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Ch. Felicity's Diamond Jim, Best in Show |
Is your dog a purebred? Purebred dogs' best friends are breeder-competitors and service-dog breeders, also known as hobby breeders.
Unfortunately, many people don't know the differences between hobby breeders and the "make a buck" commercial breeders, "puppy mills," and animal dealers.
Much legislation apparently directed at the abuses of the money grubbers harms the hobby breeders. Virginia is no exception.
Recently, the Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs and Breeders and its representative had to work long hours to correct misconceptions that had been given to delegates and senators.
Responsible breeding to improve purebred dogs and concerned care for animals separate hobby breeders and service-dog providers from the "make a buck" commercial breeders, puppy mills, and animal dealers.
Responsible breeding requires hard work and sacrifice. Hobby breeders carefully consider each breeding with the goals of breed improvement and competitiveness.
Breeding preparations often take months and may require a reproductive veterinarian's services. Whelping and postnatal puppy care can be very demanding and expensive.
Puppy evaluations can take months. Prospect puppies go on to training and competitions. Some may be bred.
Others are carefully placed, and new owners are required to spay or neuter. All are assured a good old age.
Throughout these activities, proper nutrition and maintenance are required. Given all the expense and time required, responsible hobby breeders never make money.
The hobby breeders' goal is producing competitive purebred dogs (or bitches) that can advance the breed.
Harry Chipman
Stafford
