Man found dead in Hamilton; attacked by dog

302 - I think you are going over the top against back yard breeding. Actually I'd like to hear a definition of the term "Back Yard Breeding".
A while back I had a few dogs. They ran around in my "Back Yard" often. I bred them a few times. Sold the pups with papers and sometimes in the same litter without papers. They all paid visits to the vet before 8 weeks. They were healthy, normal social dogs.
Am I a Backyard Breeder?
My brother recently bought an English Bull Terrier from a couple who raised the parents in her home. The pup came with papers.
Is that person who sold my brother a wonderfull, healthy pup - a dreaded "Back Yard Breeder?"
One of the pups I bred came with a short tail. A non-standard tail. I did NOT cull (as you suggest) that pup for betterment of the breed. Simply sold the pup cheaper without papers to a loving home.
Food for thought - I suspect ALL top notch professional breeders started at some time as a terrible "Back Yard Breeder.

Quote:

Originally Posted by last5oh_302

So it seems this dog didn't belong to anyone. The plot thickens, and I'm glad to see the city isn't rushing to euthanize, although it's likely going to happen..

I'm beginning to think the dog is the victim in all this, which is usually the case. It's scenarios like this that would get included in the CDC fatal dog attack statistics.

He looks like a neglected Bull Mastiff:

....a man died. I'd say he is the victim.

Quote:

Originally Posted by blasted_saber

....a man died. I'd say he is the victim.

I'm wondering if he stole the dog.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roper

302 - I think you are going over the top against back yard breeding. Actually I'd like to hear a definition of the term "Back Yard Breeding".
A while back I had a few dogs. They ran around in my "Back Yard" often. I bred them a few times. Sold the pups with papers and sometimes in the same litter without papers. They all paid visits to the vet before 8 weeks. They were healthy, normal social dogs.
Am I a Backyard Breeder?
My brother recently bought an English Bull Terrier from a couple who raised the parents in her home. The pup came with papers.
Is that person who sold my brother a wonderfull, healthy pup - a dreaded "Back Yard Breeder?"
One of the pups I bred came with a short tail. A non-standard tail. I did NOT cull (as you suggest) that pup for betterment of the breed. Simply sold the pup cheaper without papers to a loving home.
Food for thought - I suspect ALL top notch professional breeders started at some time as a terrible "Back Yard Breeder.

Define papers ? C.K.C registered ? Papers meaning vet vaccinated certificate ?

Papers in the case of the dogs I bred were UKC papers. United Kennel Club.
The English Bull Terrier my brother bought were CKC papers.

Roper does the UKC have a code of practice along with a by law if code is broken for members breeding and selling unregistered animals ? C.K.C has this and the fines are stiff if broken along with an investigation and hearing. Hopefully by reading the UKC and C.K.C code of practice this will answer your questions about backyard breeders.

The UKC is another registry from the United States and not to be confused with The Kennel Club KC uk. Code of practice can differ between these registry's but ultimately it is for the betterment of the breed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roper

302 - I think you are going over the top against back yard breeding. Actually I'd like to hear a definition of the term "Back Yard Breeding".
A while back I had a few dogs. They ran around in my "Back Yard" often. I bred them a few times. Sold the pups with papers and sometimes in the same litter without papers. They all paid visits to the vet before 8 weeks. They were healthy, normal social dogs.
Am I a Backyard Breeder?
My brother recently bought an English Bull Terrier from a couple who raised the parents in her home. The pup came with papers.
Is that person who sold my brother a wonderfull, healthy pup - a dreaded "Back Yard Breeder?"
One of the pups I bred came with a short tail. A non-standard tail. I did NOT cull (as you suggest) that pup for betterment of the breed. Simply sold the pup cheaper without papers to a loving home.
Food for thought - I suspect ALL top notch professional breeders started at some time as a terrible "Back Yard Breeder.

