Biden puppy haunts breeder

I saw this video article on CNN this morning and was appalled. Reputable dog breeders are the dog lovers that maintain the integrity of the breeds and demonstrate the highest levels of ethical treatment of dogs. Dogs are not just animals to reputable breeders – they are part of the family... one of the pack. Where are we as a society when we allow people to be pilloried for loving and caring for our "best friend"???

I have always supported PETA, but after the latest furry of press reports showing abuses like this I have stopped supporting the group. Why hurt respecable pet lovers who are trying to do the right thing.

The problem here is that there is NO reason for people to be breeding dogs, regardless of how well they take care of them. Nine out of ten animals in the shelters are euthanized because there aren't enough homes for all the ones we have. It's irresponsible and selfish to buy an expensive one from a breeder when there are so many great animals at the pound. If you have your heart set on a certain breed, you're bound to find it with a little effort - and maybe you'll be rescuing a dog or cat that's a year or two old and doesn't have much chance to be adopted because they're no longer a floppy baby.

As someone who used to work for a city animal shelter, breeders disgust me. Stop breeding, start adopting. Every dog adopted from these puppy mills is a death at a shelter.

PLENTY of animals need a good home, not just dogs. Please, stop supporting these people and help save the animals.

How is it that dog breeders are subject to such scrutiny about the treatment of dogs and puppies, but yet women are free to discard human life with no recourse?

Don't know why this breeder should be treated any differently than the breeder whom the Obama's got their dog from....

No used dogs for credit card biden. No dog from the pound is good enough for self-important liberals.

It's irresponsible to BREED dogs at all. There are so many dogs without homes that deserve them. Every purebred dog out there is a death sentence for a stray.

Imagine our previous VP picking the puppies up and literally kissing them all over. Cheney would rather shoot them while they are in their pens. Of course, with Cheney, he should be in prison awaiting execution for war crimes, treason, torture, violations of international law, and violations of the U. S. Constitution.

I agree.. My wife and I own 7 rare breed dogs... They are part of our family. Our children are in college and my wife started her kennel with the priority of keeping the breed pure, healthy, etc. Many puppy mills and associated 'news media' people do a great disservice to people like my wife and I. We hate puppy mills and educate everyone about them. Even so,, there are groups within the US that simply do not understand and I don't think anyone will ever change them. We responsibly breed 1 or 2 dogs a year and go to extreme lengths to find the proper home for them. This is NOT a money making business for us.. It is a love of the breed and finding the right owners for the new puppies that drives us to continue.

I dont know any reputable breeder that owns approx 80+ dogs. I guess it would be ok if approx 75 were altered rescues.

God put us in control of all animals. And this includes domesticated ones. People get all upset when a dog gets abused and it makes the news yet they can watch a child starving or getting his butt beat in at a Wal-Mart and walk on by. People have some seriously messed up priorities.

I think it is appalling that this women should be vilified. Some of these animal rights groups take political correctness a little too far. I'm sorry but it is not the breeder's fault that irresponsible people do not spay or neuter their pets which create so many unwanted pets in the animal shelters. Biden has every right to choose whatever dog he wants.

Reputable dog breeders spend thousands of dollars on pre- breeding test on their dogs-hips, eyes, genetics and are treated better than most children in our country.
On ANY DAY- you can catch a GREAT WELL KNOWN breeder who has been up all night delivering puppies, hasn't had a shower for 2 days, and not everything is it's usually bleached down normal state. Dogs from these breeders try to preserve the integrity of the breed, sell dogs with contracts that state if the dog is being mistreated- THEY can take the dog back- and they care about every puppy that is blessed on their kennel.
SHAME ON PEOPLE FOR NOT KNOWING ABOUT THE SPORT OF CONFIRMATION, OBEDIENCE, AGILITY and the other programs sponsored by the AKC. And GOD bless our breed rescue programs out there- that do the same. A Mutt is not for everyone- and DESIGNER DOGS ARE MUTTS- just with a higher price and a backyard breeder who hasn't spent the time and money invested in the quality of their dogs.

Very disappointing that Biden and Obama felt the need to buy dogs from a breeder and not save an animal from a shelter or rescue. Purchasing from dog farms like they did sends a bad message to people who want to do the right thing.

Did you know there are 12 dogs on the moon?

Death threats are a little extreme. But making a living off of the reproduction of an animal? That's low... especially when a) you're not doin' all the work (think of the dogs who have to constantly give birth) and b) there are SO many stray and unwanted dogs (and cats) in this country who face cold nights, abuse and untimely death.

Adoption is the way to go!

I think the "integrity of the breed" is just BS
The genetic diseases heaped on these poor creatures is a crime
Hip Displasia
Diabtes
how about "shakey white dog syndrome" These dogs shake like Parkinson's disease.
They get this from breeders whose sole goal is to get the dogs to look white–they kill off the hte others.
THE LIST OF INBREEDING DOG DISEASES IS ENDLESS.
You must be kidding–tell the breeders abouy the 2 million dogs that are killed each year because they cannot find homes.
BREEDING DOGS IS BASED ON MONEY AND NOTHING ELSE. IF YOU LOVE DOGS YOU DO NOT BREED THEM.
Pet Stores all sell Puppy Mill dogs and they do it for money.

I think it is appalling that there are millions of uwanted dogs out there yet peole continue to breed them. Irresponsible.

I agree with Claudine. If the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture dog wardens (and other wardens) really wanted to do their job they'd look in the news paper and take a drive out into poor rural areas where inhuman dog breeding truly occurs. There are several known breeders in these areas that breed the same dogs too many times and maintain a poor living environment for these animals.

I have dealt with her and she is very nice and takes care of her dogs. The problem is the local officials are all Republicans and have nothing better to do than harass people. Also she does not take any bull so she tells people how it is so I am sure that did not help her.

The problem is some breeders see dollar signs and the original "lovers of a breed" become breeders of puppy mills. I think it's appropriate for all breeders to undergo the strictest level of scrutiny. If they are doing the great job they say they are, then they shouldn't worry about what is found upon inspection.

I can't believe that people would behave in this manner. Apparently, Vice-President Biden felt that this was a reputable breeder and he obviously is an animal lover. I would hope that Joe Biden would have the PA authorities checked out as to this sort of treatment of citizens. Remind me not to travel to or spend my money in PA if this is the way they act.

I'm sorry but with 80 adult dogs, that's NOT BREDDING FOR THE LOVE OF THE ANIMAL, IT'S GREED, If they were breeding for the love of the animal, she would have maybe a dozen, she's no better than the puppy mills the quakers run, and they admit, money makers, one quaker killed off over 70 dogs because he thought he would have to pay some sort of tax on them or something because his license wasn't for that many. Puppy mills of any kind are pure greed. Someone locally who raises a little or two a year is for the love of the breed.

The problem is that there are millions of dogs in shelters that get euthanized every year. Buying a dog from a breeder is essentially sentencing one of those dogs to death.

Breeding dogs when there are millions of animals put to death in this country at shelters each year is just criminally irresponsible. The animals in shelters "put to sleep" by being sent to the gas chamber. Other shelters use lethal injection which has been proven to be just as traumatic. Ironic when you remember we condemned the Nazi's for gassing humans. It's a horrible way to die.

Say what you want, but dog breeders are in it more for the love of the MONEY than love of the animal. No question about it.

Volunteer at an animal shelter and see all the wonderful dogs that are killed on a daily bases. Look into their eyes, they know what is coming when they are taken into that certain room. Look at the pile of dead bodies at the end of the day and then tell me I shouldn't be so against dog breeding. We volunteer at these shelters and we ALWAYS rescue dogs, cats, and we have even rescued a cockatoo!

So, please do not support any dog breeder, go to the shelter and get yourself a wonderful dog or cat.

People who don't understand the important role that breeders play in maintaining healthy dogs are morons. Reputable breeders need to be here or you would not have a Lassie, or a Marley, or anything else your children fall in love with. I'm all for going to a shelter too, but GOOD breeders are not the problem. Backyard breeders and puppy mills are the problem. I'm sick of the ignorance in this country. Everyone just starts shouting with whomever is shouting loudest at the moment. The Bidens did a good and decent thing and the breeder sounds like a reputable one. Good job, I say, to both parties. I sincerely hope the hubub dies down soon so you can get back to wat ou love doing–raising and loving dogs.

Death threats are a little over the top, but I understand why animal rights enthusiasts are up in arms over this. With millions of homeless/unwanted/abandoned dogs on the streets and in shelters around this country, is it really a wise idea to forcefully create more of these animals? If someone wants a loving, devoted pet, they need not look any further than their local animal shelter. And, as for the argument that some people "want" a purebred... maybe it's not a good idea to put those wants over the responsibility to feed and house the domesticated animals who are already out there.

Breeders aren't puppy mills. I'm all for shelter adoptions – and got my cats at shelters. But, reputable breeders – and people who chose to obtain their pet there, should not be unfairly judged or labeled as puppy mills. People need to be more informed than reactionary.

It doesn't sound much like loving and caring for our "best friend" when you have 80 dogs on your property penned up and used for money making. It sounds like exploitation and greed. I don't know anyone that could love and care for 80 of anything adequately. It's disgusting. Millions of dogs and cats are put to death each year because of so called animal lovers; breeders, hoarders and irresponsible pet owners. How truly important is it maintain the integrity of the breed anyway? It's only important if you're the AKC, a breeder or you show animals, where again there is money involved. I'll take my rescue dogs any day of the week. For your information, a large portion of dogs in shelters are pure breeds. If someone wants a pure breed, why not rescue one?

I saw this video on cnn also today and I was appalled!!
I am a German Shepherd Activist and show dog person in
PA and local states and these personal breeders are the
most stupendous in the world.

I am also an animal acitivist and pro lifer and
am only delighted that they personally take good care
of these animals and people like this breeder
love them so much.

thank God for people like this area breeder and the caring
loving shelters and people who care for our frisky and furry
friends! we need to support them and assist them also
not degrade or demean and threaten these wonderful
breeders!

God bless.

80 Dogs, nothing but a puppy mill

It sounds like Bush has never left office. It boggles the imagination as to how far down these Repelicans will stoop to try to make someone look bad. If only the Repelicans would use thier energy to try to improve America and the American people we might not be in the terrible position they have driven us to in the last eight years. Waisting thier time on trying to make people look bad is such negative thinking it is incredible. Someone needs to go to congress and give out books on the Power of Positive Thinking. These people drove us to the brink of total disaster and they have the nerve to say they hope Obama fails. We need these kinds of people out of our congress.

80 adult dogs??????????????? Shame on this breeder getting any media attention other than being a BAD breeder.

NO WAY can 80 dogs on one property get the attention they deserve.

YUK!

While I understand that Ms Brown was appalled at being singled out because of the publicity she garnered from Vice President Biden's choice, what is being lost in the rhetoric and outrage are the thousands of puppy and kitten mills that DO NOT meet minimum requirements, who DO treat their animals as disposable units producing disposable units, and DO mistreat their animals. I'm sorry that she was subjected to death threats, and an obviously biased inspection, but I'm glad to see that those inspections are taking place. And I must say, 80 dogs would appear suspicious to me, as well.

The hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats that suffer in intolerable conditions, that are starved, overbred, kept in filty conditions, and who die painful deaths due to starvation, disease, and abuse deserve our protection. And, I'm afraid, it is a truism that when you have laws and inspections, you will occasionally get people who are cited who don't deserve to be cited. That's why we have due process and a court system. So while I realize that Ms Brown will suffer some from the stigma of the event, I'm happy to see that her state takes their responsbilities seriously.

How about adopting one of the millions of homeless pets instead of selfishly breeding?

A reputable dog breeder does not have 80 dogs on their property at one time.

sounds like she decided to clean up her act when she was faced with an inspection.puppies should be raised with their mom until they are 8 weeks old and raised underfoot (in and with the household members furry and human). it's so important to provide the loving care as you would any baby. if puppies were cared for in this way shelters would not be killing conservatively 8 million adoptable animals a year.

go ahead and check out just petfinder for today!!!! SEVEN THOUSAND FOR HUNDRED FIFTY FIVE GERMAN SHEPARDS IN SHELTERS and that don'y count the mixxed breeds!!! i'm sure these breeders love their dogs so DO NOT BREED OR BUY WHILE SHELTER ANIMALS DIE!!!!!

The bottom line is there are millions of pets right now. We need to be responsible and first seek pets at shelters and then second spay and neuter our pets. Once we can get the pet population under control we should allow breeders but until then pet breeding should cease.

Republican harrasment?

Its funny that animal patrol can inspect dog kennels twice a year, but DSHS can't seem to check on indangered children even once a year.

Leave the lady alone.

It is appalling, to say the least. PETA and other animal-rights groups are taking their agenda beyond what is normal and what is called for. We are smart mature people and we know when breeders are not doing well by their dogs. We certainly don't require hand-holding when selecting our pets and certainly the vice-president doesn't need someone else making his decisions. The dogs that get tossed into the kennels are those that are not pure-bred, that multiply in the streets, with all types of mutts. You hardly even see purebred dogs in kennels or needing to be rescued.

What the story doesn't say is why that happened?

Reputable breeders do not have 80 adult animals in their kennels. Those kind of numbers produce hundreds of puppies a year. Reputable breeders realize they can't properly care for and socialize hundreds of puppies. She runs a fancier than usual puppy mill.

"repubtable dog breeders are the dog lovers that maintain the integrity of the breeds..."

I'm sorry, "Integrity of the breeds" ??? Do you have any idea what that even means? First off, take a look at the English Bulldog and tell me that is the same breed that it was 300 years ago. It is most definitely NOT! The breeders throughout the years have taken the traits that look the cutest and lost the traits that made the dog a normal dog.

For a dog not to be able to give birth vaginally is not a sign of "ethical treatment" by breeders throughout the years. The fact is, pure bred dogs have more health problems than muts because of inbreeding and breeding for cuteness, rather than health. They can't breath correctly, their knees and joints give out because of their stubby legs and big bellies, etc. etc. etc. And this isn't just with bulldogs.

There are SO many dogs put to sleep everyday because of these "dog lovers" and I really don't think CNN should be putting this blatant pro-breeder story on its Web site without listing more of the FACTS about breeding and what it does to these animals' health.

Claudine and others. 4-5 MILLION dogs are murdered in shelters every year in this country because there are no homes for them. Responsible breeder is an oxymoron with an emphasis on the moron.

80 adult dogs at one kennel means they're all pretty unsocialized with humans and it's impossible to give the puppies and breeding adults the care they deserve. Those adults would be almost all females and there would be at least 4 puppies per adult at any given time. You're talking about 400 dogs on site. These are NOT reputable breeders. Proper breeders breed only the best dogs, they don't churn out masses of puppies. There may be a few retirees that survived years and years of bearing litter after litter that are now beloved pets, but there is no way all of the adults could be getting the affection they need, much less the droves of puppies being produced.

I think puppy mills and stores that sell puppies should be examined and subject to a thorough critique of their operations. If there were more reputable, regulated family dog breeders, there would be no need for these large corporations selling puppies like they're toys. As a whole, it's always good to start at a shelter when looking for a dog because there are high quality loving puppies and adult dogs looking for homes. If you cannot find the right pet for your family in the shelter, a family breeder would be the next best thing. Be warned: steer clear of puppy stores.

Claudine,

I am going out on a limb and guessing you are involved with the breeding, or a breeder of dogs. I have a newsflash for you: If any of these dogs could talk, do you know what they would say? They sure as heck wouldn't say, "Give me another bath and a haircut." or, "Take me out for a walk again." In reality, they would be much more likely to say, "Let me go." or, "Where did my mother and siblings go?". If you could teach YOUR dog to talk, I bet it would go on and on about how much it hated you. Have a little empathy. Dogs were not meant to be interbred. To do so is to go against the basic rule of 'Survival of the fittest'. Believe it or not, dogs weren't meant to be a show dog, they were meant to be near the top of the food chain as excellent hunters, nothing more. Your narrow outlook reveals you to be what you are: a no doubt shadow of a person living vicariously through your dog.

"Last month she was cleared of all citations."

Sounds like a bunch of dirty tricks were perpetrated on this breeder either by the animal rights activists or the politically motivated.

I too say the video article on CNN, and I feel the exact same way. Its a shame when good people like this who try their hardest to love and care for our 4 legged friends are thrown into the lime light and people think that gives them the right to knock them down. This "incident", coupled with PETA asking the Pet Shop Boys to change their name, really makes me think twice about the sanity and legitimacy of animal rights groups and futhermore about just how self serving their agendas can be.

Breeders are business people that breed genetically messed up animals for profit. Breeders do not evidence the highest standard of treatment – have you been living under a rock? The 'integrity' of the breeds is exactly the problem, as various pure bred dog breeds become more and more unhealthy and live shortened, unhappy lives of poor health due to inbreeding. German shepherds in the USA, for instance, are notorious for having hip problems and being, well, dumb, compared to those in Alsace, let's say. Outside of a narrow range of working dogs who actually work, pure breed dogs are a scam designed to make money for those who produce them. Without breeders, the intelligence and health of the dog population would only increase, as the dogs that most people own would revert to a healthier, more intelligent, and higher standard – the mutt.

I can’t believe the extent that people would go to tarnish and kill a persons spirit why torment a breeder because you think it’s more logical to adopt rather than purchase. Adopting animals is hassle, for a moment it felt like I was being screened for a child adoption and I gave up.

This goes to show how low particen politcs will go. Republican schills hoped to harm Biden by attacking his dog breeder. Disgusting

Sincee when does animal rights trump human rights? This woman has the right to breed dogs. It's appalling that someone would send death threats to someone for selling a dog. People never cease to amaze me.

A reputable dog breeder would NOT have 80 dogs on property!

I agree with Claudine. Furthermore, if animal rights groups want to have an impact, perhaps they should visit some of the houses that REALLY mistreat their animals. Until they start backing up their rhetoric, I am not impressed with outspoken animal rights groups. Obviously, these animals were in good condition and happy – otherwise I am sure the Bidens wouldn't have endorsed the place by purchasing an animal. Now, there are animals suffering in the world with overcrowding, malnutrition, and lack of attention from their owners. As an animal lover myself (having rescued both of my dogs), I am much more concerned about helping those mistreated animals than apparently well cared-for German Shepherds that are being given happy, loving homes!

She has EIGHTY dogs living on her property, yet she's still breeding more? Maybe it should be a clue that there aren't homes for all of them when she has to keep rescuing them back to her compound.

Sounds like she loves puppies like Octomom loves babies.

I didn't see the video and so I cabb comment directly about this one breeder. From my own experiences in Texas, I have witnessed many breeders with outside, filthy kennels and keeping the aminals caged 24/7 in conditions that are indispicable, without human interactions. i also believe that some breeders are in it for the profit and pay little attention to the blood lines. i understand this is a situation which would be difficult to control, but I suggest be careful about who you buy from. Dogs are wonderul and an asset to every family, so buy from a reputable breeder and not a pet store. i bought a Golden retrevier to replace the one I lost, and she has many health problems because of inner breeding. The cost for her care is unimaginable, but she is worth every cent. it is just shameful that the breeded was looking at the bottom line instead of the health of my pet as well as the health of every pet in her litters..

For all you who dont know: Lancaster County PA is the puppy mill capital of the country. This woman may be a legitimate caring breeder however it is no surprise that publicity like the VP stopping there caused some extra scrutiny. Rendell (gov/pa) has begun to strengthen the laws but the mentality of most of the area is fueled by the amish/mennonite view of animals as "tools" i.e. used till worn out then recycled or discarded. The puppy mill problem is widespread throughout Lanc. where animals are kept in minimally livable conditions for maximum output of volume (offspring) for greatest profit. This area provides the stock to many "dept store" style pet stores, which is why so many animals have debilitating life long health problems.

I think it's very sad that their are so many dog breeders out there. With 80 plus dogs, like this breeder has, it would be impossible to give them the love and care they deserve. With so many dogs in shelters, why on earth do we need to breed them? The truth is, we don't, the more we breed, the more dogs are going to end up in shelters, many of them never to be adopted. This poor woman should never have gotten death threats, however... she seems like a really nice lady who truly loves her dogs. I just wish she would open her heart to all dogs, and encourage people to adopt from shelters.

Animal rights activists need to be put in their place. If they trespass or make death threats, charges should be brought against them.

And members of animal rights groups need to realize what those types of organizations are about, they probably would not support the group if they knew the agenda. They aren't about caring for animals, they are about making all domestic animals EXTINCT. No pets, no service dogs for blind/disabled people, no police/drug dogs, no livestock, etc.

animal welfare = treating animals humanely, coexisting with animals
animal rights = extinction of domestic animals, zero human-animal interaction

PETA......what a bunch of losers.

She has 80 dogs nd she is still birthing puppies! Not all breeders care for thier dogs! Have you never been to an animal shelter? Who is looking into the soul of those animals?

It sounds like Animal Rights groups are going too extreme. There are many good breeders, and it's not fair to label all breeders bad. Deal with actual problems, don't make them when they aren't there. Over our lives we've bought pets from home breeders, and from Humane Societies. They were all fine pets in our family.

I'd like to add that I think it is unfortunate that a family breeder that provides care for their dogs and puppies is receiving criticism. Family breeders are much better than puppy mills and many of them devote most of their days to caring for their puppies. The family/home breeders are easier targets because they cannot afford expensive lawyers and etc. I wish the people criticizing this particular breeder would switch their focus to puppy mills and puppy stores. If you want to see puppies in poor physical and mental health, visit a puppy store or if you have the stomach for it, visit a puppy mill.

I'm all for anything that gets the animal-rights groups upset. Maybe PETA got mad because there was a load of puppies there that they could not obtain to kill, and then throw in a dumpster, like they did to those hundreds of other puppies that they said were "adopted".

Do the "reputable breeders" ever think about how they are adding to a surplus population of animals? Do they ever ponder how they fit into the picture of all the hundreds of thousands of wonderful cats and dogs and even horses who are killed each year because there are just not enough homes for them all?

