The insinuation, that I am backyard breeder is unfounded. My dog I have now, came from one, and I turned her in, I actaually called the news. I called my local paper, to point out she breeds every 6 months, and sells Christmas puppies for more than summer puppies. My dog was covered in fleas, the nasty breeder actually put "no fleas" in her ad. This was the 1st sogn she was a bad breeder. Who says "No fleas" The breeder my dog came from is a peice of crap, and I care. The breeder called the police on me, for turning her in.

Think what you want, I wanted 2 more puppies, and wanted a family connection. So I considered breeding her. That is NOT a backyard breeder. I'd give the puppies for free, if I thought a good person would take them.

Because of the prevalence and prominence of the breed, high demand results in many Goldens being abandoned each year by owners who can no longer care for them. puppymills are another source of orphan Golden Retrievers. These dogs, often old or in need of medical support, may end up in animal shelters.

The median life span for Golden Retrievers is approximately 10 to 13 years. While the breed is recognized for its vitality, many retrievers are susceptible to specific ailments. A responsible breeder will proactively minimize the risk of illness by having the health of dogs in breeding pairs professionally assessed and selected on the basis of complementary traits.

Breeding Golden Retrievers can be profitable for puppy mills and backyard breeders. As a result of careless breeding for profit, Goldens are prone to genetic disorders and other diseases. Hip dysplasia is very common in the breed; when buying a puppy in the US its parents should have been examined by the OFA or by PennHIP for hip disease

shelties rule!!!

In your initial post you said, I am a believer that female dogs should have one litter, so I intend to breed her this summer and  This is the 1st time, I have actually planned a litter.  So it appears that you are a bit past the "gathering opinion" stage, that you have already made your decision.

And yes, should you breed your dog, even just once, you would be a backyard breeder.  A backyard breeder is a person who casually breeds dogs with little or no regard to the breed standard, genetically linked defects and temperament.  Sorry, but just calling it like I see it.  I'm actually very suprised that someone who considers themselves to be animal advocate even has a passing thought of breeding their pet quality dog, much less is actually planning the litter.

You seem to be really confused as to what constitutes a BYB, which by this point if you ACTUALLY READ AND PROCESSED WHAT HAS BEEN POSTED, there shouldn't be any doubt in your mind.

Are you health testing?  Not going to the vet and getting the "A-OKAY," I mean OFA hips and elbows and CERF testing and whatever else your breed is prone to.  Have you checked the pedigree for epilepsy or hip dysplasia or any other genetic problems?  Do you show, is your dog finished?  How about her pedigree, full of champions on both sides?  Is she a wonderful specimen of your breed? I can actually answer that one (no) for you, since she weighs in and measures way above the breed standard. 

How about the sire?  is all of that true for him as well?  And what's so special about the sire that you want to breed to him, other than he has a working pair of testicles?

If you can't answer yes to all of that, or if any of that made you feel confused as to why it's necessary to breed, yes dear you are a back yard breeder.  Breeding solely for puppies, and no other reason.  That's all it takes to be a BYB.  BYB does not necessarily imply that you take bad care of your dogs or that you don't care what homes they go to, or even that you're trying to make a profit.  All it takes is making puppies for the sole purpose of making puppies.  Thats it.  Though something tells me you're not going to read this far into my post.

Also stop creating a new thread every time you return, just post in the first thread.

If you want to breed, your best bet is to spay your girl right now and look around at shows for a mentor. With this said mentor you can get help in understanding health testing, pedigree, breed standard, breeding practices etc... From there you can find a breeding quality female dog, show her, get her health testing done, and THEN have a litter. Unfortunatally not many are willing to take this level of effort, but trust me when I say its worth it in the end to have a litter of quality puppies.

Amy
Can. Ch. Kamann's Over the Rainbow "Bo" (Miniature Poodle)
Cindeross Silver Slippers "Gidget" (Miniature Poodle)

There is no true definition to a byb. 

       

"You listened to the rumors, and passed a lie.  Because of your ignorance, I had to die"
- "pitbull"

designerdogs.myfreeforum.org (for those who love their crossbreeds)