lately I have been hearing the term "backyard breeder" a lot. I was chatting to a gamekeeper friend who breeds spaniels and labs and he reckons there is a big hype at the moment about anyone who breeds dogs who isnt involved in dog shows, who doesnt have a license, or who breeds as a part-time income from their working dogs or pets.

What id like to ask is, where did this saying come from and whats it supposed to mean? What is wrong with breeding dogs from a kennel in your "back yard" as long as the dogs are well loved and looked after?
I wasnt aware this was illegal?  I live on a busy housing estate and most of the people on my street have two ot three dogs, which they breed a litter from now and again, as a sort of part-time income. the breeds range from GSD, labrador and staffordshire bull terrier mostly. I dont see a problem with this, I think most people love their dogs and care for them, so why is there all this sudden fuss about "backyard breeders" whatever they are supposed to be?

The term 'backyard breeder' refers to a person who breeds dogs for no other reason than to make money. A person who breeds from any bitch, using the most convenient dog regardless of the quality of either, or their compatability. A person who pays no regard to national health testing schemes, to attempt to minimise the risk of unhealthy puppies being born, and ultimately costing the new owner lots of heartache and money.
Dawn R.

A 'backyard breeder' is usually one who has little knowledge of or concern for the quality of the animals they are breeding from or producing; uses the nearest available stud dog regardless of its suitability; has no knowledge of the individual dogs in the pedigree of their animals and their strengths/weaknesses; takes no part in testing for hereditary diseases; and is basically churning out generally poor quality, mass-market pups for money, rather than to better the breed.

<<so why is there all this sudden fuss about "backyard breeders">>

It's not a "Sudden Fuss" Guest, we were complaining about puppy farmers (Another expression for the same thing) right back in the 1960's!

I think the expression Backyard Breeder originated in America and personally I don't think it gives the right message. You can breed good quality health tested puppies in your own back yard and I will applaud you. Or you can farm puppies in your back yard and I'll do all I can to get you shut down.

Regards, John

A backyard breeder gives no backup to the owner of the new puppy, no advice or help if things go wrong & does not take back puppies which need to be rehomed - so many end up in rescue or being passed around. The dogs are often not KC Reg. and therefore cannot have undergone recognised health checks. It is not illegal - but it is certainly immoral. They may earn a "part time income" (Now, if they don't declare it to the tax people that's illegal!!!!) but if you breed dogs properly there is no profit - you are lucky to break even. You don't have to have a license to breed dogs properly - just plenty of knowledge about the breed & a lifetime commitment to the puppies you produce.

well said Anwen !!!!   I get so fed up of people who think there is money to be made... if there is then I am not getting any !!!!  I spend much more out......