This upsets me and has before too. Linda is wonderful. I have personally purchased two dogs from her and a friend of ours also have purchased a dog.I have one 9 and one four months. Linda loves her dogs, all of them. They are well fed and cared for. I know no one who has inground pools for there dogs, Linda does. not only for her dogs but if your dog has physical problems she opens it to all. What a caring and loving person and asks no money.She is not a puppy mill, does not inbreed etc. This is just a witch hunt. If anyone cares to call me go ahead, i can verify it all.This needs to stop. If we all cared one half about people as we do dogs what a great world this would be. Now stop and leave her in peace!!! Quakertown Pa

Is this s "rescue" pup? No. Hope Obama considers a cat for the Whitehouse as well, why is it always a damn dog?

Animal hoarders love and care for their "best friends", but it's still not in the best interest of all those animals. There are too many dog breeders that are insisting on bringing even more dogs into the world. This breeder has 80 dogs by herself. And she mentions birthing another litter. How can you justify those numbers? How can one human possibly give personal attention to each of those animals?! I am all for responsible breeding, but too many breeders (and dog owners) have gone way too far. There is no reason to bring more dogs into this world when we are putting so many to sleep because they don't have a home.

The people that bred the dog that is now with President Obama is from the Dallas/Ft Worth area.

They are very hard core Obama supporters and even called the litter the "hope" litter.

While I imagine that I would take great pride in my dog being given to the First Family, I would love for the news in my town to do a 2 month follow up on the same people, for I imagine that since these were pure bred breeders like Ms. Brown, I would also imagine the far left to try lawsuits and death threats on these people as well.

There are reputable breeders, and there are ones who are not reputable. Unfortunately, there are FAR more bad ones than good ones, which causes an outcry from the communities and the regulators. My guess is that the Pennsylvania Dept of Agriculture wardens don't have the extra time to be dealing with this breeder unless there is a legitimate concern. They are far too busy up there with all the horrible puppy mills in Lancaster County!

When 3-4 Million dogs are euthanized every year due to overpopulation, there is no such thing as a reputable dog breeder.

Especially of such an overbred dog as a German Shephard.

If the Biden's wanted a pure breed, they could have EASILY found one through breed rescue or a shelter. The same goes for Obama.

The state of animal welfare in this country – with the puppy mills, overbreeding and desire to make money off of animals indicates where we are as a society. Apparently we're happy to shell out big bucks for what we THINK is a fancy dog while others get put to death.

I agree with Claudine. There are a bunch of people out there that think they are the higher law of everything. Buying a dog from a breeder is not a crime, and picking on breeders for maintaining the breed standards is definately wrong. If breeders did not maintain the dog breeds, then there will definately be no defined breeds. All dogs would be "mutts." I personally have adapted 2 mutts and don't have anything against mutts, but people have to consider that Obama's family needs first. When you can a child with allegeries it is far better to buy a particular breed than risk bringing a dog into your family that could unintentionally harm your child. And by the way, both my mutts have health issues.

I don't like puppy mills.

When millions of animals are no longer killed simply because they are homeless, than maybe people who REALLY care about animals will not have a big issue with breeders. Every dog bought from a breeder is one less dog that could be saved from euthansia. Additionally, a significant percentage of dogs abandoned to animal control facilities are dogs bought from breeders. All dog breeding, by anyone, backyard or professional, should be outlawed.

V P Biden loves his dogs and take very good caref them

[...] the breeder as having unsatisfactory living conditions for her dogs. The breeder was cited, but all charges were dismissed!  Biden apparently said he'll get a second dog from a shelter. Mr. Vice President! You [...]

Why do I get the feeling there is detail missing in this story? Why did the authorities come down on this breeder? Just because she sold Joe Biden a dog?

While many small dog breeding operations are run well and out of love for the animals, the vast majority of puppies sold in this country are churned out of puppy mills. Horrific conditions for the mothers lead to problems with the puppies, causing astronomical vet bills for the new "owners". All of this when there are millions of great, lovable dogs in animal shelters waiting for a home. Choose life - adopt a homeless dog instead of buying.

She was "turned in" by animal right's groups. These people are nuts. There are so many animals truly being abused, both wild and domestic, you would think they would find better things to do. I am glad to see the authorities realized what was going on and cleanred this poor woman.

That type of display from the public–death threats and government harassment–is the reason that many good people do not go into government work. Who wants to deal with such stupidity?

I used to be proud to be a voice for animal rights. Now I'm embarrassed to admit I used to rescue abused and abandoned pets whenever I hear of stuff like this. Animal rights groups like PETA have gone off the deep end and do more to hinder than to help by ridiculing many who truly care and would want to help. It's unfortunate, but militants and freaks remind me much of the McCarthy era of pointing fingers and making accusations rather than research and do things that truly help. I'm embarrassed to even admit I'm a vegetarian!!

Animal lover, pet owner, and farmer (but shhhhh, don't tell PETA!!!!!)

These dogs are obviously well-cared for. Why doesn't someone focus on the unbelievable conditions in puppy mills. Many breeding females are never removed from a cage - never. New legislation in Indiana had been considerably weaken but at least it does something to help these poor animals. More focus needs to be placed on the real issue - if tens of thousands of puppies were not coming out of these horrendous puppy mills, tens of thousands of dogs in rescues would be able to find home.

This is America. If we want to buy a specific breed for its characteristics we can . Last I heard it is a free country. Breeders ( not puppy mills) LOVE their dogs. She did nothing wrong nor did the Bidens. I personally purchase Shelties for their character traits. I have tried to find then through rescue first but sometimes they get adopted too fast. These Peta people are sick and have too much time on their hands.

They are nuts. They tried to push through long ago a law which would have had far implications like killing off rodeos but people thought that the horse industry would be affected and raised a stink. THe bill sponsor withdrew it and also that same year loss his election in PA. some of the more ordinary groups like HSUS want end hunting and fishing and some groups want to end all breeding of dogs which without some breeders some of the rare breeds would be extinct.

There are so many truly bad puppie mills. Why are they "hounding" this reputable breeder?

Breeders do serve a purpose in keeping breeds alive; however, a few bad ones give the entire lot a bad name. It's a shame. I pray for a world where each and every dog and cat and other domesticated animals, find loving homes where they can live their lives in comfort and peace.

Why doesn't the animal rights group go from farm to farm and see the pigs living in waste, dairy cows' udders swollen and infected, etc.?

I used to be a boxer breeder and my boxer pups were 'placed' not sold. I screened the future families for them. I 'sold' them for my costs. I did it for the love of the breed...yet I also received threats from animal rights groups.

I also know someone in PETA. He forgets his kids' birthdays, forgets his anniversary, but never misses a rally. People need to learn to look inward before judging outward.

What about 'religious' folks who condemn their kids to occult lifestyles because they deny them the education to succeed in the modern world?

I think that most parents treat their kids with less respect than most dog lovers treat their dogs.

What's with all these non-dog people going on about rescues and judging Obama? If they want to help, and can be a good dog person, go get a rescue, rather than dissing on Obama.

I have 3 rescue dogs. Love them all. First had a lot of issues, took a lot of work. 2nd was pretty easy. 3rd had some issues when I got her, they went away with less effort than I thought. What's nice with rescues, is that you can see more what you're going to get, since they're grown a bit. Sure a puppy looks cute, but it can still be a little random what kind of dog they become. It's nurture+nature, sure. But it's both.

Dogs are work. Rescues usually come with a little baggage, and it's fair to say they require a little more work, on average. But the journey is part of the reward.

Saying it would be "best" to put a rescue in the White House? Man, that sounds like people without experience. I

t's not necessarily the knowledge of a dog's breeding that's good for the Obamas, although that does affect things. It's the unknown background of possible rescues. Dogs that go into rescue have not had the perfect start to life. But dogs adapt quickly and that's what's so beautiful to see.

You won't change the world by rescuing a dog. But for that one dog, you do change the world.

But the Obamas have enough on their plate right now. Cut them some slack. If this feels like it works for them, great. Heck with a PWD they're going to have their hands full anyhow! If people get all judgmental about their dog relationships, there will be plenty of opportunity!

I am just amazed every day at how, in this Country of so called human rights, just how little rights people do have. Especially high profile people. Who the h are we to tell the President, the Vice President, or anyone for that matter what kind of dog they are allowed to get? Death threats? Incredible. We are in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Stupid and Ignorant. If more people spent their time minding their own business, we would be in a whole lot better shape than we are today. Beautiful dogs. This woman is a saint

I honestly believe that some animal-rights activists would prefer human beings to become extinct before animals. We need to get our priorities straight. Yes, let's be good stewards of the earth and everything in it, however, human beings are still at the top of the food chain and are unique. Humans are NOT animals. To have animal rights groups making death threats is ridiculous!

Claudine – the problem is, lots of breeders aren't reputable. Who's stocking the pet stores, where anyone with a few bucks can buy a dog?

I'm sorry for Brown here, looks like she got a bad rap. But I think inspections are sanctions are absolutely necessary. In fact, there should be more inspections, and a way to close down the puppy mills.

Animal rights groups want to blame reputable breeders for the problems of pet overpopulation, rather than puppy mills and backyard breeders, as well as irresponsible owners, that are the root cause. It is interesting that Dept of Ag investigators visited this poor woman so many times, when it is a commonly known fact that Pennsylviania is home to notorious puppy mills operated by the Amish all over the state. The are known for their neglect and harsh treatment of their animals, as they are just "breeders" in their culture. They are not investigated or cited...but this woman, due to publicity is singled out. Maybe someone needs to investigate the PA Dept of Agriculture.

Because, when you remove all the fluff and talk, you still end up selling your "family" or "best friend" for cold hard cash. Would breeders sell their own children? Probably not. They delude themselves into thinking the animals are anything more than a commodity and treated as such.

With all of the illegal, filthy, abusive puppy mills in Lancaster County, PA, that state suddenly has the resources to pick on a reputable breeder trying to maintain the integrity of the breed? Why don't the authorities concentrate on breaking up the network of puppy mill owners and puppy distributors that operate among OH, PA, NJ, and other states? If they think mass production of puppies is not a problem, they should check with the shelters and rescues that have to deal with the cast-offs of those horrible places. Leave the reputable breeders alone. Or, better yet, solicit their help in catching and prosecuting the abusers.

What amazes me is the amount of verbal vomit that comes along with anything that these guys do, good or bad. It's a dog for God sakes. One more animal that doesnt have to live in a cage or be put down. Good job Joe!

I would like to see the records kept in Chester County, give them a good once over. and make sure Aunt Bee hasn't jacked them up tooo much!

Do these critics think the breeder wasn't veted before Biden's purchase? Give me a break!

One more time, the republican haters have shown their hand.
This is simply bashing at its best because Joe Biden was the customer. Shameful!!

For every dog born on purpose, a shelter dog dies. There is NO SUCH THING as "responsible" breeding. Stop making dogs-too many die every day.
By the way, "mixed" breed dogs are genetically healthier dogs.

This has more to do with WHO she sold the pup to, not her or the state of her kennels. Politics spawns fanatics and people like that will glom on to anyone in order to spew their favorite flavor of the year. High profile politicians should have the street smarts to avoid this by having middlemen do their purchases for them. Its one of the reasons you don't see them shopping even with bodyguards. If they duck into a store run by ethnics, someone will scream, if their wives buy foreign coutoure, someone will accuse her of being un-American. It's the nature of the beast. Joe Biden should have had this dog and the other pups brought to a secure location nearby, gone in to make his selection quietly and had the pup trained then delivered to him without fanfare. No, its not right, its just the way things are. We got burned by politicians once too many times so we keep them under close watch – no privacy. Politicians accept it as part of the game. She should just shake all this off and go back to her dogs. It was never about her.

