effective role in safeguarding canine welfare and promoting responsible breeding.

Health Certification Organizations: OFA, CERF, and PennHIP

Health certification organizations, such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF), and PennHIP, play a crucial role in promoting canine health by providing standardized health testing and certification programs. These organizations offer breeders a means to assess the health status of their dogs and make informed decisions about breeding pairs.

The OFA focuses on evaluating orthopedic conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Breeders can submit radiographs of their dogs to the OFA for evaluation, and the OFA will issue certifications based on the dog's hip and elbow scores.

CERF provides eye examinations for dogs to screen for inherited eye diseases. Breeders can have their dogs' eyes examined by veterinary ophthalmologists certified by CERF, and CERF will issue certifications based on the examination results.

PennHIP is another method for evaluating hip dysplasia in dogs. Unlike the OFA, PennHIP uses a distraction index to measure hip joint laxity. Studies suggest that PennHIP may be more sensitive than OFA in detecting hip dysplasia, particularly in young dogs.

These health certification organizations provide valuable tools for breeders to assess the health status of their dogs and make informed breeding decisions.

However, it is important to note that health certifications are not a guarantee of perfect health.

Dogs can still develop health problems later in life, even if they have received certifications from these organizations. Furthermore, some breeders may selectively test their dogs or misrepresent the results of health testing.

Therefore, it is crucial for breeders to interpret health certifications in conjunction with other information, such as the dog's pedigree, health history, and overall condition.

Consumers also need to be educated about the limitations of health certifications and should not rely solely on these certifications when selecting a puppy.

In conclusion, key players in ethical dog breeding are a diverse group who contribute to the welfare and breed. All of them must continue to evolve and improve standards. Veterinary experts, registration bodies, and health certification organizations provide essential guidance, frameworks, and tools for breeders to make informed decisions and promote responsible practices. However, it is crucial to critically examine the roles and limitations of these entities and to advocate for continuous improvement in ethical standards and enforcement mechanisms.

Irresponsible Breeding: Recognizing and Avoiding Harmful Practices

After establishing the principles and identifying the key players involved in ethical dog breeding, it's crucial to address the darker side of the industry: irresponsible breeding. Understanding the motivations and methods of those who prioritize profit over welfare is essential for preventing harm to dogs and promoting responsible pet ownership.

Identifying Irresponsible Breeders

Irresponsible breeding encompasses a spectrum of practices, ranging from the ill-informed "backyard breeder" to the overtly cruel "puppy mill operator." Understanding their motivations and methods is crucial for potential dog owners.

The "Backyard Breeder"

The term "backyard breeder" often evokes images of well-intentioned but ultimately ill-equipped individuals. They may breed their family pet without a full understanding of genetics, health testing, or responsible breeding practices.

Their motivations are often sentimental ("She's such a good dog, we want puppies from her!") or perhaps a misguided attempt to recoup the costs of pet ownership.

The lack of knowledge and resources often leads to compromised health and temperament in the puppies they produce.

The "Puppy Mill Operator"

At the other end of the spectrum lies the "puppy mill operator." This is a purely profit-driven enterprise where dogs are viewed as commodities rather than living beings.

These operations typically house large numbers of breeding females in substandard conditions, with minimal veterinary care or socialization. Puppies are often weaned too early and sold to unsuspecting buyers through pet stores or online marketplaces. The sole focus is maximizing profit, regardless of the cost to the dogs' welfare.

Avoiding the "Accidental Breeder"

Perhaps the most easily avoided form of irresponsible breeding is the "accidental breeder". This occurs when pet owners fail to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Spaying or neutering pets is the most effective way to prevent accidental litters and contribute to the overpopulation crisis.

The Ethical Implications of Profit-Driven Breeding

Breeding solely for monetary gain fundamentally disregards the ethical responsibility breeders have to prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs. When profit is the primary motive, corners are cut, and animal welfare suffers.

Health testing is often skipped to save money, leading to the propagation of genetic diseases. Socialization and proper care are neglected, resulting in dogs with behavioral problems and compromised emotional well-being.

This prioritization of profit over welfare is not only unethical but also perpetuates a cycle of suffering for both the breeding dogs and the puppies they produce.

Consequences of Irresponsible Breeding

The consequences of irresponsible breeding are far-reaching and devastating. They contribute to pet overpopulation, increase the prevalence of genetic health problems, and exacerbate behavioral issues in dogs.

Pet Overpopulation and Strain on Resources

Irresponsible breeding directly contributes to the overwhelming number of dogs in shelters and rescues. When puppies are produced without consideration for responsible placement, many end up abandoned, neglected, or euthanized.

This places a significant strain on animal welfare organizations and already limited resources.

Health Problems and Genetic Diseases

The lack of health testing in irresponsible breeding practices leads to a higher incidence of genetic diseases. Conditions such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and heart defects are more common in dogs bred without careful screening.

