BYB vs. Hobby Breeder

[hammieboy]

Can someone tell me the difference? Or, maybe there isn't a difference?

I am considering a breeder here in NC and she has 6 dogs onsite. I do know that 2 of her dogs were mated and resulted in another of her 6 dogs…does that make sense? In other words, I know that I read that reputable breeders wouldn't breed two of their dogs…the sire would be somewhere else. The pup that she kept (and all of her dogs) has apparently done well in competition at a young age so on the surface it seems like a good choice to have bred them! I am not really sure how this relates to my question but it is the only thing that seems so not fit with the important things to look for….

Sorry for rambling…thanks for any info!

Kelley
Hamlet - Boxer/Beagle mix 9.5
Izzie - Golden? mix - almost 5

 

[Kisaq]

Good breeders (whether they be hobby or professional or whatever they want to call themselves) have a few characteristics in common - in no particular order:

1/ they health test their dogs beyond the minimum, paying particular attention to the genetic tendencies of their breed (and obviously do not breed from dogs who show these genetic issues AND stop breeding from dogs whose pups show these genetic issues later in life).

2/ they track their pups for performance and health developments and usually require a new owner sign a document that states they will return the dog to the breeder if there is EVER a need to re-home the dog due to unforeseen circumstances.

3/ they have a successful performance record of their breeding dogs (showing Champion titles, agility titles, field performance, and/or obedience ...etc).

If both parents do not have at least these three things, including records for two or three generations back, I would label them BYB's and adopt from a rescue instead.

Most of the time a breeding program will not own both sire and dam - but it is not unheard of for a litter or two throughout their lives. It's not one of the things I would put in the negative column per se'.

Did I forget anything??

I steer clear of the puppy thing - I always adopt - so this kind of information is not really pertinent to me other than giving advice to others. I could easily have missed something really important.