There's plenty of info if you Google it Roper. I know I said I'm done with this topic but since you asked, this sums it up and I hope it answers your question:

What is a backyard breeder?:

Probably the best definition I have found so far to answer "What is a back yard breeder (BYB)?" comes from Boxerworld.com:

"The average pet owner that breeds their dog(s)."

So, why are back yard breeders a problem? Well, they just breed dogs for the sake of it. They may have a sweet pet they want to try and reproduce or they think that their dogs are quality because they have papers and/or are registered with some registry. They think maybe they can make a few dollars selling pups, etc. They just put out dogs without real consideration for the future of not only the breed but the puppies produced.

Often, BYBs breed dogs with faults. This perpetuates fault and problems in the breed. They do nothing to prove their dogs are of sound temperament and that they are breeding good representatives of the breed, etc. They just breed. And often, they do not even breed purebreds. Some BYBs "create" neat sounding things and think they are breeds - like Dalimers. This was seen listed in the Washington Post as a rare, German breed. Well, they are mutts - crosses of Dalmatians and Weimeraners, nothing more than a back yarder trying to make a buck
Some BYBs are breeding good dogs and proving health, they just are not competing with their dogs. Ask about pertinent tests for the type of dog you are looking for.

But many people who show and breed dogs do so from their homes and backyards? How do you know is a breeder is one you should work with or not? Through EDUCATION and ASKING questions. These questions will help you out:

"Sadly, not all people professing to be reputable and responsible breeders are. A good breeder will all but interrogate you. You should also have the chance to question the breeder. If you are not sure or uneasy with an answer, do not hesitate to ask for an explanation. If at any time you get an uneasy feeling or just are not satisfied, look elsewhere. A few things to ask about are:

1. What is the asking price of the puppies? Some breeders will ask the same for pet quality and show potential puppies. Compare prices with other breeders of the same breed and if the price is considerably higher or lower do not hesitate to ask why. Do not hesitate to ask why if there is a big difference in pet and show pups. Unless there is a visible disqualification or the puppy visibly will not be showing potential, the younger the pup the harder it is to determine show quality. A person who really knows the breed can have a good idea what pups have show POTENTIAL and what may not. Much happens while the puppy grows and that eight week show prospect may not be show potential at 9 months! And avoid ANY breeder who charges different for males or females or who charges extra if you want a pedigree or registration. It is not that expensive to register a litter so the potential owners can individually register puppies. (Many kennel clubs like the AKC require all litters to be registered by the breeder. Then papers are sent out that are given to buyers of puppies so the owner can register them in their name).

2. What health tests have been done on BOTH parents of the litter? Any dog should have hips (OFA or PennHip), eyes (CERF) and ideally thyroid prior to breeding. Then is up to you as potential buyer to know what other tests the breed you are looking at should have. Even crossbred puppies are prone to hereditary health issues and parents should be tested prior to breeding for anything common within the two breeds crossed. Though a reputable breeder will NOT cross as the predicability in outcome is less and there are too many negligent litters of crossbred pups from unaltered pets. The breeder should be able to show documentation of all tests and do not hesitate to verify the results. Do not blindly accept their word – some dishonest breeders will lie and say all tests have been done. And if the breeder says there is nothing in the line so testing is not important, avoid this person as well. Some health problems are polygenetic (more than one set of genes involved – not a simple dominant/recessive). Some health problems take years to show fully or may be there but not showing outwardly. For example, some dysplastic dogs never show signs of having it and it is only diagnosed upon testing.

3. What temperament testing and socialization has been done? Granted, young puppies should not leave the property due to a growing immune system; however, the breeder should expose the puppies to as many things as possible like vacuum cleaners, children, house sounds, etc. The older the puppy, the more experiences it should have. Has the breeder temperament tested and what method was used? A good breeder will help match the right personality to you. If you are a quiet family and the breeder pushes a dominant pup on you, leave. On the other hand, if you like the look of one puppy and the breeder, after interviewing you, decides it is not the right match, respect that.

