Who knows what reasoning is behind each individual, could be outdated web site. But yes you do have to watch out for scams, there are people known to collect “free” animals and sell them to laboratories or in my area have used them to train fighting dogs.
Many breeds have a very good network of folks who stay on top of things via e-mail and help find homes for our breed whenever a need arises....all at our expense. We often help in transport, housing, inspection of facilities etc and in general these usually turn out to be mixed breed or former “cheaply” bred dogs. I agree some of the applications border on nuts no doubt...the comment about a parade? Say what? I’ve seen some real overkill dumb questions on others “applications” as well and I agree in many instances it is a cover to make it look like they are responsible. When we sell a dog (and we only breed one or two litters a year if that) it will be priced high enough that people who are willing to pay that much are more likely to be responsible. We usually ask a person about their vet (and would be understanding to Bird’s reply) or ask other questions geared toward finding if the person actually knows how to care for a dog. If you ask what heartworm preventative they use, or what wormers etc and they don’t know what you’re talking about....they will never see one of our dogs because it will more than likely not be cared for. Nothing can replace experience in this case, we’ve done it over 30 years and you learn what to ask each person, and yes we have refused some people. The result is well taken care of dogs in upper income homes living better than we are, and that’s a good thing. The internet can be good and bad for dogs, it allows for any newcomer to appear legit and knowledgeable about a breed. Real breeders normally lose money on the endeavor and spend thousands in vet bills, feed, educational subscriptions and going to seminars at universities to be better informed about genetics, latest shot recommendations .......I can go on and on, but lets just say a conscientious breeder normally will have a great word of mouth following, will return e-mails, will help the new buyer on any questions they have.
The problem of strays and unwanteds is a huge one, unfortunately those who do right by the animals are the easy target for do gooder laws. Those of us who go to vets on a regular basis, give rabies as is law, are the ones targeted because they have our record of ownership. The dogs breeding indiscriminately are likely not registered and we pay because of those irresponsible owners. In my county it cost more than double to register a non-neutered animal. Now they are trying to pass a bill that would force one to spay a female after one litter. Some of us strive for genetic and personality improvements and spend thousands per dog showing and purchasing them. When you have particularly outstanding traits in an individual you want to continue on in your line, one litter would cause you to own even more dogs and would be absolutely destructive to a breeding program. It is very expensive to breed truly outstanding well tempered healthy dogs, few appreciate the effort behind the scenes that goes into it, but when we get a Christmas card with the family and dog next to the fireplace (often multi-million dollar homes) and phone calls telling how much they love their dog, and when we hear one of our dogs helped cheer up a neighbor who was in the hospital dying from cancer (through some of them being worked in the hospital as therapy dogs) that is part of the reward.
BTW...I agree with soundguy, people who dump animals need to have the same happen to them. Must be a school thing, my wife works at a school and this happens all the time there as well. I always say find a good breeder and support their efforts, or adopt from a rescue, but do not support an indiscriminant breeder who has no knowledge other than a pedigree (if that) and show-wins is not always proof of the pet meeting their intended “standard”. There are slightly differing temperaments even within the same breed, and not all breeds belong with all people. An experienced honest breeder will pick up on your needs and intent and will have experience with the lineage of their animals and be able to place the right temperament with the right owner, avoiding unhappy owners which could lead to dumped dogs....again, experience is key.
I could go on and on with this subject....but it’s a tractor board hahaha, so...never mind