I personally think this is so sick and childish. First of all i think people have a right to buy a dog where the want, second we as a society have always passed judgment on people when it is none of our business. I tell you right now trying to get a dog from the local shelter is way to much of a hassle and plus you don't know what kind of dog your getting. So i say to Mr. Biden kudos and to the Breeder keep your head up.

The problem is not the breeder its her client that really smells

By the way, before everyone starts shouting about the millions of animals killed in shelters each year...do some research. It really isn't an overpopulation problem, but a shelter management problems where no programs exist to rehome pets or fees make it prohibitive for owners to reclaim their pets. It is much more complicated. In many cases, the majority of animals euthanized or ill, old or feral cats. It is not a case of too many dogs! I do rescue in CA and I speak from experience. Shelters with good outreach programs and adoption volunteers are virtually no kill shelters. But most communities won't put out the effort or funds to do this, so they blame the breeders when the CHOOSE to euthanize the pets in their shelters. It's not the breeders, people. Look at your own community...what is it doing to help pets abandoned by their owners? Reputable breeders take their dogs back and rehome them. They aren't in shelters. If only reputable breeders bred dogs, there would be few homeless pets.

I hate dogs. Biden and Obama need to get a Cat!

Typical Republican tactic. Shame again on the GOP.

what is the matter with the American public when you cannot get a returned dog from a breeder or that people have to act like this about breeders.

Death threats from animal rights groups?

I guess it just shows you the mentality of the nimrods that join such organizations. Never mind getting info about the breeder to determine if they treat their animals well, just go with the mantra that all breeders are bad. Maybe such animal rights activists should be found and processed into dogfood. At least then they'd actually serve a purpose.

The time you spent typing your crap, another few animals were put to asleep...that's how much society cares about them.

I contacted that breeder and got a bad vibe from the whole conversation. She ran ads in our local paper every day. When we didn't get back to her, she called a few times and left messages. Just seemed off. Even thought that kennel is about 20 mins from our house we decided to buy our GS from a breeder about 4 hours away. We were so pleased, we just bought a second one.

As the human mother of 2 wonderful, smart purebred corgis( bought from a responsible breeder ) who I inherited from a family member who has passed on, I ask only: why are the Ohio and Pennsylvania Departments of Agriculture allowing Amish-owned horrific puppy mills to flourish without penalties, and putting so much effort into terrorizing REPUTABLE dog breeders, who without them, there would be no German Sheparts, dachsunds, etc. My only issues with dog breeders are the heartbreakingly irresponsible ones who continue to promote breeding of pit bulls, knowing that they will end up being killed in overcrowed shelters because they are not mean or agressive enough for dog-fighting, which we are supposed to understand is a "cultural" sport from the South?

If reputable dog breeders cared about and loved dogs they wouldn't be breeders! We kill millions every year and they are a HUGE part of the problem!

80 dogs = puppy mill........so i guess she takes each one out for a nice walk everyday?
80 dogs times 20 minutes a day equals 26+ hours a day. Those sure are long days!

The Breeding of Animals for pets should be Illegal. Making money from the exploitation of living things is fundamentally wrong. Humans are unique in that we exploit and hurt other living things simply for our pleasure and/or greed. There are SO many animals in shelters RIGHT NOW as we speak that they're being put to death en mass! Go out and adopt one of these loving creatures that so desperately need out help. I'm truly disappointed that Vice President Biden didn't choose this moment to set an EXAMPLE for the rest of the nation. I'm not a kook, I'm just a person that knows the value of life. May all of our Gods bless and teach us.

Reputable or not, we don't need any more breeders. Breeders can't see the forest for the trees... until the day all shelters are empty, we have no business bringing more animals into this world ON PURPOSE!

I can only suspect that breeders enjoy some feeing of power and control when they engineer the births of their puppies... then of course, there is the money...

Hey, Breeders!.... get a life!

PETA is funded by the big beef farms out in the midwest in order to make all animal rights people look crazy. If you were to try to put through a bill to get, say, chickens treated a little better in the breeding pens, PETA would come right up behind you and start screaming "GIVE CHICKENS THE VOTE!" You and PETA would both look dumb then, see?

Those of you who think 80 dogs is a puppy mill need to do some research. A certain NASCAR driver keeps that many hunting dogs on his property in Virginia for sport. They are very well taken care of but is it a mill? Is it cruel?

Think of the woman near Parkersburg WV who was raided and had over a 1000 dogs in horrid conditions. Now THAT'S a puppy mill.

This is a worthless piece of reporting. I have no idea whether Ms Brown is a good breeder or takes good care of her dogs or not, because nothing the reporter tells us lets us draw any conclusions about that. All we know is that various groups have now paid greater attention to Ms Brown's practices, and that she has apparently been threatened. That decribes the situation itself– but isn't it the point of a news story to help the reader figure out what actually happened, or where the truth lies?? The most we know is that she was cited for certain violations, and later cleared. We don't know why, and we have no facts on which we could conclude that that was right or wrong.

Senate's puppy-mill vote sets up a showdown

Chamber OKs bill that, unlike House's, doesn't cap the number of dogs that facilities can breed

By Bill Ruthhart

Posted: April 8, 2009

A Indiana's commercial dog breeding operations would be subject to stiffer animal cruelty laws and annual inspections but no limits on the number of dogs they can breed under legislation passed Tuesday by the Indiana Senate.

For more go to http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009904080363

I have always adopted.. and the most abused breed there is pit bulls.
I volunteer my spare time at an animal shelter mostly working with pit bulls. I do think there should be breeders but ethical ones and they should be closely monitored by states. Presently it is very true if you buy a dog.. you might as well stick the needle in a shelter dog your self.

In this person's case I dont see how you would really know a dog well if you have 80 of them. I do know breeders that may have 15 to 20, this way the female is not breed all that much. What should be stopped is back yard breeders. Back yard breeding could be stopped by a very expensive license required to breed dogs. Now people just care about the 50.00 that they can get for a pit bull pup and to heck with who they sell it to.

How dare you people get pregnant and have your own children when there are so many to adopt!!

Oh wait, its your personal choice. Same as getting a dog. If you're going to bring someone, child or animal into your house as your family, you should be able to have some choice. There is nothing wrong with choosing a dog from a reputable breeder or one from a shelter.

"Republican harrassment"?

Are you serious?

So, we're supposed to believe that all those animal-rights nutjobs and nanny-state government employees (the star pupils of this nation's left) are dastardly REPUBLICANS?

Meanwhile, animal rights "activists" have terrorized and vandalized a Columbia, Maryland restaurant TWICE IN ONE MONTH yet all CNN can do is report on how "right-wing" terrorism poses a domestic threat....

Oh, please....

"Don't breed or buy while others die." There is absolutely NO REASON anyone should be breeding dogs while millions die every day. I'm glad this breeder was investigated. They should shut her down, just like they should shut down every other puppy mill and breeding operation in the world.

Imagine our former VP "picking up all of the puppies and kissing them all over." Cheney would rather have shot them in their pens and told everyone he went hunting.

The US should have laws like Canada; only small breeders, absolutely no puppy mills or large scale breeding. Very few dogs in shelters. There are so few dogs there that they actually call rescue organizations here in the US to find dogs for people who want them.

These lefties are out of their minds, they whine about the rights of terrorists and illegals and then have the audacity to tell actual citizens that they shouldn't buy a dog from who they want, where they want. What about my rights?

Dog breeders need to be put down. Generations of inbreeding isn't good for the species, and manufacturing pets for profit is a practice with all the ethics of human trafficking. If you want a puppy, rescue one from a shelter.

I do not believe Linda deserves death threats BUT I do believe rescue is the way to go. I love the above statement – you can't change the world by rescuing a dog but for that one dog you change it's world. My rescue dog was crated 24/7 for six years – out only to do bodily functions. He is a 100 lb Lab mix – how very lucky he is now. My other is a purebred Lab of 11 1/2 years. I will rescue from now on.

GOPHater,

Your name sure suits you. Why are you posting your liberal garbage on this site? This is a story about dog breeders and not Dick Cheney. Go turn your TV on to CNN or CNBC or something so you can join the forces of the liberal left who have nothing better to do with their time other than criticize the Republicans and yet offer nothing of their own in the way of solutions to our problems.
You should be tried for crimes against humanity for people having to read your biased and hateful banter.

As usual, a small group of vegetarians think they should be able to tell a successful small business owner how to not raise their animals, for profit and love. This is for the minority; If you don't like the perfectly legal kennel, contact your congressman and go about change properly, not with threats and intimidation. Meanwhile, I'll have a steak just for you, carrot head!!!!!

They were not talking about a puppy mill, they are talking about a reputable breeder, and there will be breeders, to better the breed. Anyone who wants a pet can go and get one at a shelter, there are requirements when you become a reputable breeder. And there will always be people who will want a certain breed with no health problem, as a breeder I contain all records, and health test. This PETA should be careful what they do and go after those who have them in cages all the time and breed, breed, breed. Mine are my champions, and they even sleep with me. I take very good care of them. And only breed seldom.

For the individuals who are against breeders: I've adopted all of my animals becuase frankly, it's affordable and convenient. However, shutting down reputable breeders turns into either the death of breeds or the quality of bloodlines as animals are no longer taken out of the pool for health defects. Reputable breeders are conscientious. It's general society that leads to dogs in the pound.

Hey Roy R. Rowlands – look in the back room of your trailer to see if there's a dictionary available.

Where is the anger at the people responsible for these "millions of dogs in shelters" that you all say should be adopted first? These are the animals you should direct your energy to preventing from happening, not dogs that will be raised and fed by breeders until they are found a good home. I'm way more angry at irresponsible people leaving their pets in shelters than breeders who take care of their animals until someone adopts them.

Are some of you animal rights activist also in favor of humans not breeding because there are so many children who need good homes? I am not insensitive to this issue but I think they call it the Land of the Free for a reason. We are still able to choose the type of pet we want among many other things some of which are being lost under the current administration but that's another post.

I have 2 cats that are rescues and an Italian Greyhound I got from ICGA. You want a full breed dog? Find a rescue group!! There are ones for just about every breed!

PETA are complete scum – they pull heart strings using propoganda to further their own extreme agenda. This is a good example of coercion and abuse of power, something the PETA folks have no problem with. HSUS too – they are garbage and have the american public fooled.

Stop breeding dogs. Obama and Biden could have set a good example by getting a dog from a shelter.

No reputable breeder owns 80 dogs unless they are a puppy mill.

What's wrong with this VP for buying a puppy mill dog? Is this the one time he chose to keep his mouth shut?

And spin the presidents new dog anyway you want..gift, reject...but it still did not come from a shelter.

Both of these guys should be hearing it from all of you...but wait-they have a D after their names, so I guess it's just ok now.

"Death threats are a little extreme"

You think? Gawd the way the mind of a HSUS/PETA supporter baffles me,it truly does.

We purchased a shepherd from Linda Brown and ended up taking her to court and we won. Dog was sick and we spent hundreds of dollars on vet care. Would never recommend purchasing a dog from her kennel.

