Dog Section: Thought provoking question of the day?

Reputable breeders are not in it simply for the money, as it is their PASSION to breed the best quality animal they can, which costs them big bucks. I have NO problem with someone making money as they deserve to if they are doing everything right. When people get something, anything for free, they in turn don't take care of it as well as if they've had to use their own hard earned money to be able to buy whatever it is they are buying. Heck, they don't even recommend that you give away animals for free on Craigslist, so why would someone want to just gift a $3,000.00 dog to another person whereas they have spent thousands to breed that quality litter? This is the way I look at it.....the old saying that NOTHING in life is free. Heck, you can't even kick the bucket for free as funerals are expensive as heck. When someone buys a dog that will be a healthy companion to them for years to come, or serve a purpose for that owner such as herding sheep, that IS a Blessing in itself, IMO.

I don't know why they would, either. Even if they wanted to "bless" someone with a quality dog, and were willing to take a hit (which some still do), no one in their right mind would just hand someone a dog for free anymore --- at least, not a person that actually CARED about where that dog was going. We all know there are too many people who get their hands on dogs and then cannot afford food, vet care, shots - or they get tired of the dog and dump it somewhere else.

In short, to give a dog away for free to just *anyone* is plain stupid.

I do think that the definition of "reputable breeder" isn't totally rigid. Of course there are some guidelines, but it will depend on what you are looking for and what you believe. As long as the decision is EDUCATED and not just emotionally motivated, I see no real problem (even if I do get all heated when someone thinks a breeder I can't stand is a good one. For example, anymore I would much prefer to look at working Aussie breeders that haven't fallen into the trap of breeding merle x merle or all of this "mini" junk....I've also washed my hands of the AKC as their stance on the issue is clearly money-making.

So to each their own, but that really is some quality junk....wish I'd seen the question.

Laughable at the very least. I don't care who they are...byb, puppymill or a so called reputable breeder...they are all in it for the money. Those that don't make any profit at all...close the doors as it is far to expensive to house, vet and raise puppies all because you simply love the breed. I have never seen a so called reputable breeder without a very nice home and car. You cannot tell me that their hubbys (or wives) eagerly support a dog breeding hobby that is not making any money whatsoever.

The term reputable is a term breeders like others to call them and a term they gloat upon themselves. When you get right down to it...not many really are truly reputable (whatever that fricken means) Sorry, been there done all that. I hate the term and I classify as a good breeder and bad breeder.

Even so, there are not many do gooders out there, to begin with, that are willing to simply give away what they have earned thru blood, sweat and tears.

I saw that thread and didn't bother to reply. I thought the question/statement was posted to get a rise out of people, just like all troll questions are.

The concept was too ridiculous to contemplate. I thought maybe it was written by a young kid who hasn't yet figured out how the world works and has no idea of the physical labor or financial costs involved in breeding and raising a quality litter.

The shelters are 'blessed' with free dogs every day. Personally I wish there were far less 'blessings' of free dogs happening in the world. Many people might take better care of their dogs if they cost them plenty. It's human nature to value whatever you have that you paid a fortune for.

Next we'll have someone posting that vets should be giving away their services as 'blessings'. Not gonna happen.

Charities run by donations and fund raising

Shelters the same and they still charge adoption fees.

It is nonsense to believe or think reputable breeders should basically donate a dog. While they spent money to raise it, including vet bills and living expenses ( kennels and cages ). Not to mention any fees they paid to compete and register litters. Why should they front the money just because someone wants a good dog but not willing to pay.

Yet theres byb and puppymills that will charge an ARM and a leg for a dog not worthy of that price?!

People always look for freebies and cheap yet quality items.

You get what you bargained for. I guess we should all write to our townships, governments, and banks to ask for homes and housing to be free as well. I want a million dollar mansion for the price of run down fixer uper.

Reputable breeders would go out of business so to speak if they gave litters away for free. Not that their main goal is to make money, but realisticly money is made and sufficient enough for the time, care, and quality put into their work.

Aside that to breed a puppy, even poorly, cost a lot of money who should be "blessed" with it? The first guy that come in? Yes that is just what a reputable breeder would do.

