What is a 

Backyard Breeder?

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This term is used for people who either intentionally breed to make few extra bucks - they have one or a few dogs but have very little breeding knowledge;

or who have an accidental litter because they hadn’t got around to spaying their female dog yet.

They may seem harmless, but there are so many of them that they make a substantial contribution to Canada's pet overpopulation in shelters.

These dogs are sold for less than professional breeders who provide a host of knowledge, information and knowledge of genetics impacting health, behaviour and longevity of an animal.

Cheap dogs end up being rehomed often, especially if a costly health issue appears. If someone can’t afford a dog from a reputable breeder then they probably can’t afford to provide good health care and appropriate diet.

Chances are you know someone who’s a backyard breeder, though you’ve probably never thought of them in those terms.

How about Bob from the accounting department at work who sent out an email last week to all employees about the adorable Cocker Spaniel pups his dog just had, who all need homes.

Or the young couple in another part of town advertising that their Doodle had a litter — the second in a year, apparently.

Or what about your friend, Sally, who kept meaning to get her 11-month old Labradoodle spayed but just never got around to it. One day, the kids let her out of the house by mistake and she had a quick rendezvous with the neighbour’s dog. His owners just never got around to neutering him either! Now Sally has to find homes for five puppies.

You get what you pay for.

So... you have narrowed down your list to a hybrid breed.

Hybrids are the future of dog breeding because of the increased health benefits from fresh DNA. Purebreds - some are registered CKC -are continuing to be more and more inbred- sister brother father mother- causing severe health repercussions and very compromised immune systems.

So hybrids offer renewed strength to the dogs immune system and are much healthier.

If you google goldendoodle breeders in ontario you will get a list of registered reputable breeders who know what they are doing. Out of that group- they charge anywhere from $3000 $5000 or higher. You are getting knowledge, piece of mind, future support and education not to mention a healthier dog with a better immune system. Good breeders look at where their dogs come from and if they are suitable to breed. They have to meet licensing requirements.

The cheaper dogs you’ve seen are usually NOT experienced ethical breeders. A licensed breeder is inspected yearly and monitored on vaccines, health, environment and protocols for their dogs.

Backyard or hobby breeders will breed any pet or dog - regardless of possible genetic issues; compromised health or poor temperment - with no information or education or breeder support at all.

They breed for a quick buck - not as professional knowledgeable breeders. Often parents are not vaccinated- which plays a role in the immunity of their offspring.

Puppy mill owners breed in massive barns - often in small spaces - and sell the puppies to brokers... or housewives who stay home and sell puppies. No parents to be seen. No history about the parents. They are breeding dogs like livestock. These pups are usually health compromised and often have No social skills at all. They will breed any dog or pet - regardless of health or temperment - with no information or education or breeder support at all.

They are the cheaper alternative - it’s a risk- and often we get families coming to us with heartbreaking stories of all the issues they had with their cheaper dog. They realized they got what they paid for.