I'm dismayed that this woman got death threats from animal-welfare supporters. It gives those of us who work in rescue bad names.

I volunteer with a breed-specific dog rescue in the Washington DC area. To be more specific, I volunteer with a GERMAN SHEPHERD rescue in the DC area. We as a rescue were very disappointed that Biden chose to get a puppy from a breeder. We continue to hope that he will not influence less suitable homes to choose this intelligent and driven breed. German shepherds are very cute puppies, but people don't realize that they soon become big, mischievous adolescents. They are extremely intelligent and need consistent training and, usually, a job. When they don't receive training, they become bored, which leads to them becoming destructive, which leads them to our rescue. We don't mind rehoming these wonderful animals, but our wish is that someday our rescue will cease to exist – when all dogs have found a safe and happy home.

I apologize for the soap box. Please consider rescue, and heed what Bob Barker says about controlling the pet population.

I think people should be free to own a purebred dog if that is what they choose. Shelter dogs and strays are not right for everybody.

to all those who think dog breeders and puppy buyers are anathemas... do any of you have kids? if so, why didn't you adopt?

I am disgusted at the amount of influence these non-profit animal rights organizations have over government services – in addition is the inability of an inspector to put aside personal bias and beliefs when conducting their duties. You cannot put a PETA supporter behind one of these badges and expect 'justice for all.' The problem is these government organizations are infested with these types individuals. What are you doing to do? 'Get "Claude Dallas" on 'em? We are closer than ever before in this country from this happening.

My appreciation goes to the Browns for giving these dogs the respect they deserve. Everyone is forgetting, however, that the last thing the world needs now is another backyard breeder. Is no one paying attention to the millions of domestic pets that have to be euthanized in this country every year because no home can be found for them? Despite the amazing efforts of groups like Best Friends and hundreds of local animal shelters, this message doesn't seem to be reaching the public. What seems to be the problem people?

It is NOT irresponsible to BREED dogs! If we like a certain breed we should be able to pick from that breed. It's not our fault that people aren't fixing their dogs. You should be getting onto those people that lets their dog roam around knowing they are not fixed. This is the reason there are so many dogs at shelters.

For clarification,

Most of the dogs in this section had once been breeders. Now she keeps them as her personal pets. HAD being the key word people.

A good breeder will not breed dogs more than a couple of times usually so that the line stays clean. I am impressed that she keeps them as her own.

Puppy mills are not what good breeders are. Do your research

I hope everyoen complaining about REPUTABLE breeders has never given birth to a child...becasue there are also literally a million unwanted babies in the worl as well. Don't be two-faced.

Stop having babies and start adopting if you want the right to complain about this. Until then, breeders are supplying a service for a demand. If there were no demand, there would be no service.

Number of cats and dogs entering shelters each year:
6-8 million (HSUS estimate)

Number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year:
3-4 million (HSUS estimate)

Percentage of dogs in shelters who are purebred:
25 percent (HSUS estimate)

Average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year: 2

Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6-10

I worked as an administrator at an animal shelter years ago and became very disillusioned by the humans involved in these endeavors. I totally support animal protection and feel it is our obligation to provide homes and care to domesticated animals, but also feel there is no excuse for militant activists who demonstrate the shallowness of their "humane" activities when they can't extend their kindness to their fellow human beings. If you believe that dog breeding is bad, you are entitled to your belief. I happen to agree that it is adding to the problem of overpopulation. However, that is our opinion. We have no right to force it via threats or violence on others.

Honestly, as someone who works in the field of psychology, I came to the conclusion that many in the animal rights movement suffer from mental instability and personality disorders and their inability to empathize with their fellow humans is a form of pathology. Certainly not all animal activists and this is not meant to disparage the dedicated, sincere individuals who do so much for animal rights, but a significant part of the leadership of these groups is simply not healthy and their sense of moral superiority and entitlement can be downright scary. Worst of all, their approach actually undermines the whole animal protection movement and that is not good for anyone–human or non-human.

The problem with dog populations is not the breeders. The problem in this country and countless others around the world comes from irresponsible people with do not spay or neuter their pets and eventaully flood our neighborhoods and pounds. Breeding is a business and many people are willing to pay big bucks for a papered purebred. These people, though, are quite responsible, keeping track of pedigree and controlling the number of births to prevent a glut on the market. The way I see it, if it bothers you so much, go find a stray or a pound puppy and encourage everyone you know to be responsible with your pets. Breeders, though, are not the enemy.

I wanted a purebred and exotic dog, so I adopted a greyhound, a former race dog.

I can't believe so many people are saying "stop breeding dogs".

Use your brain, people! If everyone stopped breeding and the only dogs were shelter dogs (which are spayed/neutered from the shelter), the current generation of dogs would be the last! No more dogs! EXTINCTION OF DOGS

Yes, there are irresponsible breeders out there, but there are also responsible breeders.

The pet overpopulation is caused by IRRESPONSIBLE owners and IRRESPONSIBLE breeders, not by the RESPONSIBLE owners and RESPONSIBLE breeders.

Responsible breeders:
- only breed a few litters a year, breeding for quality, not quantity
- screen their dogs prior to breeding for genetic health problems, dogs with genetic health problems are not bred
- screen potential homes and owners to ensure the breed and individual dog is a good fit
- have a legally binding contract that if the dog is no longer wanted or can no longer be cared for, it must be returned to the breeder and not given away or left at a shelter.
- require pet-quality animals to be spayed/neutered

I get a little annoyed when people accuse those of us who care for animals of not carrying for people. Trust me, I am someone who donates time and money to homeless shelters and shudder to think at the injustices that people are forced to live with in our society. But I don't have to choose just ONE cause, and if I choose to support animal rights as well, that does NOT mean I love humans any less. Maybe some people in the world can't fathom being multi-faceted because they're so narrow minded, but wake up...every cause needs people behind it, one person might not necessarily have the time/resources to be behind them all, but being behind one does not mean that we are behind it to the exclusion of others.

If PETA is so worried about all these animals dying in shelters, then maybe they should gather them all together and send them to VietNam, Korea, China or other such places where they will be accepted, and maybe by doing that they could cure hunger as well...

People Eating Tastey Animals = PETA

If I want a purebred dog, that I can pick from a litter, that I can know the temperament of the parents, then I will get a purebred dog. I'm not sure why it is up to me (or anyone) to keep 'rescuing' other people's lack of responsibility for their animals.
I have rescue dogs (and cats)as well, dogs that show up on my farm or I have found along side the road. I donate money to animal shelters. All of my pets are spayed and neutered. But I am sick and tired of people being down on responsible breeders. Prosecute the people who's unneutered animals are creating the havoc in the shelters.

Wow. You're all so self-righteous about adopting animals from a shelter. Let me draw you an analogy. Why would ANY of you choose to have your own children when there are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of perfectly healthy children living in foster homes and orphanages waiting to loved?

Adopting a child, adopting a shelter dog is a good deed, but for many, its just not what they want. Instead of making them feel ashamed for not adopting other people's throwaways, perhaps its more important to stop the problem at its root. Stop people from buying dogs and then throwing them away, and stop irresponsible parents from either having children they pass off to the government.

For those who say that it should not be allowed to breed dogs while there are dogs in shelters needing homes....shall we extend that to say that couples should not be allowed to conceive their own children while there are children waiting to be adopted? Ridiculous. The best way to empty the shelters of dogs is to shut down the puppy mills and require individual pet owners to neuter and spay pets. License and inspect reputable breeders and ensure that all new pets are born from these environments. (there is no reason that licenced and controlled breeders could not also include those who wish to "breed" mutts or give dogs away for free to families who will love them). But if all pet breeding were controlled and adoptions were regulated there would be no shelter animals to protect or euthanize.

Peta is actually part of the problem – all they care about is furthering their agend. Instead of supporting PETA, why not support an animal rights organization that actually promotes welfare for both?

Check out http://www.amprogress.org – they fight the good fight for all.

Until shelters can get their act together enough to screen the dogs they put up for adoption, I will not use one again. We adopted a dog that the staff assured us was great with people and other dogs. 24 hours later, it had bitten me and another person walking past us, who in turn decided to sue us. I don't want to discourage people from adopting shelters because I'm sure there are lots of great dogs there...but do your homework with the dogs first. Make sure they interact well with a lot of people and watch them play with other dogs. Because trust me, there are shelters that don't screen their dogs well enough. The dog we adopted wasn't fit for any home other than a professional dog trainer's...like Cesar Milan.

2 months later we got a puppy from a breeder and its been nothing but great. I love dogs, but I sincerely doubt I will ever adopt from a shelter again...especially not while there are children in my house.

Um how is breeding the dog of your choice any different than breeding your own kids. There are tons of starving children out there we should probably be adopting instead of creating our own too! People are not responsible for the mistakes of others...if they want a full bred dog that is their choice just as it is the same with wanting their own kids. Some people don't want to raise the screwed up abandoned version and I don't blame them a bit. ....why doesn't the almighty loving and caring god take care of all the strays...

You know, this is supposed to be a free country. But when people disagree with something someone else is doing, they want to regulate it to stop them and they think this is fair because they disagree. I owned one pedigree dog in my life and have had probably 8 mutts. I loved them all. If someone wants to buy or breed a pedigree, it's their money, let them! No one should have the right to stop someone from doing this. Why do so many people think they have the right to control other peoples lives and actions? This is America. We have freedoms to exercise whether or not other people agree or not! I don't beleive in people owning birds but I don't try and stop them. I think it's weird to own snakes and reptiles that are dangerous but is someone wants to, it's their right.

There are so many REAL problems on this Earth from famine, war, atrocities in other countries, etc, why spend so much energy forcing your opinions on people who raise dogs or cats? If you don't agree with pedigrees, own a mutt. I do. If you want a $700 weiner dog, by God that is your right. I owned one and she was a wonderful part of the family along with the 2 mutts I had at the same time. Support programs that sterilize stray cats and dogs to stop the over populations. Leave the breeders alone. The Westminster show is a huge hit every year for a reason. People love dogs. Let them have them. It's not your rght to tell anyone else what kind of dog they have to get if they want one. With that thinking, why have children as long as there are still those awaiting adoption.

There is no need for this woman to breed such a large number of dogs, 80....that is disgusting I"m sorry! It sickens me that this is deemed OK at all, this is nothing but a puppy mill! Poor defenseless dogs are euthanized everyday because of people like her. Millions of dogs need homes and the vice president should be setting an example, not adding to the problem!

wow... PETA and it's robots are certainly out in force commenting on this article. PETA, you will not prevent people from breeding quality animals for a population of people that does not dump their animals into the shelter system. The dogs that end up in shelters do not come from breeders such as this one, or any other reputable breeder. They come from puppy mills and backyard breeders. Ending reputable breeders such as this one is the death knell to ALL dogs in this country. And yes, that is the publicly stated goal of PETA, the HSUS and other animal rights/activist/welfare agents. To end ALL animal and pet ownership.
If you are in support of this measure, you are a sad, sad person.