These health problems can significantly impact a dog's quality of life and result in substantial veterinary expenses for their owners.

Temperament and Behavioral Issues

Socialization is crucial for puppies and the development of a well-adjusted temperament. Irresponsible breeders often neglect socialization, leading to fearfulness, anxiety, and aggression in their dogs.

These behavioral problems can make it difficult for owners to manage their pets and may result in abandonment or euthanasia.

Resources for Ethical Breeders: Building a Supportive Environment

After establishing the principles and identifying the key players involved in ethical dog breeding, it's crucial to address the resources and support systems that enable ethical breeders to thrive. A responsible breeding program requires more than just good intentions; it demands a significant investment of time, energy, and resources dedicated to ensuring the health, well-being, and overall quality of life for both the breeding dogs and their offspring.

Creating a Nurturing Home/Kennel Environment

The physical environment in which dogs are raised plays a pivotal role in their development and well-being. Ethical breeders understand that a proper home or kennel is not merely a place for dogs to reside, but a carefully designed space that promotes socialization, sanitation, and overall welfare.

A responsible breeder will prioritize a clean and sanitary environment to minimize the risk of disease and infection. Regular cleaning protocols, proper waste disposal, and appropriate ventilation are essential components of a healthy kennel environment.

Furthermore, providing ample opportunities for socialization is crucial for developing well-adjusted dogs. This includes exposing puppies to a variety of sights, sounds, and experiences from a young age, as well as providing regular interaction with people and other animals.

Finally, the environment must prioritize the physical and psychological welfare of the dogs, with adequate space for exercise, comfortable bedding, and protection from the elements.

The Indispensable Role of Veterinary Care

Comprehensive veterinary care is an absolute cornerstone of ethical dog breeding. Responsible breeders maintain a close working relationship with a qualified veterinarian, ensuring that their dogs receive regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative care.

Health testing is also a critical component of veterinary care in breeding programs. Breeders must utilize the resources made available through veterinary clinics to mitigate genetic diseases.

Furthermore, breeders must be prepared to provide immediate and appropriate veterinary care in the event of illness or injury. This requires having a plan in place for emergency situations, as well as the financial resources to cover the costs of veterinary treatment.

Leveraging Genetic Testing Companies

Genetic testing has revolutionized the field of dog breeding, providing breeders with invaluable tools for making informed decisions about which dogs to breed. By utilizing genetic testing companies, breeders can identify dogs that are carriers of genetic diseases, assess breed identification, and analyze traits.

Genetic testing enables breeders to avoid breeding two carriers of the same genetic mutation, thereby reducing the risk of producing affected puppies. This is especially important for breeds that are prone to certain genetic conditions.

In addition to disease testing, genetic tests can also provide insights into a dog's breed heritage and physical traits. This information can be useful for breeders who are working to preserve breed standards or improve certain characteristics within their breeding lines.

Optimizing Operations with Breeding Management Software

Managing a breeding program involves a significant amount of record-keeping, from tracking pedigrees and health records to managing litters and scheduling appointments. Breeding management software can streamline these tasks, allowing breeders to focus on the more important aspects of their work: caring for their dogs and producing healthy, well-adjusted puppies.

These software systems typically include features for tracking pedigrees, managing health records, recording breeding dates, and generating reports. By centralizing all of this information in one place, breeders can easily access the data they need to make informed decisions about their breeding program.

Furthermore, breeding management software can help breeders to comply with record-keeping requirements imposed by kennel clubs and other organizations.

The Complex Relationship with Dog Shows and Competitions

The role of dog shows and competitions in ethical breeding is complex and often debated. While these events can provide a venue for breeders to showcase their dogs and evaluate their conformation to breed standards, they can also be a source of pressure to prioritize appearance over health and temperament.

Ethical breeders recognize that winning dog shows is not the ultimate goal of breeding. While conformation to breed standards is important, it should not come at the expense of a dog's health or well-being.

Responsible breeders will use dog shows as one tool among many to evaluate their breeding stock, but they will not allow show ring success to dictate their breeding decisions.

Supporting Rescue Shelters and Animal Welfare Organizations

Irresponsible breeding practices contribute significantly to the problem of dog overpopulation, which places a tremendous strain on rescue shelters and animal welfare organizations. Ethical breeders understand that they have a responsibility to help alleviate this problem by ensuring that their puppies are placed in responsible homes and by supporting organizations that work to rescue and rehome unwanted dogs.

Responsible breeders take steps to screen potential buyers carefully to ensure that their puppies will be well-cared for. They also provide ongoing support to puppy buyers, offering advice and guidance on training, health care, and other aspects of dog ownership.

Moreover, ethical breeders actively support rescue shelters and animal welfare organizations through donations, volunteer work, and other forms of assistance.

Resources to Guide Ethical Breeding Practices

A variety of books and articles can provide valuable information and guidance on canine genetics, breeding, and welfare.

