There’s nothing sweeter and cuter than a puppy. Our social media feeds are certainly brightened up when people post cute pictures of puppies. We all love puppies.
Everyone loves a good kielbasa, too – but knowing how the sausage is made, not so much.
Likewise with puppies. We all assume that every puppy comes from a loving home. In many cases, that is true. The unfortunate truth is that, in too many cases, they have endured rather than been pampered.
On one of my social media feeds, a person recently asked if two purebred dogs which had been re-homed could be bred legally. Most registered dogs come with either a no breeding contract or a limited breeding contract, under terms agreed to at purchase. So, the question was basically whether those agreements survive the sale of purebred pups to third parties.
Most registered breeders do not allow the re-sale or re-homing of pets without permission, at which time they will bind the new owners by the original agreements. Some breeders may even require the return of the animal rather than allowing it to be sold. If provisions that were in the original sale are not followed, the breeder could quite legally seize the pet and/or sue if it is bred.
If the puppies in question are not registered, and bred by a backyard breeder or puppy mill, then you could breed them, as the original breeder was just interested in getting cash for the puppy.
But would you want to breed a dog with unknown parentage? Especially a purebred, where conscious effort is made to ensure that bad traits are avoided? Two dogs of unknown origin could both carry genes that manifest in dogs with huge health issues, even fatal ones.
If you want to breed dogs, do it right. Do the research, spend money on healthy, quality parents, and follow recommended practises in how and when you breed them.
If you just want a dog, look to adoption first. There are so many pets looking for forever homes out there, especially after the huge surge in interest when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the subsequent (and predictable) surrenders.
If you want or feel you need a specific, then shop responsibly. Look for open and transparent breeders who welcome site visits and give you full genealogies and health guarantees. These may cost a lot more than someone willing to deliver your pup, or meet you in a parking lot somewhere but, trust me, they can be a lot less expensive long-term.
If you want to “just have one litter of puppies”, as much as it would seem fun, that isn’t the reality. It’s a full-time job for a few months. Vet bills and other expenses can end up making it a money-losing venture, not considering your time. There is also wear and tear on your pet, as dogs that have had a litter can have additional health concerns going forward.
Responsible dog ownership starts with responsible breeding, and whichever side of that you are on (breeder or buyer), making sure that it is done right can mean happier, healthier dogs in our lives.