" i won't even touch the whole people vs dogs part for the fact its been hashed over to death and as we all know, dogs are not people."

I fear that a lot of guys don't know that dogs are not people (and some mistake them for their sons too) and that is the reason because so many people have trouble with their dogs.

I would agree that it is a load of nonsense.

I have raised kittens of strays to 10 - 12 weeks. The average expenses each, with veterinary exams, worming, feeding high-quality food, vaccines, litter, cleaning supplies but without spaying/neutering, are about $270.00. That doesn't factor in the cost of caring for the mama cats. And it doesn't include an hourly wage for all my work and worry.

If these were puppies, that alone would increase the cost each. And if the costs associated with caring for the mama, traveling around with and showing the parents, maintaining a website, advertising, organization dues, kennel licensing were factored in I would guesstimate that these breeders just about break even selling puppies for $1000.00 and without profiting a dime for their labor and concern.

Whoever spouted off with such a comment is ignorant.

Not exactly thought provoking. That's a load of BS, doesn't take much to work that out. So if dogs should be free because the decent breeders are doing it for ethical reasons, should brain surgeons and doctors work for free too then? After all, that must be one great big pat on the back to save someones life, much more heartwarming than producing free, top of the range dogs......

Why people should think that is beyond me. Perhaps those that do should learn how it's done then pour all THEIR hard earned money into breeding. See if they stand by their opinion then.....

Totally convoluted logic in these people.

I've spent a lifetime in the 'fancy' and trust me, it is hard to break even in expenses in raising a litter. I suppose I could 'cut corners' to make a few bucks but I absolutely refuse to do that. My purpose is for the betterment of my breed and I guarantee my dogs for life. Course I have a 4 year waiting list for my pups too! And you can rest assured no-one on DS will ever own one of my dogs - they don't even have $ for a vet!! ha ha

Seriously, if given away for free, imagine then how badly they would be treated! People pay good $ now for a shelter dog, a BYB dog, a p-mill dog and still there are hoards of 'throw-away' dogs. No, my dogs cost a pretty penny to my buyers and they cost a pretty penny for me too, I expect my buyers to appreciate the value of the animal they buy and care for it and love it for life. None of my dogs are ever 'throw-aways'. My contracts have the 'for any reason for the life of the dog - bring them back - no questions asked' clause. The contracts also forbid reselling, giving it away, surrendering it, and breeding it except under my control, etc. If reputables gave away their dogs for free, then the ByBs and pup-mills would charge through the roof,. No, the health expenses, the testing expenses, vetting, campaigning, care and love 24/7 is for the betterment of dog and it is not cheap therefore not free either.

Plus it is wonderful to spend a life-time meeting so many like-minded people and knowing what you have done did matter and make a difference for the betterment for DOG.

I think a lot of reasons questions get put into DS really has little to do with dogs, but more for the 'psyche' of the asker and answers - they just like to argue!!

Whew, I need my second cup of coffee...... :0)

EDIT: I just thought of another thing. In addition to bettering a breed, our Beagle club scans all the regional adds and shelters weekly to PAY-FOR a 'throw-away' dog, get it vetted, and then foster, retrain and re-home it!! That is at our expense. We do that for 2 reasons: (1) of course, to save the dog and (2) because we know many many people wanting a beagle but not able to afford or campaign the more expensive ones we breed for show. We are not elitists or snobs! We love our breed no matter what it's origin. Does the general public not KNOW that reputable breeders care far more than anyone about those BYB or p-mill dogs too! We are the ones who try to give them full and happy lives! We work a life-time for all dog owners not just the 'fancy' owners. I can't even count how many dogs I've rescued over the years - far more than those I've bred for sure .

It is nonsense. Breeding is EXPENSIVE. A litter can cost thousands to breed, birth, and properly raise, and that's without complications! Its unrealistic to expect people to spend that much and put in months and months of effort for no return; most reputable breeders make little money, but at least they cover their costs.

And honestly: the idea that you wouldn't pay for a person? Couples still spend tens of thousands to adopt, between legal fees, costs paid to the birth mother for medical expenses, etc.