Backyard Breeders

[Barbara Monahan]

Why would a "backyard breeder" sell a labradoodle for half the cost of other breeders? Is there licensing invovled, or more fees etc? I am trying to figure this out as there are several update NY "backyard breeders" and not sure why they are selling their puppies for so much less. Thanks!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There are several reasons, but I think the biggest one is that they don't do genetic health testing on their breeding dogs, so their expenses are much, much less than those of breeders who do. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

And related to what Karen said, to buy a good breeder , from known, tested lineage can cost around $20,000.

[William]

Mmmm let's see, to make a fast buck; no regard for the potential health risk of the puppies; no concern for the financial and emotional suffering of the puppies & families involved; oh yeah did I mention just to make fast money already ??
STAY FAR AWAY from backyard breeders and or breeders that do not/or provide no proof of health testing, trust me!!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

In short

A true breeder breeds because they love the breed and want to keep and improve the overall quality, temperament,  and health of the breed

A Backyard breeder wants money.A quick sale. Who cares about the health!  

In short

Pay now or pay later.   A dog who is  not health tested  or bred in poor quality conditions and consideration, can  will cost you a lot of money down the road.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Here is an article that explains what a good breeder does to ensure the dogs are in peak condition in order to breed quality dogs. Healthy puppies. Back Yard breeders do none of this...... So compare and contrast. Note, typically, a ethical breeder does this for hobby not money. Rarely do they make money. If they do, down the road they put that money back into their stock, healthcare costs, quality food, time,etc
http://www.hoasc.org/aboutsams/goodbreeder.html

[Adina P]

Because they can.  Probably have an easier time selling pups for 'cheap' that way.  And they still make some good pocket money because they haven't invested much into their dogs or the breeding (maybe shots at 6 weeks for the litter...no biggie).

[Ginny Nightingale]

I agree with all the replies and will add that IN ORDER to make that quick sale (as they don't want to puppies around too long at all!) they need to charge what the area people will pay--so they do sell them for less and spend less to produce the pups--therefore, they might actually make more profit than a true reputable breeder! Buyer beware! You could get lucky and get a nice pup--I know a few people who have, but I also know of NIGHTMARES that occurred with BYBs...

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

There is a huge difference between a backyard breeder and a hobby breeder.  A backyard breeder might just have a mating between their dog "because it is so cute," with absolutely NO thought to health or temperament.  Often these dogs are from pet stores or puppy mills themselves.  They can charge less because they themselves don't do anything special - not health testing, not mating with another quality dog (because no one is going to let their expensive high-quality, health-tested dog mate with someone's pet) so their costs are much lower.  A hobby breeder does the things bigger more professional breeders do such as health testing their dogs, but they do it on a much smaller scale and it is not a major source of income.  They might charge somewhat less because of what the market will bear  but I don't think it would be half.

[Wendy and Myla]

So it looks like you have had heartbreak also!!!  We decided to get a goldendoodle in 2006 - I had just retired and we had never heard of the breed until we saw an ad in our local paper!  I googled the breed and thought "what a perfect combination!" and decided to get the puppy - We paid $800. and everyone in our family thought we were crazy to pay that much for a "mut" (and we did too) but we liked the two breeds!  We had no idea about health testing etc. etc. The "breeder" was two friends who decided to breed their two dogs!   Our Zak was awesome!  We absolutely fell in love but at the age of two she developed EPI.  We spent a lot of money on medication, testing etc. but at the age of five she had too many issues and had to be put down.  We were devastated (and still are!) - as a tribute to Zak, we were still in love with the breed and decided to get another doodle.  My DH was unsure, he said he could not go through the heartbreak again but I needed another dog.  By chance, looking at breeder websites, I came across the DK website and became consumed with all of the information!  I had no idea of testing, etc. etc.  Because I had never had a "purebred" dog before, I had no idea of breeders and what that all entailed!  Because of DK I looked at breeders that did health testing and came upon my breeder!  She definitely endorsed the "health testing" and we are so happy!!!  I know that EPI is not completely known to be "hereditary" but I know that getting my puppy from a breeder that does all of the testing beforehand I stand a far greater chance of not having to go through the heartbreak that we went through with Zak!!!  Please, get your puppy from a reputable breeder who does all of the "health testing" so that you know that when you start off, you have the best puppy that you can possible have!!!!  and then you go from there with your love and training!  Find a breeder that you trust and then you will find your "forever friend"!!!

 

 

[MariG25]

Hi Wendy and Myla! What you just described is exactly what my husband and I want to prevent from happening to us. Can you please share your breeders information via a private message? Also I would love any tips you have on finding a reputable breeder. Thanks!

[Wendy and Myla]

I have sent you a private message! 

[William]

I have three doodles, two of my doodles came from health tested and divulged breeders(no issues yet what so ever!), and the one from "TEGAN PARK LABRADOODLES" (C/o Angela Manners Cunningham) didn't, and he is the one with multiple health issues including Addisons Disease which is costing me hundreds per year to keep him (Flip) healthy & alive.
I have over $2000 in him in less than a year just in vet related addisons crisis bills. This is not including medicine for actual treatment. So like a poster mentioned before, spend more now or a LIFETIME later??!!