Responsible Breeders

[CavyLover94]

What is your definition of a responsible breeder? I think CavySpirit or the HRS has a page about their definition of a responsible breeder somewhere(don't want to go look for it though...), but I was curious what everyone else believes is a responsible breeder. If you met the person that was your definition of one(however unlikely or impossible you may believe it would be for that to happen, just pretend), would you still have a problem with them? Opinions may vary, but I don't really want to start any arguments. I was just curious.

And I'm thinking of rabbits and cavies here, not dogs or cats that are required by law to be taken to the vet for rabies shots or deadly diseases commonly seen in animals not given frequent check-ups(such as Parvo in dogs).

[Peggysu]

A responsible breeder is a breeder who doesn't breed.

[Paula]

I think CavySpirit or the HRS has a page about their definition of a responsible breeder somewhere(don't want to go look for it though...)

You really couldn't be bothered to look though the sticky threads at the top of the very forum you opted to start a thread in?

http://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/...e-breeder.html

Among other things, no one who is truly "responsible" would be breeding while there is already such a tremendous overpopulation problem as it exists right now.

[kaite13]

Just like Peggysu and Paula said, there is no such thing as a responsible breeder.

[Shahbazin]

Well, the Cavy Spirit definition at the top of this forum section lays it out pretty thoroughly.

My personal thoughts are - any pet owner is responsible for the physical & mental health of their animals. To be considered a Responsible Breeder, a breeder of pet/companion animals is responsible not only for their own animals, but also their animals' offspring - that means being educated on what problems are inherent in their breed/species & medically screening for such (also implying a good working knowledge of genetics), thoroughly screening & educating prospective buyers (NO brokering - ie sales other than direct from the breeder), keeping in touch with & being available as a resource with information & support throughout that animal's life, taking responsibility for genetic flaws (none of that, "give your pet back, in exchange for" nonsense), taking animals back at any time in their life if the buyer cannot keep them for some reason, & breeding only for their own goals (which should include health, temperament, & purpose) rather than expressly just to "make more animals". A good breeder has a job to support this avocation, rather than replying on sales - breeding well done can be incredibly expensive; flexible hours being a plus, since keeping a breeding population of something implies young animals, some breeding quality animals, & retired seniors - & all of the time needed to care for them, as well as deal with medical needs & emergencies.

Whew - I'm glad I have only male guinea pigs!