As you read my 'signature' on many pages of this website, you will see that I operate a private all-breed rescue/foster/adoption program. I have been involved in rescue for about 18 yrs. now.
I see dogs go to waste every day; large and small, purebred and mutt, young and old... doesn't seem to matter; they get sold to what would seem to be a good home, then somehow get discarded back into our system, or worse, dumped somewhere. It's VERY sad.
Me? I personally wouldn't trust anyone these days with a puppy ... a living, breathing animal ... for sale. I have a hard time trusting people with these wonderful 'used' dogs... but at least 'used' dog adopters are generally honest and upright. Most puppy buyers do not have a clue.
Most puppy purchases happen on impulse.Yes, that's right. Most have given no thought at all as to how they will care for that wee little life, let alone what it grows up to be.
I know for a fact that many (especially small breeds) puppies are purchased for a certain price from the 'breeder' and then resold to "who knows who" for considerably more money. Poor little guys. Who knows where or how most of them will end up.
I have rescued just about every breed imaginable in the past 18 years. We recently busted a puppy mill with 64 breeding Yorkies and Chihuahuas. Over the course of time, I have discovered that one reason the 'little' dogs don't reach rescue sooner is that they are passed around from family member to family member and from friend to friend, etc... what a life for an unconditionally loving dog. Very sad.
The downside of selling a puppy to anyone is that you lose the right to govern what happens to that puppy from that moment on. You can try, but rarely will a court stand behind you. Frpm a legal standpoint, when money changes hands, a 'sale' is made and you have no more rights. Dogs are much lie cars... anyone can 'own' them. AND, if you don't have the pups spayed/neutered before going into their new homes, it's almost guaranteed... even if the buyer signed an agreement NOT to breed... that dog is going to get bred at least once (usually an 'accident'; a mixed litter). And buyers don't care if the puppies for sale don't have 'papers'... the pups will sell anyway. Know this: there are sneaky buyers who buy your puppies for pet stores. You might never know what kind of life awaits that pup you're responsible for.
Placing a dog through rescue, we have adopters sign an ironclad contract and can legally confiscate the dog if the contract is broken ... because a 'purchase' was not made. The adoption fees are 'donations' to the individual rescue. Home visits are done prior to the adoption to check out the truthfulness of statements that are made about the new home environment. That puts us in an informed position to put the right dog in the right home.
I teach dog obedience and agility. I provide 6 weeks of obedience class at a reduced cost with EVERY dog adopted from me. That way I can help create a good bond between new dog and family and get some good skills started within the new family!! I don't lose track of too many dogs with all that going on.
Why would you EVER produce a living thing and then expect someone else to take care of it for the next 15 yrs. of it's life? If you believe that will happen, you're fooling yourself.
If I told you some of the horror stories that I have witnessed first hand by people who "love their dog"... I could make you cry. Watch a few episodes of the 'animal cops' shows on Animal Planet and SEE what happens to dogs that people buy from breeders.
PLEASE do not breed your dog. Go to www.petfinder.com and our websites and check out all of the homeless dogs up for adoption: www.therightcarefordogs.com www.idahopawsforlife.org www.idawg.com
Please spay/neuter your dog. It spares those of us in rescue just that many more dogs to find homes for. Thank you.
NOTE for those who STILL aren't sure: If you aren't sure, but you think you really want to breed your dog, do as a very wise person once told a group of young would-be breeders: "Walk through an animal shelter ... if you can look into the eyes of every dog that is cowering alone and afraid and homeless in those cages... and be absolutely certain that no dog you ever bring into this world (nor their offspring) will ever be among them ... for any reason, EVER, for as long as you live, then you can be a dog breeder." Author Unknown