So, you’re looking at buying a new dog; you might have heard the term BYB but what does this mean? BYB stands for backyard breeder. In this article, we will be discussing what a BYB is, the problems with buying a dog from one, and some tips for finding a reputable breeder.
What is a backyard breeder?
A backyard breeder is a dog owner who produces puppies in their own home. This type of breeder typically has fewer restrictions on the dogs they breed, and may also have more litters per year. Backyard breeders are not subject to any specific standards or regulations, so there is no guarantee that the dogs you purchase from them will be healthy or temperamentally sound.
How to spot a BYB
Unfortunately, backyard breeders go to great lengths to cover their tracks due to the huge profit margins in breeding puppies. However, there are a few red flags that you can watch out for when looking to buy a puppy.
First and foremost, make sure that the breeder has proof of their breeding program (i.e., registration papers, health certificates, etc.). Be suspicious if the breeder doesn’t have any documentation to support their claims.
Secondly is documentation and physically seeing the parents. If you can’t visit the puppies in person, be suspicious. A real breeder would want you to see the parents and be able to handle them if you were interested in buying one of their puppies.
Another thing to be mindful of is price. You may have heard the saying, “too good to be true,” and this is often true when it comes to puppies from backyard breeders. As they often want a quick turnaround in selling their puppies, breeders will often charge a lower price for their puppies. You might be thinking, “well, this is a good thing, isn’t it” well, yes, but the welfare and conditions of these puppies are often very low.
The dangers of buying a puppy from a backyard breeder.
There are many dangers in buying a puppy from a backyard breeder. The first and most obvious danger is that the puppies may be unhealthy. Many backyard breeders do not have access to quality health care for their dogs, so they may not be vaccinated or de-wormed regularly. This can lead to serious health problems in the puppies, including respiratory infections, diarrhea, and parvovirus infection (a highly contagious virus that can cause severe pneumonia).
Another danger of buying a puppy from a backyard breeder is that the puppies may be illegally bred. Backyard breeders are not required to register their litters with any organization, so it is possible that the puppies you purchase are from a litter of mixed-breed dogs. This can lead to serious health problems for the puppy, as they may not be able to adapt properly to life outside of the home.
There are many reputable dog breeders out there who will take care of their puppies and provide them with top-quality care. If you’re looking for a new dog, it’s important to do your research and find a breeder who meets your specific needs and requirements.
Why do people buy puppies from backyard breeders?
The sad but true answer is that many people buy puppies from backyard breeders because they can’t find a puppy at a reputable breeder who meets their specific needs. Some people are looking for a purebred dog, and don’t want to deal with the additional paperwork and restrictions associated with purchasing one from a registered breeder. Other people simply aren’t aware of the dangers of buying a puppy from an unlicensed breeder, and are willing to take the risk in order to get their hands on a new pet.
Tips for finding reputable breeders.
1) Do your research
Buying a puppy is a big decision, and it’s important to do your research before making any decisions. Look online for reviews of different breeders, and read the descriptions of the puppies that they are selling. Make sure that you understand what type of dog you’re looking for, and ask questions if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for.
If possible, try to visit a few registered breeders so that you can see how their dogs look and behave in person.
2) Ask around
Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a reputable breeder. Ask your friends, family, and co-workers if they know of any good breeders. If you don’t have any close friends or family who are dog owners, try searching for breeders in your area through online directories or social media sites.
3) Be prepared to ask questions
When you visit a potential breeder, be prepared to ask lots of questions. It’s important that you understand what type of dog you’re buying (purebred vs. mixed-breed), the history of the puppy(s), and how many litters the breeder has produced in the past. If you don’t have any questions, that might be a sign that the breeder isn’t reputable.
4) Visit the puppies
Most breeders will be more than happy to let you visit the puppies before you make a decision. This is an important step, as it will give you a chance to see how they are treated and whether or not they meet your specific needs. If you can’t visit in person, ask the breeder to do a video chat to see the puppies in action.
What are the benefits of buying a dog from a reputable breeder?
Buying a dog from a reputable breeder can provide many benefits for both the buyer and the dog. Here are five of the most important:
1. The Breeder Is Trained in Proper Dog Training – A good breeder will have been trained by professional trainers in order to properly train their dogs. This training includes things like obedience, housebreaking, and socialization skills.
2. The Breeder Has Been Evaluated and Certified by a Recognized Association – Many reputable breeders belong to organizations that evaluate and certify them as being responsible for breeding dogs. These organizations include the American Kennel Club (AKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), and British Cocker Spaniel Club (BCSC).
3. The Breeder Will Provide You With Information on Your New Dog’s Background– Before you buy your dog, you’ll be able to review information about his parents, including their health records and a pedigree chart. This helps ensure that your new pet is healthy and has no genetic issues that you may not be aware of.
4. The Breeders Are Honest About Their Dogs’ Temperaments– It’s important to know what kind of personality your new dog will have before making an investment decision.
5. You Can Be Sure That Your Money Is Going Toward Reproducing Healthy Dogs Rather Than Expensive Designer Mixes– Most reputable breeders only sell purebred puppies from registered lines; this means that all of their dogs come from families who have been breeding dogs for a long time, and the puppies are likely to be healthy.
Wrapping Things Up
So there you have it; a brief overview of a backyard breeder, the dangers of buying from one, and some tips for finding a reputable breeder. Remember, if something doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t! Do your research and ask lots of questions and if you have any doubts, pull out of the sale. We all know puppies are adorable, and it may be hard to walk away, but the more sales backyard breeders make, the worse the situation will be for their dogs.