• "Control of Canine Genetic Diseases" by George A. Padgett, DVM: Is a resource for understanding canine genetics and its implications for breeding practices.
• "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" by Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, Liisa D. Carlson, DVM, Delbert G. Carlson, DVM, and James M. Giffin, MD: This handbook helps breeders to provide the best possible care for their dogs.
• Publications and seminars by leading veterinary experts, such as Dr. Claudia Orlandi, Dr. Marty Greer, and Dr. Jerold Bell.

These resources, combined with mentorship from experienced and ethical breeders, are indispensable to develop a well-rounded understanding of ethical breeding.

Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Ensuring Accountability

After establishing the principles and identifying the key players involved in ethical dog breeding, it's crucial to address the legal and regulatory frameworks that enable ethical breeders to thrive. A responsible breeding program requires more than just good intentions; it demands a supportive legal environment ensuring accountability and promoting canine welfare.

This section will critically examine the existing legal landscape. It explores the efficacy of breeder licensing requirements and animal welfare laws in fostering ethical breeding practices.

Breeder Licensing: A Patchwork of Regulations

Breeder licensing is often proposed as a key mechanism. It aims to regulate breeding practices and hold breeders accountable.

However, the reality is a fragmented and inconsistent system. The stringency and enforcement of breeder licensing vary significantly across different regions.

Some jurisdictions have comprehensive licensing programs that mandate specific standards for housing, care, and health management. Others have minimal requirements or no licensing at all.

This inconsistency creates loopholes and opportunities for unscrupulous breeders to operate in areas with lax regulations, undermining the overall effectiveness of licensing as a tool for promoting ethical breeding.

The Effectiveness of Licensing Programs

The effectiveness of breeder licensing hinges on several factors. These include the rigor of the licensing standards, the quality of enforcement, and the level of resources dedicated to monitoring and inspection.

A licensing program with high standards and robust enforcement can be effective in identifying and shutting down substandard breeding operations. It also holds breeders accountable for meeting minimum standards of care.

However, poorly designed or under-enforced licensing programs can be ineffective and may even create a false sense of security. Breeders can comply with minimal requirements while still engaging in unethical practices.

Furthermore, the cost of licensing can be a barrier to entry for small-scale, ethical breeders. They may lack the resources to navigate complex regulatory requirements. This can inadvertently favor larger, commercial breeding operations, some of which may prioritize profit over animal welfare.

Therefore, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the design and implementation of breeder licensing programs. This ensures that they are effective in promoting ethical breeding practices without unduly burdening responsible breeders.

Animal Welfare Laws: A Baseline of Protection

Animal welfare laws provide another layer of protection for dogs. These laws typically address issues such as animal cruelty, neglect, and abandonment.

They establish minimum standards of care and hold individuals accountable for failing to meet those standards.

While animal welfare laws can play an important role in preventing egregious cases of animal abuse, their effectiveness in promoting ethical breeding practices is limited.

Limitations of Animal Welfare Laws

Many animal welfare laws focus on addressing the most severe cases of animal cruelty. They often fail to address the more subtle forms of neglect or mismanagement that can occur in breeding operations.

For example, animal welfare laws may prohibit breeders from physically abusing their dogs. However, they may not address issues such as inadequate socialization, genetic screening, or overcrowding, which can significantly impact the health and well-being of breeding animals and their offspring.

Additionally, the enforcement of animal welfare laws can be challenging. It is often hampered by limited resources, a lack of expertise, and a reluctance to interfere in private property matters.

As a result, many cases of animal neglect and mistreatment in breeding operations go unreported or unaddressed.

Therefore, animal welfare laws should be viewed as a baseline of protection, rather than a comprehensive solution for promoting ethical breeding practices.

Moving Forward: A Holistic Approach

Ensuring accountability in dog breeding requires a multi-faceted approach. This approach involves strengthening breeder licensing programs, enhancing animal welfare laws, and promoting greater consumer awareness.

Licensing programs should be designed to be rigorous, transparent, and effectively enforced. They must encompass all aspects of breeding, including health testing, socialization, and housing.

Animal welfare laws should be broadened to address a wider range of welfare concerns in breeding operations. Additionally, they should be adequately resourced and vigorously enforced.

Finally, consumers should be educated about the importance of supporting ethical breeders. They must have the tools to identify and avoid irresponsible breeding practices.

By working together, regulators, breeders, and consumers can create a legal and ethical framework that promotes canine welfare. This helps ensure that all dogs have the opportunity to live healthy, happy lives.

So, the next time you're looking for a furry friend, remember all of this. It's not about fancy titles or show ribbons; it's about dedication, health, and a genuine love for the breed. Ultimately, what is a true breeder boils down to someone who puts the well-being of their dogs above all else, striving to improve the breed for future generations, not just their own pockets. And that's something worth supporting.