4. What goals does the breeder have with the breeding program and how does the breeder go about to achieve this? If the breeder breeds just to produce more dogs, for pets only or anything that does not go towards the bettering of the breeder's lines and the breed as a whole, go elsewhere. And if the breeder breeds for working ability first, you could end up with a handful! Look for one who breeds for companionship as well as type and working ability – unless you are looking exclusively for a working dog.

5. What does the breeder feel are the strengths and weaknesses in the breed and the breeder's program? The breeder should be open with you about the program and where they hope to go with it. Avoid the breeder who insists there are no better dogs around then his.

6. Can you see the pedigrees of both sire and dam? Can you see at least the dam on premises? The sire may not be on site but the dam should be. If not, you could be dealing with a broker (one who sells dogs not bred by that person).

7. What type of contract does the breeder have for pet or show puppies (it should include a spay/neuter agreement and health guarantee)? Do not get pressured into becoming contracted to show or breed your dog – even if you do plan to show and possibly get into breeding someday. Everything should be spelled out in the contract. And be wary of a breeder sells you a young puppy that is "definitely show quality." So much happens during growth and development – the younger the puppy; the harder it is to tell show quality. A breeder who really knows the breed can tell if a young pup has POTENTIAL but should not be guaranteeing the dog will be a show dog. Another red flag is the breeder who has no written contract at all. All puppies whether pet or show potential should be sold with a written contract.

8. What does the breeder feed the puppies? You want to try and keep the puppies on the same brand of food. If the breeder uses something you do not, gradually wean the puppy to your preferred brand.

9. What inoculations have been given? Eight-week-old puppies should have had their first set of inoculations and you should be given documentation of this. If not, go elsewhere. If the puppies have no boosters prior to leaving the dam, look elsewhere.

10. Can you have your own vet examine the puppy before you fully commit? You may be asked to put down a deposit but you should have the option of having your vet examine the puppy with in a couple days after purchase (always a good idea to have this done and the breeder may require it).

11. Are you active in any breed clubs (all breed or ideally breed specialty)? Many clubs have a breeder code of ethics that they want their members to adhere to. Just being AKC registered is not a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. It just means the puppy was from registered parents and the breeder has taken the steps to begin the registration process for the puppies. Even pet stores can sell AKC registered pups if the miller registers the dogs. The AKC cannot police everyone professing to be a breeder so again, being and educated consumer is very important.

Use your gut instinct and do not get suckered by cute faces or sob stories. Remember, this pup will be yours for the next ten years or much longer depending on breed. You should get the best possible puppy possible from the most responsible source you can find should you go the breeder route.

Many of these questions can be adapted to ask at a rescue as well. Do not hesitate to ask what is know about the background of the puppies (or adult dog), what medical care they have had and has the staff noticed anything about their temperaments that could be of concern? Ask about the adoption agreement and have it gone through carefully with you."

No part of this article may be reproduced without written permission from Karen Peak

© by West Wind Dog Training, 2000 - 2002
No Puppy Mills, VA 2003

A good breeder takes a LIFETIME interest in ALL dogs produced. They want to know how your dog does in it's new home, love getting calls and cards from you and are always there to advise you of a problem comes up. If a medical condition crops up, they want to know so if it is potentially hereditary, they can alter the program and try to stop the problem in future generations. A good breeder is a mentor and best friend to all buyers and dogs they produced. And a good breeder will sell with a spay/neuter contract or alter the puppy or dog before placement!

http://home.comcast.net/~NoPuppyMill..._breeder_.html

Edit:

The one important thing I noticed missing in this list is that a responsible/reputable/ethical breeder will never let any of their pups end up in shelters. If the puppy buyer for any reason has to give up their dog, it goes back to the breeder, which should be included in the contract. That goes for every pup the breeder produces and puts on the ground. The breeder is there for the life of the pups they produce.

Great piece of information Rick !

Thanks for the info.

Only dog to ever bite a family member at my home was a BEAGLE.

Present dog,no aggression to humans (unless you are breaking into the house), but for other dogs,dont pick a fight and you will be OK.