We should be careful about what type of breeders we're talking about. I can see three groups of them. The first would be average dog owners that feel it would be 'fun' to have their pup have a litter. That is naive and irresponisble, considering all of the health implications to their dog and the puppies, and the thousands of pups that need a home. The second are puppy-mill breeders. These are inhumane. They are breeding without any regard for the health of the dogs or the breed, or considering the future of these dogs. The dogs can be held in horrible environments and be subject to multiple health problems. These need to be shut down–they serve no purpose other than making money for a handful of people, and cause a great deal of damage to dogs and breeds. The thrid group, which is where this breeder appears to fall into, would be the professional breeders. They have a handful of breeding dogs and work with other breeders to maintain healthy and strong bloodlines. They are important for the overall health of the breed, and contribute greatly to the dog world. As true lovers of dogs and the breed, they are often invovled in breed rescue. They may or may not make their living through their kennel, but their first priority is to the dogs, then the breed, then their bank account. These people are important, and shouldn't be painted with the same brush as the other two.

Beth is right– prue breed animals are killed every day.

I ditto Juliet. I volunteer at a no-kill and it's sick that people are breeding dogs. It should be regulated and frankly illegal until all shelter dogs are adopted. Greed.

I have seen tons of comments from people on here talkign about adopting dogs from shelters as opposed to going to breeders. We have tried numerous times to adopt from a shelter and every time have met nothign but resistance and excuses. We have heard everything from inadequate fencing (6ft stockade is inadequate for what breed) to inexperience with the breed. So I ask, someone like me who has been wanting to get a dog for some time now, who owns a large piece of fenced in property cant get a dog from any of the local shelters for a ton of garbage reasons. What options do I have. The last shelter denied our application stating we do not have enough experience with the specific breed. Well how are we supposed to get experience without being able to adopt a dog? Breeders are the only option left thanks to the wonderful people who run these shelters, they would prefer to put dogs down then adopt to a loving home. Since my experience with th locla shelters, I have stoped donating money and attending events in conjunction with animal protection. I have had enough with people talking about adoption over buying. Perhaps your efforts and long winded comments may serve a better purpose if they were directed at the people responsible. Dog breeders fill a nitche that the morons and degenerates that run these shelters create!

While I fully support rescues– if we stop breeding, entire lines of purebred dogs will go extinct, how is that ok>?

You AR people get over it!!!

Reputable breeders don't allow their dogs to end up in the shelters. If the original home does not work out the breeder takes the dog back and re-homes it in it's forever home.

It is the irresponsible people who sell their puppies in parking lots, street side etc who don't care where their puppies end up who are the problem. There is a world of difference between reputable breeders and irresponsible, unreputable breeders. So don't give us this song and dance that because of breeders the shelters are full and it is their fault. The dogs in shelters are the product of irresponsibility.

(1) You people forget that dogs bred by REPUTABLE dog breeders, i.e., ones who keep very careful records of their animals' ancestry (and have spay/neuter policies if an animal IS born with a genetic defect), are WANTED animals. Why lump these breeders in with these morons who believe that buying two purebred dogs and breeding them makes them a breeder? All the breeders I know barely break even on the dogs they sell–they give their animals the very best care and only do it for the love of the breed.

(2) I volunteered in an animal shelter, and what this country needs is EDUCATION re: spaying and neutering pets and responsible pet ownership. I heard stories like "I'm getting rid of my ten year old cat because I want a kitten" and "We're doing renovations, and having the cat around will be very inconvenient." These are the people who should be the object of PETA's ire!

I guess the Pet Nazis don't want you to have a choice. Pets are euthanized because of irresponsible owners, not because of good breeders. If I want a pure bred and can afford it, I should be able to have one. It's called freedom of choice.

Oh, let's not forget that PETA was responsible for euthanizing more than a few million animals itself rather than placing them for adoption. The shelters they sponsor are all high kill. Thanks PETA!

I believe you should be able to get your dog anyway you want. It's no ones business but yours.....

While I definitely agree that the preferred way of bringing an animal into a home is through a shelter, I also believe in adopting strays that are living on the street ("fixing" them and getting them their shots is part of the adoption). I have one shelter, two strays, and my son's animal when he had to move into a "no pets" apartment.

I don't have a real problem with breeders that take good care of their animals, if someone just HAS to have a purebred. I DO have a problem with mills, and think all that can be done to shut them down SHOULD be done.

Just my opinion.

i officially hate people. lighten up people...there are actually REAL issues out there affecting US that actually MATTER. many people seem very narrow minded. they find some little thing they can "care about" and cling to it like it's a pacifier.

Funny how both PETA and Republicans are getting blamed for this incident, I bet thats never happened before. No matter how much you may want to blame Bush for everything wrong in the world, with 80+ dogs – it is a puppy mill, plain and simple.

It seems to me that this argument against dog breeding could be used for human breeding. All the people out there who say we should adopt puppies from shelters, why not protest at the hospitals when children are born. There are plenty of children in the world with no loving home, so I think we should stop having kids as well.

I will seriously consider purchasing my next purebred German Shepherd Dog from this breeder.

/has two GSDs

What most of y'all don't understand is that the Dept of Agriculture made a decision many years ago that dogs were livestock, and to encourage rural farms to create business they spread money around the heartland in an effort to radically increase dog breeding in rural communities. We have a dog breeding facility on our property, very small- 5 adult Chessies and 1 adult American water spaniel (www.castlepeake.com) and it is very possible to do it humanely, and with love and care. Not everyone who breeds dogs hates animals.

By the way, why aren't most of the critics here up in arms about other animals- from the meat industry to the fur industry to the exotic animal trade? It's because dogs are considered pets here.. But not everyone who breeds dogs is Hitler.

I do not agree with puppy mills. Eighty dogs is flat out rediculous. My grandmother was a chmapionship dog breeder for over thirty years, and the most she ever had, not counting a new litter, was five adults. They lived indoors, and she played and interracted with each and every one. As soon as the litter was weened she sold them. How can this lady say she treats eighty dogs like children? Children require daily individual interraction. Can she say that she takes each dog out of their pen every day and tosses them a chew toy or plays tug-of-war?

For all of you squawking about adopting dogs from shelters....

Stop talking and go adopt another dog!!!

While I agree that people should look to shelters first for a pet to help with the overcrowding, I don't agree that breeders ought to be penalized for the lazy, irresponsible owners who don't neuter their pets and create this problem. Breeding should be outlawed, according to some of you, but to what end? Let pure breeds die out until every shelter is empty? Refuse to allow people to acquire a pedigreed dog? (as if that right should be taken from us). It doesn't make sense to penalize people by taking away their rights just because there aren't enough penalties for those who won't care for their pets and have them neutered responsibly. Besides, it sounds more like this breeder was targeted for political reasons, not because she was a breeder.

i didn't think there could be a story dumber or more irrelevant than the "heroin cheaper than beer" one. kudos AMfix for outdoing yourselves.
for the love of god, why on earth do i bother to look at this column? it's truly like not being able to look away from a car wreck.

You people amaze me. You are obsessed with dogs! Dogs! Yes they are wonderful and I love mine. But, it's too bad you don't put as much effort into worrying about the thousands of children waiting to be adopted, waiting for decent foster care, or just waiting for someone who values human life enough to put their needs first! I have yet to see any postings about that!

What about the homeless? How many of you EVER think about them. But the President gets a dog and LOOK OUT. People it's time to grow up!

It isn't a matter of being irresponsible by breeding dogs, because animal control facilities don't necessarily have dogs that meet the needs of ALL people. I have gone to many animal control facilities while searching for our dog and I have NEVER once seen a Portuguese Water Dog at any of those facilities. As dog lovers know, each breed is known for specific characteristics...Ie: some dogs have less shed, some are easier tempered, some are faster, etc... Personally, if you want to have a good relationship with your dog, you need to find the right breed for YOU and no one else can tell you what dog is going to work for YOU! I think adopting from a shelter is GREAT (We got our sheperd as a 7 year old rescue dog) but it is really short-sighted to assume that everyone can find what they want at a shelter. On the flip side, there are many rescued dogs out there needing good homes, so I think it is a wonderful gift to a dog to rescue. I can't say enough about our Lola.

I have read all the comments and can't help but see how most of the ones condemming breeders are guilty of gross generalization. The reputable breeders are still in business from word of mouth. I have two pure breeds, both very small dogs. I tried to get my dogs from shelters or rescue organizations. I was apparently not good enough for them. I was lucky enough to find families whose dogs had puppies. Concentrate on getting rid of the puppy mills that sell to pet stores, not the good breeders, of which there are many. You cannot condem people for wanting dogs of speific breeds. There are many reasons people pick these dogs. Making all the dogs of the world "mutts" would not help the overpopulation.

After reading these comments, I can only ask myself one question: "Are there really that many idiots out there?"
It's just amazing.

So some of you folks aren't too smart, huh?

I just want to know why as Americans, we are more worried about where a dog came from than the bigger picture of what is going to happen to all of those pets, when we can't even feed ourselves anymore?!!!
Many breeders are very good people. i got my dog from a breeder. he has approx 25 dogs at his location which happens to be approx 18 acres. The dogs have free run of the area for plenty of exercise (except when they are in heat–then they are segregated). He breeds 3-4 per year and has a waiting list for dogs because he won't breed more often than that. It isn't about money!
I have also, had dogs in the past from shelters and currently have 2 kids that were adopted at shelters. Unfortunately I doubt I will ever get from a shelter again due to a bad experience. i took my 2 yr old to get a dog–we found one he fell in love with and the dog loved him. They estimated the dog to be about 2 1/2 to 3 years old, very friendly and in good health. 3 months later the dog died of a heart attack. My vet says the shelter should have known there was heart problems and I trust my vet, he wants me to keep coming back with the rest of my long list of pets!!!

We have adopted all of our pets but one. We have a macaw, cockatiel, four cats, and two large dogs. We also had several ferrets for many years and they have since passed away due to old age. Oh, and our beloved German Shep had to be euthanized a year ago due to her third round of cancer, degenerative myelopathy, and severe hip dysplasia. We have rescued and loved/cared for many, many animals. My choice to purchase a dog from a very reputable breeder – and my reasons for doing so – are my business and mine alone. All our pets are spayed/neutered if possible (not the birds, of course) as we do not breed... However, for organizations like PETA and those who follow them to threaten others is so hypocritical and ignorant.

Oh, btw, PETA supporters and those of your ilk, our newest family member is a GSD/Lab mix that we rescued from a no kill shelter. He came home with us covered in feces, and suffering from giardia and kennel cough. Not only did he nearly die, but so did our other dog. After nearly 3 mos of intensive veterarian care and lots of TLC at home, and about $3K in vet bills – both dogs bounced back. So, don't you DARE try to tell anyone how to treat animals when these so-called shelters are overflowing with animals to such a point that they cannot be properly cared for... If you think that is a loving and compassionate way to treat animals – you really are nuts.

Nikkia – did you end up getting a dog? Adopting one they will ask your name, address and ability to take care of the dog. A breeder will ask much more.
If you got a dog – then You DEFINITELY got one from a puppy mill. No question about it.
Sorry if providing that is a "hassle". But if you're not willing to do that, what seller would think you would care for the dog in the short run, nevermind the long run?

