What is Dog Breeding?
Dog breeding is the practice of mating selected specimens in an effort to maintain or produce specific qualities and characteristics in a dog.
A person who intentionally mates dogs to produce a litter of puppies is referred to as a dog breeder. As dog breeding relies on the science of genetics, a breeder must at least have general knowledge of canine genetic and health, and in-depth knowledge of the breed standard. Most dog breeders believe that each litter that they breed should be an improvement on the parents.
Unfortunately, there are some who see breeding as purely a profit making exercise, with little regard for the health and welfare of the dogs involved. These breeders are often referred to as ‘backyard breeders’. Those who carry out ignorant breeding on a larger scale operate what are known as ‘puppy mills’ or ‘puppy farms’.
However, there are many excellent breeders that run small-scale programs in their homes, barns, or back yards, in the right way and with the right intentions, and there are also profitable large-scale operations run by knowledgeable staff and excellent veterinary care.
