Eric Haynes wrote:[When I think backyard breeder, I think people just breeding for money and not for betterment of the breed. I don't consider people breeding healthy dogs that can demonstrate being good hunters, as backyard breeders.
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Good definition, and I agree. The funny part is they bred them....in the backyard.
My friend is an active DU member with a good bitch dog. His father in law had a good stud, they knew both dogs were ok health wise, and both of them were purebred labs. They had one litter. I got one of the pups. I had my dog speyed at 6 months as I KNOW I am not a breeder nor do I want pups.
I am lucky as I got to hunt with the momma dog, and I liked her. Then I got to play with all 8 pups a few times. I finally let my friend pick Brandy for me. He knew them better than I did; and he knew which one would make a hunter. He was right. I got a good one.
Eric, (and all Chessie lovers) I am all for doing the best thing for the breed. That is why there are breed standards. My point is that you don't HAVE to go balls out, money wise, to get a good hunting dog. You have to have a little common sense. And of course genetics play a large role.
IMO the only thing that has saved Labs from the same fate as irish setters, cocker spaniles, and golden retriviers is the fact so many people like us insist on making them do the job they were bred to do.