I get VERY tired of people saying that breeders are irresponsible and that everyone should get a dog from a shelter. The dogs are in shelters because of irresponsible people, not because of those who choose to buy a dog from a breeder (not a puppy mill and there is a difference). This goes to the root of who causes the problem...people who don't know what they are getitng into when they get an animal and NOT people who know exactly what they want and do not want to inherit other people's abused animals that come with issues that could drive them to end up back in a shelter. I bought a Lab from a breeder because I knew exactly what I wanted and I wanted to know the dogs entire history, knowing full well what I was getting into. The result? I have a family member that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world and she has the best life in the world. So you are telling me it is my fault and it is irresponsible for me to have purchased her because I didn't save a life that someone else threw away? I admit that I might not be solving the worlds problems, but I'm also not causing them and I certainly don't need to be admonished by some message board do-gooders who make blanket statements about all people while ignoring those who actually cause the problem. I guess we shouldn't have our own children either when there are tons and tons of orphans!

As a veterinarian who has worked with performance and working dogs (avalanche, SAR, sled, herding, patrol, explosives/drug detection, patrol, agility, flyball, obedience, seeing-eye, disability service) for over 10 years, I have no problems with people who reputably breed purebred dogs. This country is made of our ability to choose, and that includes our canine companions. I personally own 2 rescued pound puppies, but I also purchased a purebred Kelpie for the purpose of sheep herding. I had already checked with Kelpie rescues and there were no dogs of young working age who would get along with (as in not kill) my six rescued pound cats and were safe around my five rescued pound horses (wanna put your money where your mouth is? rescue a horse).

Yes, there are disreputable breeders; IMHO, I think we should have registration and standards much like Europe does, especially like German and Austrian breeders, to help weed out the backyard incompetents and only $$-oriented puppy mills. That, however, would get the ACLU and other individual rights advocates screaming. There is a place in the world for purebred dogs – they are selected for tracking, herding, protection, hunt and prey (search and rescue) drives, hair coats (or lack thereof – for allergy and health reasons) and an innate ability to perform certain tasks for people. While there are some tasks that pound puppies can do, there are others that they cannot. Or it is too difficult to find the right dog for the task over dogs who are selectively bred for it. For someone who needs a dog to perform a specific task, there are sometimes too many physical and behavioral variables with rescue dogs due to neglect and abuse. That doesn't mean that they don't deserve good homes, it just means that to REALLY cut down on abandonment and abuse, it is important for the right match and fit of dog to owner. Fit means location, personalities, and goals – what does the owner want to do with their dog. It also means that those of you who are being judgmental of breeders should educate themselves on ALL aspects of dog use rather than spouting off about things of which you are ignorant.

And as for PETA, it seems to me that this group, who has quietly euthanized thousands of animals who were left with them for adoption, needs to hold the mirror up to themselves and fix their own problems before persecuting people who are caring for animals properly.

I don't understand how a state agency's purpose of protecting the safety and health of animals can be allowed to be perverted by administrators who obviously have a political agenda. Whoever it is that runs that agency should be investigated and held accountable for their abuse of the system they are expected to operate on behalf of all...not just the members of the political party they support. This is insufferable.

OK, so 80 dogs is perhaps a bit much. But she has taken them in, which is more than some people would do.

On the other hand, PETA needs to get a reality grip! .. and in some cases, just shut up. As someone who has her 4th pure bred dog, no one has the right to tell me I can't do this. I researched what I wanted, and every one of my dogs (which I have had one at a time) has been "family," and loved to pieces. Do I regret that? NOT ON YOUR LIFE!!!!

Do I feel pangs of remorse when I visit our Humane Society here in Indianapolis? Yes. I take donations to them as well (paper towels, bleach, food, etc.) But knock off the remarks about reputable breeders and pure bred dogs. You people make yourselves sound overly-dramatic, foolish, and down right ignorant of the fact that there are people who can and do breed wonderful dogs. And there are those for whom those dogs are an important part of our lives.

All you doorknobs whose cause in life is to save dogs need to get with it. Take Aaron, for example: ...pets for profit is a practice with all the ethics of human trafficking. Really Aaron? Chattel slavery is no worse than seling puppies? Who are you people? Get a real passion in life.

Hey Beth, can it. I'll use a breeder for my next dog and you'll simply have to take it and like it. I want a pedigreed pup with a reputable breeder who carefully selects bred dogs to maintain the ideal of the breed and breed out the known problems. That as you know is an evolving process.

I apply the same careful seelection to my own bloodline, btw.
So do you one would only hope.

Not to get quasiphilosphical, but how is 'not breeding' a puppy to save a rescue dog any better than 'breeding' a puppy at the 'potential' expense of a rescue dog getting put down?

Either way a dog loses out...in one case it's the dog that was denied the potential to exist in the first place, in the other case it's the rescue dog.

Let folks get their dogs where they want.

How many animals does PETA euthanize at its shelter in VA?

Umm I dont believe PETA is mentioned anywhere in this article. You are assuming that because it's the only animal rights organization that you know of. You cant judge all well-meaning animal rights activists by one overhyped media-hungry organization. Believe it or not some of us are simply compassionate people with very strong morals and convictions.

She has been doing this for 40 years! Obviously she has had experience. If you watch the video, it looks clean to me!

Sonia, all of our dogs are from the shelter and all 5 are purebreds.
Only one has "baggage" and it is because she was abused, her physical scars are permanent.

The woman in question is certainly no saint, or she would be taking in unwanted animals rather than breeding for her personal financial gain. Further, with 80 animals there no way they are getting the socialization and individual attention (or exercise) they need.

I also want to point out that those who think animal lovers do not care about children are clueless. We take in emergency foster kids (we are not compensated in any way) and I am the first to step up and speak if I see a parent hitting a child. Just because you care about animals doesn't mean you don't care about children too!

No one should own a dog. All they do is bark, crap all over the public places, and have annoying owners who act like their dog is a kid.

Sorry folks, gotta call him out.

JD – why did you post a comment to this story. Are you for real??

"How is it that dog breeders are subject to such scrutiny about the treatment of dogs and puppies, but yet women are free to discard human life with no recourse?"

Get off your computer, and volunteer some of your down time to helping at your local animal shelter.

I think it is funny that all the Liberals are accusing Republicans of playing partisan politics with this issue when PETA has always fallen on the "crazy whackjob Liberal" side of the issue. Get your facts straight. Conservatives aren't the ones making the issue. It is other members of your own party!

How about all the children waiting for adoption? So with your way of thinking, anyone with their own children are irrisponsible breeders? You people are stupid.

How about concentrating your fight for stiffer laws and enforcement.

As someone who works in rescue in the South, where the pet overpopulation problem is unfathomable, I am disappointed that both Biden and Obama picked purebred dogs from breeders. They could have taken advantage of a very teachable moment about responsibility and compassion.

However, I understand the desire of enthusiasts to maintain a breed standard, and have responsible, strict screening for potential families that buy their dogs. Any reputable breeder will tell you that they never make money on breeding, because the cost of care and vetting far exceeds the cost of the puppy. Good breeders don't do it for the money, they do it for the love of the breed.

Unfortunately, a breeder with 80 dogs on site is likely not one of those responsible breeders. It sounds like she is bordering on the line of a puppy mill, which I totally abhor, and I wish Biden had investigated his choice a little more carefully.

Breeders of purebred dogs serve a very important purpose. With a purebred dog, you know it's physical, emotional, and grooming needs, as well as its temperament and ultimate size and weight. A responsible dog owner will consider these critical factors for the health, happiness, and safety of dog, owner, and community.

Juliet – I agree with you YET I disagree with you. Here is the problem with shelters....It costs a small fortune or just as much to get a dog from the shelter as it does from a breeder. With a breeder you know what you are getting and most havea health check and a guarentee. With a shelter you DONT – period. I'll give you an example: We adopted from a shelter some 8 years ago. At that time we were stipulated with we must have dog spayed within x amount of time (no problem) – Well after getting shots having her spayed, and all the other expenses that come along with a dog we were hit with her having an incurrable disease. One that made her craby (biting at even us) because she was in so much pain, there were no options for surgeries, etc she could not even go out to the bathroom on her own – we had to carry her. We ended up having to have her put to sleep after months of medications, loads of money and many tears. NOW all shelters state you have to pay up front costs to have the dog spayed/neutered kind of a "down-payment", some REQUIRE obediance trainging at $30.00 a session, they make "home visits" to make sure you have a proper home for the dog, they require references, etc! We require more to adopt a dog then we do a human!!! Take a look – do a search for those "non believers" who do not think it costs a small fortune to bring home a dog from a shelter – search out different states, locations. Some are upwards of $300+++++ – Thats INSANE! No wonder these poor animals are sitting and sitting until they pass puppy stage OR have outlived their welcome and have to be put down – no one can afford to take them home! They have to take out a loan to get a dog that MIGHT have problems, MIGHT not adapt, MIGHT have social issues, etc.....We lost over $1,200.00 on a dog who had a forever home – now you wonder why people go to breeders......Maybe if the shelters got a little more realistic with their charges, (most of these shelters have vets available and get the spay neuter at a way reduced cost – even free yet the shelter charges for it....), get rid of the unrealistic expectations, the rediculous "home visits", etc they would find forever homes for these poor animals.....

I adopted a "shelter dog" and 6,000 dollars later, he died after having many surgeries and meds. Even knowing you fly blind when adopting a pet, we went back to the shelter to get another family member. Imagine my surprise when I was turned down by not one, not two but THREE rescue groups. Why? Because I work full time. Did not matter that my vet wrote a letter of recommendation, I was open to a home inspection, and that we treat our animals better than some parents treat kids. I exploded on the GSD rescue people. You want to know why there are reputable breeders and people that buy dogs. There you go. I am the proud owner of 2 German Shepherds. I interviewed a dozen breeders before I found one comfortable.
Oh and my shelter cat.... yup getting en EKG and ultrasound Friday for a heart defect. I will do what needs to be done to make him well, I made a life committment to him. I am sick of hearing holier than thou people talking crap about people that "buy" dogs. With that said, puppy farms should be shut down and those running them should be sent to jail for life!

when all of these folks who can't get off of good breeders backs start adopting all of their children instead of ever having their own, then i might find some merit to the arguments that every single dog purchased from a good breeder sentences a rescue dog to death.

sorry folks, but the reality is that the people who took in an animal they had no intention of caring well for and then abandoned are the ones who sentence the rescue dogs to death.

(i have three dogs...two rescues and one from a reputable breeder. all are equally loved & cared for.)

PETA is an organization of maniacs and people who value animal life over human life. What do this people think they are going to get, right for animals to vote? Give me a break, this is what is wrong with the world, we give these organization credence by allowing them to just go on as they are. What ever happened to “our own personal life?” First PETA asked the PET Shop Boys to change their name to the Shelter Boys? What gives them the right to do that? We have allowed groups like this to alter our way of life and make us change how we show our beliefs. I think it is time that America takes back its testicles and starts putting these out spoken misguided and just crazy organizations back in their places. I think it is time for Americans to take back America!

I am 45 years old and have owned 3 dogs. I have owned one hunting dog that I purchased from a quality breeder. This dog was breed for a specific purpose that he did very well. I have owned two other dogs which I picked out from a city pound. They also were and are both perfect for what I wanted. My third dog is still with me.

Once again I am confused by the opinions I have read. The problem is not the animals, the problem is that we allow people to own pets that are not responsible. I have never owned a pet that was not spayed or neutered. This is American and as a responsible citizen I will select my pets for the purposes that I want one and from wherever and who I want. That way these pets are sure to be loved by me.

