Im a bit confused here. Someone mentioned a litter of pups kept in bad conditions dirty and basicly not cared for correctly someone else said this is what they call a "back yard breeder". Now isnt that a bit missleading. I had a litter of pups that was kept outside (in suitable surroundings). is that back yard breeding. My pups were doted upon looked after very well, always cleaned to the best possible standard. Someone please explain. Thankyou.

Well if your pups were well cared for etc than I would assume the term doesn't apply to you

It just shows the difficulties of applying labels, I agree it doesn't much matter where the pups are reared as long as the socialisation work is being carried out.  I think responsible or irresponsible breeder might be a better catch all.

I have never liked the term either as after all most small hobby breeders have back yards or gardens in the UK.  It rather implies that only the landed gentry are proper breeders, which is a rather arcaic concept :D

I would say a responsible/dedicated breeder, or a casual puppy producer.

I would agree Brainless. 
To me a responsible breeder is totally involved with their breed, looking at as many others as possible, either showing/working/agility/obedience, therefore being surrounded by other people with knowledge and experience.  When they breed a litter, they will travel to the best possible dog for their bitch, even if it's to the other end of the country (and sometimes further!)to do their best to maintain the breed standard and improve the quality of their own dogs, so that the next generation is better than the last.
A casual puppy producer, regardless of the conditions in which their dogs are kept, produce puppies to sell.

I used to occasionally read a forum for lurcher and terrier enthusiasts. Interestingly, they often used the term 'back-yard breeder' as a positive term as it was seen as someone breeding from their own, tried and tested working bitch as opposed to a commercial breeding / puppy farm set-up.

Well said Val and Brainless

I think 'back yard breeder' is an american term used to describe a whole number of different breeding situations which don't come under the 'repuatable breeder' catagory, largely breeders who breed without considering whether their dogs have something to contribute to the breed, from having a lovely pet who they would like puppies from, to someone who breeds their dogs for money.

That makes me feel a whole lot better.

Brainless and Val's descriptions of a casual puppy breeder probably sums up a 'back yard breeder', with the addition of those who breed because they want a pup just like their beloved pet, to see the miracle of birth, because they should have 1 litter before spaying etc.  I think there are differences due to the huge rescue/stray problem in the USA - most reputable breeders have a neuter/spay contracts, so those who tend to be breeding in their 'back yard' will be unlikely to be using good examples of the breed.

Sharon, I think this sums it up well :) 

<<The backyard breeder is the single greatest cause of pet overpopulation. Backyard breeders usually do not have bad intentions, but the results of back yard breeding are devastating. The majority of purebred dogs come from this category in many popular breeds, as well as the majority of purebred dogs in rescue, or destroyed in pounds. Most are sold locally through newspaper ads - the responsibility ends when the purchaser's taillights disappear from sight. Many backyard breeders do not have the knowledge to properly raise a healthy, socialized litter, or to help the new owner with any problems that might arise.

Backyard breeders may act on a desire to make extra money, or simply out of ignorance. Sometimes back yard breeders will breed so "their children can experience the miracle of birth", or they mistakenly believe "every dog should have one litter." They may think their dog is so cute, he/she would make wonderful puppies, with little or no thought for the homes to which their puppies will go. Other back yard breeders see how much money legitimate breeders charge for pups and figure they could make some "easy money" too. Or, a back yard breeder may have a completely unplanned litter by accident.

Backyard breeders usually bring two breeding animals together regardless of their quality. They are not interested in scientific breeding. Their aim is to fulfill a personal need or goal, not to improve the breed and bring excellent quality dogs to the world. Since breed excellence is generally unimportant, the breeding dogs generally will not have been tested for genetic and health problems.

Backyard breeders are not necessarily bad people, they often come from middle to upper income families, and their dogs can be well loved and kept. However, getting a pup from a back yard breeder is a gamble:

* the parents likely have not been screened for health problems
* puppies usually are not sold with contracts
* the breeders are not in it for the long haul. They will be working on new personal objectives in five years when your pet has a problem and you need help.

Although you might pay less for the breed of your choice from a pet store or backyard breeder, it's almost a given that in the long run, you'll pay a good deal more in vet bills and perhaps emotional bills (if the dog has to be euthanized due to a health or temperament problem), than you would from a reputable breeder.

Before we decide to breed our dogs, THINK. Ask yourself what the purpose of this litter really is. >>

Jerome V. Orbeso
JAORB Kennel
Home of good Labradors
Manila, Philippines

Taken from qualitydogs.com

It was me who mentioned the term.  No, I wouldn't apply it to you; if the pups were bred for a good reason (i.e. improving the breed, good working lines, that sort of thing), and are reared properly, then you're a good breeder - BYBs are those people that tend to breed to make a few quid, and sometimes those who breed because they want another puppy, or the like.  It can be an iffy term to apply, yes; but in general, it's used for breeders who aren't breeding in the best interests of their dogs.  As I said in the original reply, it is used more often in the US, so the meaning may come across a little differently here.  Sorry if I offended those hobby breeders with small back yards, that wasn't the meaning I was going for - it's metaphorical!  The term came about because a lot of the dodgy breeders were doing it in their back yard, out of sight.  It doesn't mean all breeders using their gardens are bad, by any means.

Sorry for any confusion!

Hi Nikita I wasnt offended by your post it just raised a point I always wanted to make. Thanks everyone, Im well aware there are way too many bad breeders out there.

i always though a back street breeder was a breeder that does not show or breed to better the breed not always producing a quality dog,not in the same leage as the puppy farmers am i wrong,