Breeders, Shelters, Rescues Oh my!
A topic most people don't care to talk about or don't want to in general. I've noticed recently that this is a sore subject to some. Let's go back to basics and break it down before we discuss this any further.
Breeders: Individuals who breed animals.
Shelters: Take in unwanted animals.
Rescues: Takes in unwanted animals (some are breed specific meaning they take in only a certain breed. Some are home based rescues as well)
Now let's start...
Breeders. Most people when they talk about breeders, all are bad in every way. Truth is that's not true. Like everything else, you have your categories.
Responsible breeders ( willing to take back any animal they produce)
Backyard breeders ( who are one contributor to the real problem, only produce to make money and in most cases the animals are the ones who suffer the most. In the breeding world BYB are most of the time called Greeders)
Puppy mills ( who are another contributor to the real problem, only produce to make money and in most cases the animals are the ones who suffer the most. Produces animals as fast as they can to make money)
And in my opinion individuals who breed for the hell of it are considered breeders as well. This is people who breed an animal because they want a baby but don't think about the rest of the litter. I call them irresponsible owners. I'm talking about someone who has multiple oops litters but wont take the steps to become a responsible breeder because that would take money.
I've talked to a few people about their opinions on breeders. Well let's just say most weren't nice at all. People fail to realize that not all breeders are bad. Yes you do have some that are horrible but you also have some great ones too. In my opinion when I hear the phrase don't shop, adopt... to me whether you buy from a breeder or adopt an animal from a shelter or rescue you are still purchasing the animal. The only difference is when purchase from a shelter or rescue you are possibly preventing an animal from death row. However, you are still giving them money for the animal. Responsible breeders will take back any animal they produce despite age or health (if health is bad yes the breeder will make the choice to euthanize just as a shelter or rescue would). People claim breeders are the reason the shelters/rescues are so full. Truth is it's not reputable breeders, it's BYB, puppy mills and irresponsible owners. An increasement of people have forgot what the differences are between the 4, so let's break it down. These are some things to look for.
Reputable breeders
* Aren't breeding to make a profit. (Most are lucky to break even)
* Will take back any animal they produce
* Do not overbreed
* Care about the animals health
* Will not sell an animal before weaning properly
* Won't lie just to sell the animal
Backyard breeders
* Breeding for profit
* Won't take back any animal and doesn't care what happens to them
* Will overbreed an animal to produce as many offspring as possible
* Isn't breeding for a purpose
* Will sell right after birth or before weaning age
* Most of the time will lie to sell the animal
Irresponsible owners
* Usually breeds to make money, wants a baby from the litter, or wants to breed for the hell of it
* Most won't take back any animal they produce
* Some will sell at weaning age but most will sell a few weeks before
* Will breed several times a year
Now on to shelters and rescues. Over the last few years, I've seen more people think shelters and rescues can't be anything but good which isn't true. I've seen some shelters and rescues care more about profit then BYB do. It's the same as breeders, you have some great shelters/rescues and then you have some that are horrible. There is faults on both sides. What some people don't see is there are some shelters/rescues that only care for the money they receive from donations or only take in pregnant or nursing animals for the babies to make money, that don't take proper care of the animals or don't screen the animal properly and release it when there is a known problem which puts the family who adopted and the animal in danger.
I personally don't see a problem with either option. If you want to adopt then that's your choice and is fine but if you want an animal from a breeder then that's perfectly fine as well. You shouldn't feel guilty for choosing where you purchase your animal from. I encourage potential owners to do RESEARCH!!! Lots and lots of research!! I've seen so many people buy impulsively then regret it later and just dump the animal off somewhere or at a shelter. Do research on the breed you are interested in and the breeder/shelter/rescue you are purchasing from.