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I feel this battle between BYB's & reputable breeders will be a timeless one simply because of convenience and cost. I would have LOVED to have a dog of guaranteed (no guesswork implied or waiting till pup matures to do all the tests for clarification, etc.) top notch quality-but that price intended to weed out as many possible irresponsible owners did the same to me =/ It's a double-edged sword, honestly.

Very much so. I also think everyone, at least those who frequent this forum, knows that they are very much a reality and an answer to some people who are looking for a companion. They are out there, and they aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

The point that is being made, at least the one I'm making, is to educate as many people as possible as to why it isn't necessarily the best route to take.


Just from the money argument alone:

The money you save in the short run could very well come back in the long run. I'm not saying a well bred pup can't have health issues or a pup from a BYB can't live just as long or longer, but it goes without saying someone who is health testing and watching the lines will produce a better quality dog in the long most of the time.

If money still is the issue there are many shelters and rescues with puppies too. They cost considerably less then what a BYB or pet store would have sold you the pup for and the money goes towards helping animals who need it instead of towards another litter.



We are all old enough to make up our own minds, and in all honesty if Sean chooses to go this route and get a puppy from this breeder (I'm not saying the breeder you found is a BYB) no one will think any less and we all eagerly await the pictures. I'm sure the pup will be spoiled and loved like only a member of this forum can do.

The thing to keep in mind is for every member who posts here there are a great many who lurk (I've seen the numbers ) and just read posts and if we can educate them as to why going to a BYB is less then ideal in the grand scheme of things we all did our good deed for the day.

If enough people get wise and see the flaw in the practice and how buying is just supporting it there can't help but be an effect. Even one less BYB in the world is a good thing in my book.

~Chris~

For what it's worth.... A lot of people didn't think that non-violent protests would work for the civil rights campaign either. I'm not saying boycotting BYBs is going to make a change overnight (and without meaning offense, I would call this a BYB. A nicer-quality and more "ethical" BYB than most, but it's still a BYB to me-- again, like a very clean Super 8 Motel). However, boycotts DO work and eventually people do learn. Change starts somewhere.

However, that being said... if Sean chooses this puppy, no one will attack him. He and his pup will still be members of this forum. But when he (and others) ask opinions, I will give my honest one What he does with that is up to him!

Honestly I've seen BYBs charge just as much, even more, than a reputably bred puppy. So the fear that a dog with a proven pedigree and health testing will cost thousands more than the dog bred because it could be isn't always the case. I agree with Chris' philosophy with the more people become educated on these poor breeding practices the less people will be inclined to buy from them and perhaps we'll start to see a decline.

I was worried the bigger picture had gotten a bit distorted with some of the responses earlier, but glad to see things have come back into focus: I love how good-natured and ultimately helpful this forum's members are!