Understanding Different Types of Breeders
When it comes to finding a four-legged friend to welcome into your home, understanding the ethics and practices of breeders is crucial. All breeders fall into each of 3 categories: Knowledge Level, Number of Litters Annually, and Moral Standards.
Knowledge Level: Nurturing Growth and Learning
a. WILLFULLY IGNORANT: These breeders resist education and improvement, prioritizing profit over the well-being of dogs. Their practices reflect a lack of interest in learning and adapting.
b. BACKYARD BREEDER: Someone who breeds dogs without a structured program, proper health testing, or long-term responsibility for the puppies they produce—often with good intentions but limited knowledge or oversight.
c. NOVICE BREEDER: With a solid understanding of proper care, genetic testing, and responsible puppy placement, novice breeders demonstrate a commitment to responsible practices. Many reputable breeders fall into this category.
d. PROFESSIONAL BREEDER: Breeding full-time, these experts aim to "better the breed" according to standards. Their high level of expertise contributes to excellence in breeding practices.
Number of Litters Annually: Balancing Passion and Livelihood
a. ONE-AND-DONE: Occasional breeders with a single litter (or maybe a couple), often accidental, and with no intention to continue breeding.
b. PART-TIME: Driven by passion rather than profit, these breeders typically have 1 or 2 litters per year.
c. FULL-TIME: Breeding is a livelihood for these individuals, with multiple litters per year as part of their professional commitment.
d. PRODUCTION: Can be focusing on quantity over quality, these breeders produce a high number of puppies, often 10 or more litters per year.
Moral Standards: Guiding Ethical Practices
a. Puppy Mill: At the lowest end of the welfare spectrum, these are large-scale breeding operations where profit outweighs the well-being of dogs. Breeding dogs are often kept in poor conditions, receive inadequate veterinary care, and are bred excessively. These practices cause significant harm and contribute heavily to shelter overpopulation.
b. Uninformed or Uneducated Breeder: Often operating with good intentions but limited knowledge, these breeders may lack the education, mentorship, or resources to follow best practices in health testing, placement, and long-term responsibility. With proper guidance and access to educational programs, many can transition toward more conscientious breeding practices, however, left alone they will continue poor practices as they are not often seeking education.
c. Traditional or “Ethical” Breeder: Many breeders identify as “ethical,” performing health testing and participating in shows or breed clubs. However, the term “ethical” is broad and subjective—some breeders in this group may still struggle with transparency, buyer support, or long-term accountability. Education and structure help strengthen their programs and build public trust.
d. Conscientious Breeder: A Conscientious Breeder prioritizes the health, welfare, and future of every dog they produce. They are transparent about their practices, conduct appropriate health testing, and maintain lifetime responsibility for their dogs. Within this group, levels of excellence may vary—from those making meaningful progress toward higher standards to those who have achieved exemplary practices recognized by peers and certification programs.
Conclusion
Choosing a breeder is a significant decision that impacts both your life and the life of your future furry companion. Our breeder ranking system aims to provide a nuanced understanding of different breeders, fostering transparency, accountability, and conscientious breeding practices within the community. By considering Knowledge Level, Number of Litters Annually, and Moral Standards, prospective pet owners can make informed choices that align with their values and contribute to the well-being of dogs everywhere.