Finding Equilibrium – Hobby & Commercial Pet Providers

BY DEBRA HAMILTON, HAMILTON LAW AND MEDIATION, PLCC

One of the thorniest questions asked when looking for the next How do we meet the supply and demand for purebred dogs by family companion is, where should I get my dog? Will it come from an established breeder, hobby breeder or commercial breeder? Should I buy my next puppy from a pet store, a breed specific rescue or shelter? Which supplier will provide me with the best dog? A recent discussion in an Internet dog group explored this question while addressing opinions on a state’s ban on selling commercially bred dogs, cats and rabbits.

For purposes of this article the following definitions will apply to the three categories of pet acquisitions discussed:

• Established Breeder – One who participates on a local and/or National level with a breed/all breed, performance or hunt club.
• Hobby Breeder – One who breeds dogs for income, enjoyment of others, and ease of acquisition.
• Commercial Breeder – Those who raise/acquire dogs to be sold at pet stores.

These are not meant to be exhaustive definitions. Your definitions/categories might differ. In the discussion different definitions of these categories emerged, as did definitions of purebred dog breeders/owners, fanciers and pet owners. The one thing the group did agree on was that it is important to continue to have the ability to breed purebred dogs.

How do we meet the supply and demand for purebred dogs by the buying public while maintaining our individual choice and decision to breed? We do it by exploring and recognizing that reputable breeders can come from many places and produce dogs for differing purposes and venues. This recognition will enhance our ability to maintain the existence of purebred dogs.

This statement may grate on the last nerve of established breed- ers. However, as a sport, we know we cannot meet the demand for our dogs with the litters conformation and performance breed- ers produce. Commercial establishments and hobby breeders, in compliance with local laws, can in fact breed healthy dogs for the pet and pet store trade. These people should not be our enemy but our ally.

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Posted by Alex on Jul 18 2017. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.