I am a breeder. I spend a lifetime learning pedigrees, going over dogs, talking, and learning from those in my breed and those outside it. I raise each litter as if I gave birth to them and spend an equal amount of time finding them loving forever homes. I only put puppies on this planet that I think will be the healthiest (mentally and physically) and nicest examples of their breed. I support each family who chose one of my puppies and let them know they are now a part of our extended family.

I am there if one needs to come back and will aggressively pursue the return of one of my dogs if it's in the wrong place. I support my breed in rescue and education. I hold them when they arrive and leave this world. I share my knowledge and socialize my dogs so that they will be the advertisement for my dedication. I don't keep track of the money and time I put in to my love of dogs, it would not be a true measure of how I feel. The price I charge for my puppies is never profit, but investment in the next generation. I am not ashamed of who I am... I work hard at being a good dog person and encouraging others to be the same. I am a breeder and I am proud of it. If we don't support each other - we are doomed as a fancy.

Copied unashamedly from the Facebook page of someone whose judgement, advice and support is much valued.
We are all invited to copy and post if we agree!   Although my breeding days are over, I whole-heartedly support this statement.

agree, this is what breeder should mean, sadly I often have to defend myself as to the general public breeder is often at best a necessary evil, at worst a puppy Farmer.

My sentiments exactly although I've only bred 2 litters to date, and no plans for at least 2 years. Still, I'm constantly looking at pedigrees, going to dog shows even just to watch if I don't have anything entered, spend hours a day walking my dogs & giving them the best life, etc etc....

Yes I am a dog person, only another dog person would understand :)

Great.

For 30 years it was a way of life for me!  I've reduced my posting on here because I fume when I read posts about irresponsible, ignorant production of puppies - I can't bring myself to call it breeding! :(

I Agree even though I am not a breeder,i will only get my pups from people like yourself.

Sheila

I'm just dabbling on the edges re. showing and breeding, but I am genuinely shocked at just how many litters are bred by some kennels in my breed in the quest for champions - probably all the above statement applies re. the pups, but should there be a limit on the amount of litters produced per year per kennel?

Would it be true to say that in order to make a name in the show world it is necessary to breed large numbers?

This isn't pointed at anyone or intended to be inflammatory, just me trying to understand this new hobby I've fallen into!  :-)

> Would it be true to say that in order to make a name in the show world it is necessary to breed large numbers?
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No numbers does not equal quality, though I suppose more litters means more choice.

As long as the litters are reared and socialised properly and the breeder remains responsible then the number of litters they breed is not an issue.

If they breed more than four litters in any 12 months period they will be classes as breeding commercially anyway. 

Even then they must surely be better than the numbers bred in any one year on even a Licensed puppy farm (the one in Wales recently has a license for well over 100 bitches), probably more than any conscientious breeder will breed in a lifetime and far poorer quality of both breeding stock and care.