Dog Breeding Ethics

[Jabberwocky Dragons]

Again... didn't say you can't get a dog for less than I paid. Not sure why everyone is getting so defensive and putting words in my mouth.

No one is saying this. What you have been saying is good quality GSDs that are in excellent health only come from breeders who title/show their dogs and charge an absurd amount. And something about smaller breeders who have backyards and don't buy into the showing/titling scam are in it for the money.

I'll say it again, my GSDs are in perfect health and demonstrate every trait and command I could wish. They didn't cost near that and came from what would be considered by some to be "backyard breeders" (aka, family dogs who live inside the home, are not showed, and are loved members of the breeders' family). Why on earth would I pay considerably more when these GSDs are everything my family could ask for?

I'll absolutely concede that many BYBs are horrible set-ups but that does not apply to all. I prefer the term family breeders. You made the comparison earlier to buying ball pythons from Petco vs top notch herp breeders? There are tons of top-knotch bp breeders that would be considered a backyard (or rather basement) breeder. Not everyone is a NERD or BHB.

It is still a supposition that titling translates into real world working abilities. And it may but I'd rather buy from a breeder where the parents actually demonstrate the skill in working conditions where there are external variables at play. My GSDs have stood down a much larger pack of coyotes. They have herded and protected our donkeys (unheard of with donkeys). There is no title for this. They must come from a breeder who selects for these traits even if not show/title focused. As well as training from myself.

My GSDs track our children individually by name and then guard them upon finding them. There might be a tracking title but my GSDs have proven they can do this in uncontrolled conditions and despite numerous enticing distractions.

My point is not that my real-world trained and bred GSDs are better than title/showed ones but rather the notion that affordable and great quality GSDs can't be had for 5 or 600 dollars. To date my dogs have had ZERO health problems so it false that this is always the case that you spend more in vet bills.

ps. Housing costs are relative to your location. Where I live, a nice 2500 sq. foot house on 1/2 acre lot in a decent area can be found for $600/month.