When it comes to finding a new puppy to add to your home, you have a couple of choices available. One option is adopting a dog in need from a shelter – though there are a few downsides to this and you may be limited in your choices regarding age, gender, or breed. Another option is to turn to breeder services, however this carries its own risks. How do you know your breeder of choice is safe and regulated compared to a backyard breeder?
Here at Perfect Pooches, we are proud to be reputable breeders who are licenced with and regulated by both Wealden District Council and Rother District Council. As we are responsible for a range of training and breeding services, we have put together this helpful guide to help you differentiate between what makes a breeder who keeps the wellbeing of their dogs in mind against those who are looking just to turn a profit. Keep reading to make sure you’re making the right decision!
What is a Backyard Breeder?
Backyard breeding is the irresponsible and unsafe breeding of animals. While some litters come about from irresponsible owners who have not spayed or neutered their pet and they have accidentally fallen pregnant, others intentionally breed animals time and time again in order to make money from selling the litters. Unfortunately, these breeders often have little regard for the health or conditions of their litters until they have or even properly weaning them away from their mothers.
There are dozens of horror stories of tragedies that come from supporting backyard breeders, from long term health conditions to premature death of animals. Not only is it a heartbreaking situation for the owner, but it’s a large monetary loss not only purchasing the puppy but on fees spent on veterinary care. While you may have an image in your head of puppies crammed into small, squalid conditions, backyard breeders could be anybody and present themselves as respectable breeders. However, there are a few telltale signs that instantly highlight the kind of breeder they are:
They Sell Unmoderated
It’s not uncommon to see advertisements for puppies for sale on websites such as eBay and Craigslist, websites that rarely monitor or regulate the activity of their users. These websites also tend to be of great attraction for those who simply want a cash exchange for a puppy and shirk responsibility once that puppy is no longer in their hands. On the flip side, responsible breeders like our team at Perfect Pooches host our own website and provide information and education to our prospective buyers before releasing our puppies to their forever homes.
You Cannot Visit Puppies
There are very few reasons why a responsible breeder would not allow prospective buyers from seeing the place the puppies have been raised in. Even with the recent Covid-19, as long as precautions were being taken both by our team and customers, buyers were allowed to see their new puppies in the environment they were being raised in as well as the puppies with the mother. Backyard breeders often make excuses to hide unsanitary or overcrowded conditions.
No Veterinarian Records
If you’re buying from a licensed and registered breeder, by the time the puppies are old enough to go to their forever homes they will have received at least one visit to a trusted veterinarian who will have given them dewormers and vital vaccinations, as well as thoroughly checking them for any health conditions. Backyard breeders may not ever involve a vet in the breeding or distribution process, meaning health problems can be missed or even worsened due to lack of veterinary care.
No Screening Protocol
For anyone who’s ever bought a puppy from a reputable breeder or adopted from a shelter, the screening process will be all too familiar to you. Not only are buyers carefully evaluated to ensure they are making the right choice with their puppies, but homes and finances are also taken into consideration to make sure puppies will be well cared for in the long run. Backyard breeders conduct no such tests, very few even bother to ask questions as long as money is ready to be exchanged – leading to more and more dogs and puppies being rehomed time and time again or surrendered to shelters when owners are overwhelmed.
Why Some Dog Breeders Should Be Avoided
Not all breeders have the welfare of their dogs in mind. Some prioritise profit over proper care, cutting corners on health screenings, socialisation, and living conditions. These breeders may still operate under the guise of being legitimate but fail to meet the ethical and practical standards expected of responsible dog breeding. Puppies from these environments are more likely to suffer from long-term health and behavioural issues due to poor early development and lack of veterinary care.
Another reason to avoid certain breeders is the lack of transparency. If a breeder is reluctant to provide documentation, avoids questions, or refuses home visits, it’s a clear warning sign. Ethical breeders are open and willing to show you where and how the puppies are raised, share health records, and offer ongoing support after adoption. Avoiding disreputable breeders protects not only you and your future pet, but the overall health and welfare of dog breeds nationwide.
Questions to Ask the Dog Breeder
Before committing to a puppy, it’s essential to ask the right questions. Responsible breeders will welcome your interest and be happy to provide answers, as they want their puppies to go to safe, informed homes. Asking these questions will help you assess whether you’re dealing with a reputable breeder or someone who may not be meeting the appropriate standards.
Key questions to ask include:
- Can I see the puppies with their mother and in their home environment?
- What health tests have been done on the parents?
- Have the puppies been seen by a vet, and can I see the health records?
- What vaccinations and worming treatments have they received?
- At what age will the puppies be ready to leave?
- What kind of socialisation have the puppies had?
- Can I return the puppy if it doesn’t work out?
- Do you provide a contract of sale and a receipt?
- Can I speak to previous puppy buyers or see testimonials?
Asking these questions won’t just reassure you – it also shows the breeder that you are a committed and responsible pet owner. A trustworthy breeder will appreciate your diligence and should have no problem providing clear, honest answers.
How Can We Stop Backyard Breeding?
The most effective way to help stop backyard breeding is by refusing to support it. This means avoiding breeders who won’t allow home visits, provide health documentation, or ask you questions as a buyer. Spreading awareness and encouraging others to research breeders thoroughly before making a purchase also helps reduce demand for irresponsibly bred puppies.
Additionally, reporting suspicious activity to local councils or animal welfare organisations is crucial. When authorities are made aware of backyard breeders, they can investigate and, if necessary, take action. By making ethical choices and supporting responsible breeders like Perfect Pooches, we can collectively push the dog breeding community toward higher standards – and better outcomes for dogs and owners alike.
Looking for a puppy for your home? Perfect Pooches can help!
If you’re looking for a brand new edition to your home, our team at Perfect Pooches can help! Not only are we reputable breeders with years of experience – but we’re also a close knit, family run business dedicated to providing happy and healthy puppies to our clients.
We offer a range of puppies, including cocker spaniels, cockapoos, cavalier spaniels, cavapoos, dachshunds, maltipoos, and more! Give us a call today to find out more! For more information on dogs and their breed traits, our blog is full of helpful advice, check out ‘Are Dachshunds Easy to Train‘ for our latest blog!