Other people may have a purebred dog or cat and want to make a little extra money by breeding their pet and selling the offspring. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these people have no idea about breed standards, whether their pet is really breeding quality (most aren't), how to select a compatible mate, what genetic tests should be done prior to breeding, how to properly socialize the puppies or kittens...The list goes on and on. The truth is that knowledgeable, reputable breeders have a very slim profit margin because of the costs of testing and caring for mother and babies. They are in the business because they love the breed, not because they think it is a way to retire early.
Backyard breeders, because of ignorance or a desire to save money, may not have all the recommended genetic testing to ensure their pet won't be passing on defects to the litter. They may not understand the stringent sanitation requirements to keep the tiny newborns safe from disease. They may not realize the importance of early socialization and how long the litter should remain with the mother. All of these failures can result in the same problems that are often seen in pet store pets: disease, temperament problems, genetic defects.
The bottom line is this: If you're a pet owner, unless you want to spend years learning to be a knowledgeable breeder, do yourself, the breed, and your pet a favor, and have your pet altered. If you're looking for a pet, go to a responsible breeder, or, better yet, go to a shelter. Shelter animals have been examined by a veterinarian and their temperaments evaluated by shelter personnel. You're much more likely to know what you're getting than with Aunt Minnie's schnauzer and (she thinks) the schnauzer down the street. And most important of all, you'll be saving a life.
How to tell a responsible breeder from a backyard breeder: Lawrence County Humane Society Abuse and Adoption Center
Health benefits of spay/neuter for your pet: The Dog Hause
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