Watch Out for Backyard Breeders

by Marti Hohmann

In November, 42 Chihuahuas were seized from a private home by Round Rock Police and rescued by the Austin Humane Society. In May, another 30 Chihuahuas were rescued by the Comanche County Sheriff's Department from another residence. Eighty other dogs (living in the same home), mostly Boston Terriers, Dachshunds, Boxers, and Pugs, were also taken into custody. According to police, who were alerted to the problem by complaints from neighbors, the home reeked of urine and feces, which were everywhere. The dogs were suffering from malnutrition and dehydration; one had parvovirus; none of the 110 dogs had been vaccinated or seen by a veterinarian.

Before being prosecuted for animal cruelty, the owners of these dogs were offering them for sale over the Internet and in local newspapers.

Those numbers are staggering -- the owners were running puppy mills out of their homes. Most of us would have run as soon as we walked in those places. But backyard breeders are just as dangerous. Backyard breeders are individuals with little training or knowledge of dogs who produce a litter (or more) and offer the puppies for sale. Their goal is usually to make extra spending money, not to produce great dogs. Backyard breeders don't think they're doing anything wrong -- and that's part of the problem. Because they're not professionals, they do little to ensure or guarantee the health or temperamental soundness of their puppies. And that's not fair to you.

How do you identify a puppy mill or backyard breeder? Let's start with the obvious -- anyone posting flyers in the grocery store, standing in the parking lot of a superstore with puppies in the back of his truck, or offering animals for free on the side of the road is not a professional. But how do you get beyond the obvious? Here are some questions to ask before you buy.

Why did you breed this litter?

 Good Answer: I love this breed; I've been reading about and working with dogs like these for years to learn all I can about their conformation, temperament, and needs.

 Bad Answer: Well, I had a female, and I didn't really want to fix her until she had at least one litter because I paid $300 for her, and she went into heat, and my best friend had a male. The puppies are really cute, aren't they? I'm glad they turned out so good.

 When will the puppies be available?

 Good Answer: Not before they are seven or eight weeks of age. Puppies need to learn social skills from each other before they leave the home. They'll need shots, and I want to start housetraining them.

 Bad Answer: When do you want one? They're weaned and ready to go. (And I'm tired of stepping over their poop, to tell you the truth.)

 Have the sire or dam been shown in conformation, obedience, or field trials?

 Good Answer: Yes. And if you look at their pedigrees, you'll see at least one AKC champion before you go back three generations.

 Bad Answer: Nope. I just like to raise and sell puppies. I couldn't find a dog show if somebody set up one in my front yard.

 Did you test the sire or dam for genetic defects common to this breed?

 Good Answer: Yes, for hip dysplasia or epilepsy or heart defects (or whatever the problem is). We take this aspect of our breeding program very seriously.

 Bad Answer: You know, I've been meaning to look into that.

 Have these puppies been to the vet yet?

 Good Answer: Yes. They've each been examined and dewormed and had their first set of shots.

 Bad Answer: No. These dogs are healthy. If there's a problem, I usually take care of it myself. Besides, if I took each of these puppies to the vet, I'd have to charge you a lot more than $150, believe me.

 How often do you breed your female?

 Good Answer: Infrequently. And I don't produce many litters, either. It's not good for the dam.

 Bad Answer: As often as she comes into heat, or every other time. The puppies are fun to have around, and they go fast.

 Do you have a health guarantee or return policy?

 Good Answer: Yes. I will take back any animal with genetic or temperament defects, at any age. You'll get a full refund, too. Here's my business card -- I'm not going anywhere. Besides, I'll be in touch with you, just to make sure things are going OK.

 Bad Answer: You can always call me if you have a problem, but I'm sure you won't have one. Nobody has yet.

 May we see the sire and dam?

 Good Answer: Yes, of course. They are in good health and friendly.

 Bad Answer: The daddy likes to get out and run around, so I'm not sure where he is right now. And the mom is protective of the puppies. I put her away so you could pick out one without getting bitten. I can show you a picture of her if you want.

 How many breeds do you offer for sale?

 Good Answer: We specialize only in this breed. We aren't interested in trends or in making money by breeding the dog of the moment.

 Bad Answer: We have three or more breeds available. If you don't like our mini Dachshunds, you can always check out our Chihuahuas!

 How big will these puppies get?

 Good Answer: I'm not sure. The size of the sire and dam is a good predictor, but animals are like people. Sometimes they surprise you, either way.

 Bad Answer: This puppy will be tiny/huge! We guarantee our Chihuahuas will fit in your purse and our pitbulls will have huge heads and massive chests. 

 Do you have one just like this one, but in a different color?

 Good Answer: No. We don't breed for unusual colors, even though that's what some folks want to buy right now. We try to produce great dogs; their color is just an afterthought. Besides, with all due respect, you're not shopping at Walmart. These are animals, not T-shirts.

 Bad Answer: Sure. We have blue, dapple, chocolate -- we specialize in throwing color. 

 Which puppy do you think I should take?

 Good Answer: Take your time to choose the right one for you. We've gotten to know their personalities since they've been born, so we can help. If you have an active lifestyle, you might like this one, because he's athletic and confident. If you're more laidback, this one is calm and more sedentary. 

 Bad Answer: The shy one huddled in the corner of the box. She's never taken to anyone before, but she's looking at you like you're very, very special.

 Can I take two puppies? They're so cute, and I can't decide.

 Good Answer: Well, littermates tend to bond intensely. Sometimes, they end up so close that they don't bond with their people as well as they do with each other. If you take two, make sure you train each one individually, and have them spend time apart. That can be a lot of work.

 Bad Answer: Sure! I'll even give you a multiple dog discount!