StephLyn Boxers and French Bulldogs home   Boxers  French Bulldogs   Puppies/Available About Us Contact Us  Links   Raw Feeding Definitions What's New  Questionniare Japanese Chin  Horses   Definitions Many times in dog breeding you will hear different definitions of different types of breeders, both good and bad. This came from the frenchbulldog-L list, written by member Vicki Bitter, a pet owner. While this came from the frenchie list, it definitely works for all breeds. Many thanks to her for this wonderful write up. Brokers: Import dogs from other countries (Russia for example-in the case of frenchies) with little or no history as to the health issues, temperament issues, etc. of the pups' parents. The pups are most often removed from their mothers way too early, which can cause long-term problems. They are then packed in crates and shipped long distances at these early ages. They often arrive sick and petrified, some even die in transport. In addition, foreign breeders who sell to U.S. brokers have no regard for the welfare of their pups and would never spend the money necessary to conduct health testing, etc. on the dogs they are breeding. The U.S. brokers then pass them off to unsuspecting buyers as "a friend's dogs" or ship to you a totally different dog than the one you "saw" in the Internet photo. A big warning sign is they can immediately provide any color and sex puppy you request. Commercial Breeders and Puppy Mills: Have huge kennels and usually sell many breeds of dogs. They often market their dogs to U.S. brokerage houses, who then sell the dogs to pet shops. Again, these establishments do not "waste" money on health testing, etc. because they want every dollar they can get for profit. In addition, there are so many dogs that they never get proper socialization because there simply is not time or desire to spend with each dog. The breeder animals live their lives locked in small cages, walking on wire mesh, with no room to run. The babies are jerked from their mothers' cages, cleaned up and sold or shipped off to unsuspecting Internet buyers or pet shop buyers. It's a cycle of cruelty that is supported by anyone who purchases from a pet shop or disreputable Internet site. Backyard Breeders: Decide to breed their purebred dog, 1) to make a few bucks or 2) to let their children witness the "miracle" of birth, (my note) 3) They want a replica of their current dog. Only how many of us are exactly like one of our parents in looks or personality. Again, they do not have the money or desire to conduct health testing that ensures the dog they are breeding is worth breeding and they choose the mate by placing an ad in the newspaper not by doing careful pedigree or health/temperament background checks. Some mean well, but their ignorance and lack of planning means that you get a substandard dog that may very well end up with serious health or temperament issues. Others don't mean well and are in it simply to make a buck. The only way to purchase a quality purebred Frenchie is to get to know breeders, attend shows, access the AKC breeder referrals and insist on meeting the parents, seeing the kennel and feeling confident that your breeder has the welfare and health of the breed as their top priority. I can tell you from all I've learned that, although the price may seem exorbitant, the breeders make little or no money. What they do make goes to pay for mandatory c-sections, health testing, research and education -- all of which lead to the increased integrity of our wonderful French Bulldogs. All photos and text are copyrighted to Stephanie Flores and StephLyn Boxers and French Bulldogs. Written permission must be given to use anything from this site.