The commercial breeder raises puppies for financial gain. These breeders look at their dogs as livestock. Their decisions are made strictly at a business level so puppies and parents get as much care as it takes to produce a marketable commodity...and that's all. The dogs are kept in pens or cages and are not socialized any more than a cattle farmer socializes calves. As a result, puppies often have training and behavior problems later. Depending on the size of the operation, commercial breeders may sell puppies directly to the public or they may supply them to brokers for reselling to pet stores. They don't screen homes for appropriateness, seldom provide educational materials, do not offer post-purchase support, and generally will not take the puppy back if it doesn't work out. If you have the cash or credit, you get a puppy, no questions asked. Do not buy a puppy that was raised by a commercial breeder.

The backyard breeder usually starts by breeding a litter from the family pet. Most purebred dogs of popular breeds are raised by backyard breeders. The reasons for breeding range from wanting a puppy to keep that will be just like its mother, to letting the kids see the miracle of birth, to trying to earn back the purchase price of the family pet. Often these folks believe they have enough homes lined up for the litter and they foresee a tidy profit. The problem with these breeders is that they don't have the experience to know whether their dog is correct in temperament, working ability, or conformation, and they breed to the closest male they can find. They don't do genetic screening for health defects and usually don't even know what hereditary problems the breed is prone to. They do not usually offer any guarantee, may or may not screen the prospective homes, and aren't knowledgable enough to offer the new owner advice or help should problems arise.

Many backyard breeders become small-time regular breeders, keeping a few females that they breed every year to the same male without consideration to quality or genetic health. They sell the puppies locally through newspaper ads and consider themselves loving pet owners. They maylove their dogs and care for them well, but they should not be breeding. Puppies from these breeders very often end up in shelters or rescue.

The large show breeder keeps a kennel of anywhere from 10-15 dogs on up. They may or may not make a profit, but usually the dogs are a hobby, not a business...or at least not a lucrative one. The dogs are healthy, breedings are well-researched, and puppies are usually well-socialized and often guaranteed. These breeders vary widely in their attitudes towards dogs. Homes may be carefully screened and a lifetime take-back guarantee may be offered. The important considerations in buying from these breeders are: 1) Will support be available if you have trouble with your pet later? Will the breeder make time for you or is she only interested in showdogs and the puppies who make it to the ring? 2) How are the puppies raised? Adult dogs are often kept in kennels, but puppies should be raised in the home for proper socialization.

The hobby breeder does it for love of the breed. The money from puppy sales, while often necessary to continue the hobby, is secondary to a good home. You wonder if it wouldn't be easier to marry her daughter, for all the questions about your life, have you had other dogs, what happened to them, why do you want a puppy? These breeders produce only a few puppies a year and they keep track of every one. (Be prepared to acquire new doggy in-laws when you buy a puppy from a hobby breeder!) Their prime consideration in choosing breeding animals is the improvement of the breed, in conformation, temperament, working ability, etc. Purchase a puppy from a dedicated hobby breeder and you have a support system for the life of the dog.

We'll talk more about breeders, what to look for, and how to choose one in this section.

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