Going To A Backyard Breeder


In some cases, the owner of an AKC-registered female dog will breed her to a friend's unproven registered dog of the same breed. Are puppies of such matings likely to be satisfactory canine pets for you? The answer depends on the quality of each of the parents, not the cuteness of the puppies.

If both dogs are fair representatives of their breed, have few hereditary problems, and demonstrate acceptable personalities, their offspring may suit your needs. However, if both parents are quite young when bred, and nothing is known about their ancestors' qualities, especially conformation and disposition, their litter may not be the one you are looking for! Genetic diseases may be first exhibited after several years of age, and these conditions may be prevalent in both the male and the female bloodlines.

These facts should make you wary of obtaining a backyard-bred puppy. Judicious advice admonishes you to buy soundness in a big dog, not cuteness. Look for the best pup, not the most available one.