Breeder Comparison Chart

What is the Difference between a "Responsible Breeder" and a "Backyard Breeder"?


 There are actually several differences between responsible breeders and backyard breeders. "Backyard breeder" is the general term given to breeders who breed dogs ignorantly or selfishly with little or no regard to health and temperament. There are generally two kinds of BYBs - those who honestly don't know that what they're doing is wrong, and those who do know but choose to breed anyway. Below is a chart that lists comparisons between the two to give you some idea of the major differences between them.

Responsible Breeder
Backyard Breeder
  • Are very familiar with the breed and can answer any questions you may have about them
  • Can tell you about their dogs' pedigrees (health history, number of champions in pedigree, etc)
  • Will be honest with you about their dogs' qualities - both good and bad
  • Will help you select the best puppy for your personality and lifestyle
  • Offers a guarantee against genetic defects for the life of your puppy and will replace the puppy or refund your money should a genetic problem develop
  • Screens potential puppy buyers to make sure that his/her puppies only go to the best homes and will be properly cared for in the future
  • Raise their puppies in the home instead of kennels and socialize and expose their puppies to many different new situations
  • Participate in dog events and competitions (such as conformation, agility, herding trials, etc) to prove his/her dogs
  • Is a member of local and/or national breed clubs
  • Is eager to share information about the care, training, and special needs of the breed
  • Require some sort of contract to be signed guaranteeing, among other things, that the dog be returned to them should the new owners find themselves unable to care for it
  • Will allow you to see his/her breeding facility as well as the puppy's dam and sire (if on premises)
  • Asks potential puppy buyers questions about thier ability to care for a puppy or this breed
  • Maintains clean quarters for his/her dogs
  • Tests all dogs for genetic health problems such as orthopedic and eye abnormalities
  • Breeds for one reason - for the betterment of the breed
  • Is concerned with the temperaments of the dogs they produce
  • Requires that all pet-quality puppies be spayed/neutered as soon as possible
  • Supports rescue groups and will rescue homeless dogs of his/her breed whenever possible
  • Is willing to provide potential buyers with references of those who have purchased puppies from him/her in the past
  • Will not place puppies at less than eight weeks of age
  • Only breeds occassionally
  • Will usually sell to anyone willing to hand over money
  • Does not screen potential buyers for their suitability as a home for his/her puppies (or any dog, for that matter)
  • May or may not offer a health guarantee. If a health guarantee is offered, it usually only guarantees that the puppy is healthy at the time of purchase and may not make any quarantees against genetic diseases
  • Does not test his/her breeding dogs for genetic abnormalities
  • Are not concerned with temperament, conformation, and general health of their puppies
  • Often neglects appropriate veterinary care for his/her dogs so as to maximize profit
  • Sometimes offer several different breeds
  • Seem to have litters available almost constantly
  • Facilities are dirty and dogs in poor condition, and they may seem hesitant to allow you to see thier kennel or the sire and dam
  • Dogs are poorly socailized and may be shy or fearful
  • Has little or no knowledge about the breed, its needs, and common health problems associated with it
  • Isn't involved in dog events or competitions and none of his/her dogs are proven/titled
  • Shows no interest in answering your questions about the breed, care, training, etc and may become irritated if you ask questions
  • Does not follow up on puppies after they have been placed in new homes
  • Is unknowledgeable about dog care, training, socialization, etc
  • Usually breeds often to generate a profit
  • Dogs that are bred rarely conform to the standard for the breed
  • Puppies are generally cheaper than those offered by responsible breeders
  • Usually places puppies young, sometimes six weeks or less (Note: It is illegal in some states to sell puppies less than 8 weeks of age!)
  • Is not concerned with the future of his/her puppies
  • Is not involved in breed rescue
  • Is not a member of local or national breed clubs
  • Does not require that his/her puppies be spayed/neutered


As always, use your best judgement in deciding on a breeder for your new puppy. This guide is purely for educational purposes and should never be used as the end-all determinant whether or not a breeder is responsible.
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