Breeder Comparison Chart
Thank you to Tina Barber for allowing us to reproduce this chart - taken from: www.shilohshepherds.com/puppyBreeders/breederArticle.htm
| Characteristic | Backyard
Breeder |
Puppy Mill | Commercial
Breeder |
Hobby
Breeder |
Reputable Experienced Breeder |
| Has a specific breeding goal | To Produce puppies | To Make money | To supply the demand | To better the breed | To perfect a specific type to leave a legacy |
| Belongs to and works with breed clubs | May masquerade as a member | Hardly ever | Has a network of business contacts | Extremely dedicated | Very active, generally an officer |
| Understands and breeds to the standard | May not even know what it is | Not interested in breed improvement | Does not specialize in a specific breed | Invites knowledge | Is a mentor, writes books/articles, conducts seminars |
| Active in dog related activities (shows, trials, rescues) | Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials | Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. | Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. | Shows and trials to prove worth. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock | Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders |
| Knows the true history of the breed | May share false/incomplete info | Often pretends to know some | Claims that it's not important | Studies continuously | Impacts the breed for many decades |
| Sells pets with spay/neuter contract and tries to stay in touch with new owners | May charge more for "breeding papers" | Often issues papers via generic "registries" | All pups sold have full breeding rights | Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny | Always differentiates breed/pet quality and insists on frequent updates |
| Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in depth guarantees | May refuse to acknowledge problems. Considers shows and trials as too political | No need to, mostly supplies brokers and pet shops | Meet minimum standards as required by law | Goes above and beyond standard requirement | Maintains a solid support system - accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced |
| All breeding stock is tested for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed | Some occasionally may be to impress consumers | Only as demanded by consumers - may give papers as proof of quality | May provide undocumented paperwork for appearance sake | Intensive testing always a priority | Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics |
| Maintains carriers records on all dogs in gene pool including effected progeny | Focuses mostly on phenotype-unfamiliar with genotype | Often supplies broker and pet shops, records unavailable | Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable | Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced | Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data |
| Clean, sterile environment always maintained | Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income | Often tries to maintain minimum standards | Cleanest, best organized; state inspected | Usually "home raised with love" and well cared for | Often cluttered but always healthy and mentally stimulating |
| Expected longevity with any particular breed | Unrealistic expectations - easily disillusioned | Will continue as long as sales are coming | Depends on popularity of specific breeds | On a mission - plans to stay for the long haul | Involved with the breed/breeding for decades - make a lifetime commitment |