I just want to know where is the outrage for the thousands of children abused every day. Where is the outrage for child murders. Where is the out rage for the millions of starving and dying PEOPLE around the world. Where is the outrage that we havent found a cure for cancer or HIV, or that we are not providing enough funding for research. Where is the outrage that we are in two wars, or that the Bil of rights haev been trounced and torn apart?

All of you people on here who are so concerned with the lives of animals, would call the police if you saw an animal being abused, but will not even see a crying child. You are the same people that donate time and money to helping animals, yet could care less about the harm done to people.

Abusing any living creature is wrong. Yes, there are millions of adorable pets in shelters around the country. But there are also millions of children that need good homes. I guess we should villify anyone that has a child instead of adopting.

Instead of defending a group like PETA (who seems to forget that there message gets lost the moment you start villifiying free will) perhaps we can shine a light on groups that every day go out of there way to help PEOPLE. We can do some thing about the excess pet problem in this country when we first provide health care to all, make sure all americans have homes and jobs and that every child gets a decent and well rounded educaton. Perhaps if we had that sort of outcry regarding these things versus this outrage about pets, something could get done in thsi ocuntry.

I think some people here are missing the point. Of all the dogs this lady has, where did they come from? It is likely that many of them were products of her puppy mill, and she didn't find homes for them all. The fact that she takes good care of them misses the point. She's making too many dogs. Imagine if, instead of housing 80 of her unwanted productions, she instead had room to rescue 80 strays?

PETA – every human being needs to know they are are the WOLF in SHEEP's clothing. They are abusive, they don't believe anyone should own a family pet- read up folks educate yourself. They open kennels at airports so dogs can be freed! Dear Lord. You know there are plenty of animals that need rescuing, but dont you dare take away a human's right to be able to choose if they want a dog from a reuptable, REPUTABLE breeder- this is nonsense WAKE UP AMERICA. and please do your research on PETA!!!!!!!!

I would be happy to adopt a shelter dog. My only problem is that it would be a chore to find a dog at shelter which is steady under the gun and can retrieve Giant Canada Geese.

You've got to be kidding me. These PETA people need to get life. I saw the video of where the man throws a dead dog in a bag on his desk because a little girl didn't get a puppy from the pound. In other words a pound dog was killed because a little girl got a puppy from a breeder. This is the most horrifying and offensive video ever. I have lost all respect for PETA people. People have a right to get a dog where ever they choose and to say all breeders are "puppy mills" is just plain stupid. As the woman said who sold VP Biden the puppy "I'll "never provide services to a high profile person again. . Neitheir would I !!!!! Moving forward PETA went over the top on this one

The local officals are Republican? There is empirical evidence that half of the population of the world (give or take 1) are of less than average intelligence. We are hearing from a few of them today. To pick a name like "Gop Hater" really takes moronic to a new level. If you don't have anything cogent to say, please go back to picking your nose.

Sorry, but EIGHTY ADULT DOGS ON SITE? Sounds like a puppy mill, NOT a "reputable breeder" to me.

Death threats, however, are ridiculous and way over the top... clearly the work of nutcases.

All of the people here calling responsible breeders irresponsible because there are dogs in the pound are hypocrites. Do you have children? Why? Don't you know how many children out there in the world are waiting for adoption?

To those who support PETA and other animal rights groups because you love animals, please take this opportunity to rethink your support.

Animal *rights* groups, including PETA, are on a mission to ELIMINATE ALL PET OWNERSHIP. They believe pets have the "right" not be owned by humans. AR groups literally use terrorist tactics to help them achieve their goals. To them, EVERY breeder is a puppymill, and they will not concede that carefully purebred animals have a history of purpose,. Although this has not been well covered in mainstream media, much has been dcoumented and written about it, so please check it out for yourself online.

There ARE animal *welfare* groups like the National Animal Interest Alliance of that promote and lobby for humane practices and relationships between people and animals. These groups would welcome your support and celebrate your love of animals.

Repsonsible pet ownership is a joyous thing!

I live in DE right on the PA line and I can back up the person who said those counties right over the line in PA are some of the staunchest Republicans you'll ever see – like 80% Repub in those districts. Harass this lady just to shine a bad light on Biden? Right up their alley.

I think you all need a job.

1. Irresponsible owners, not reputable breeders, create overpopulations of animals when animals are neglected and/or abandoned.
2. Last I heard, we are free to choose in this country, and that includes the people and creatures with whom we choose to live.
3. These choices are often for health reasons, but "personalities" are important, too- in both people and animals
4. As for "abuse", a woman's "right to choose", and "puppies"; once any life truly exists, there should be care and love, never abuse. Comparing the choice to abort prior to viable life is vastly different from abusing someone or something that IS viable and living.

Anyway, Nature decides most things...

Many of the dogs that are in shelters are because they were purchased by either a pet shop or backyard breeder. A reputable breeder will take that dog back and that's in their contract. They also stay in touch with the owner for the life of the dog. As someone stated before this is a labor of love, not money. I am all for adopting a sheltered animal but many people want a dog that they can train and grow with the family many of these shelter dogs have many behavioral issues, not all but many. I know I have a rescue myself. So if you want to attack someone attack the pet shops and the backyward breeder that are selling sick dogs. It's like anything else, before you buy a dog do your research!

PETA is nothing more than a political remnant of a once reputable organization. I have long since donated any money to these idiots and will never again.

Why anyone "breeds" dogs is beyond me. There are thousands of dogs put to death EVERY DAY because no one wants them. Buying from a breeder – no matter how well tended the dogs are – is just immoral.

Those of you who are calling breeders selfish and irresponsible make me sad. These people have a right to their service. I have purchased two dogs from breeders and we will continue to do so. The two times I have attempted to adopt from the shelter the dogs have turned out to be unmanageable and were returned. One of them bit my daughter and broke the skin after she got excited and jumped up and down to celebrate. I guess it startled the dog and he lunged at her and bit her. The other one we adopted tore my house to pieces while we ran errands. The problem with shelter dogs is that you don't know what these dogs have already gone through that would effect them personality wise. It's hard to "teach an old dog new tricks" so to speak. Purchasing pups from breeders allows you to raise the dog in a way that suits your family's lifestyle. Maybe some of you don't care if dogs bite your kids or chew up your furniture but I sure do. I'm not saying that purchasing breeders pups is the only way to go but don't vilify those who chose to go that route. To each his own!!!!!!

>My rescue dog was crated 24/7 for six years<

OMG. In humans, that would be called torture, and rightly so. So glad he has a real home now!

I know Obama had stated several times that they hoped to find a rescue dog. They were limited as to the breed by Malia's allergies. Also consider that the White House dog is in the spotlight. As noted by several posters, rescue dogs can come with baggage and need homes ready to take on that kind of challenge. Since they didn't get a rescue dog, they are making a donation to a pet shelter (or Humane Society?). They obviously did a lot of research and chose the dog that they think is right for them.

making a blanket statement that breeders shouldn't breed because there are dogs in shelters is ridiculous. Why not just say that people shouldn't breed because there are so many kids out there already that need a good home. If i want a specific breed of dog, and want to raise that dog from the puppy stage to ensure the dog is properly bonded and there are no past abuses that are going to in turn be harmful to my family, that's my perogative. Do you have statistics on which dogs are in the shelters? all the shelters i've been to, the majority of the dogs are mutts – people who got a dog and didn't get it spay/neutered and then let it have puppies. those are the people you should go after. I don't know too many people that are paying $500-$3000 for purbred dogs that are turning them in to shelters. Don't penalize responsible breeders based on irresponsible pet owners.
I've had both mutts from shelters and pure-breds. 2 of my mutts had health problems, and one had behavioural problems which i could work through in my single days. Now that i have kids in the house, getting a dog which i know how big it will be, has had temperment testing, and has a proven lineage back 3 plus generations, that's the animal i want to invite into my family.

Breeding is about more than just pumping out puppies. It is also about maintaining healthy breeds and bloodlines. What do you think happens everytime you have a child? You are breeding and maintaining your bloodline. If you people are so concerned, next time you decide to have a child why don't you adopt a parentless child from one of the many third world countries that are filled with homeless parentless children? Yea, I didn't think you would.

While I agree that breeding animals is not the most wonderful thing to do because of the effects on the animals in the shelter, it is not against the law(if it were up to me it would be). If this woman really is caring for her animals then it's her right to do as she wishes without being pestered. I'm all for animal rights organizations but they have got to be fair about who they are targeting. Why cause so much touble...oh....I know....so it will make the news. That's all they wanted here but that's not fair to the woman involved.

This is coming from someone who volunteers at the local shelter each week and owns four rescue cats. I hate what happens in the shelters but don't feel this treatment of others is the answer either.

I don't think that I should be looked down upon because I decided to buy a puppy from a responsible breeder. I happen to like to know and see the background of the dog that I am purchasing. That way I will have an idea about the temperament of my new family member. I used to work at the local animal shelter and local vet’s office. I saw what went in and out of the shelter everyday. I will also say that I have adopted many MANY dogs from the animal shelter, and they were very wonderful, loving pets. But, like I said I don’t feel like I should be looked down upon for buying a dog from a RESPONSIBLE breeder!!

You all seem to miss the point. If he didn't want a shelter dog then it was his choice. I've rescued a number of animals but I also own 2 that I purchased from a breeder because I wanted a specific type of dog. Its as simple as that. The bottom line is it was his choice and it is my choice not yours to tell me what I did was wrong. It is also the breeders choice to do what they do. Maybe they do it for the love. Heck maybe they do it because they like the breed. They may even just do it for the money but it is their choice to do it. Thats the nice thing about living in America just because someone doesn't like it doesn't mean I can't do it.

People buy specific breeds because they have specific needs... I bought a miniature Schnauzer because they dont shed and they are protective and I wanted a small breed for my apt and small backyard. They tend to be natuarally hypo-allergenic. so people that are allergic dont have as much sensitivity. German shepards are made for protection and loyalty and as a working breed. Other breeds are made for herding and others because of their good nature with children or because they are hunting dogs or even because they have less aggressive natures and less tendancy to bark. People assume that the only reason to get a dog is so you can look at the pretty dog. You guys talk about the millions that are killed in shelter but you dont talk about the millions that are adopted. Anyone that is a dog owner knows just because there are dogs in a shelter doesnt mean its the dog for you. Why would i getr a dog from a shelter when i dont know its health history or if its gonna die in a year because of a heart problem or whatever else. I got my dog because I know his breeding and history and I dont have less chance of losing my best friend in the next 10 yrs then if i picked an unknow mut breed from the pound.
As long as you do your research into a reputable breeder i think thats what matters. To each his own. and if you read the article people... they are 80 NON-breeding or PAST breeding age dogs and she still has them and cares for them even after they arnt breeding.

Don’t know who goes after the scent of blood more, a hungry German Sheppard or a hungry reporter / activist looking to make a name for themselves. By the way, I blame George Bush for this and the dirty laundry that needs to be folded at my house. Isn’t that the popular thing to do these days?

This is all a bunch of bull. If you want to buy a dog – BUY A DOG. If you want a dog from the pound – GET A DOG FROM THE POUND. Since when should PETA or anyone else's opinion matter where, when or if anyone should breed animals or have pets at all for that matter. We are on a slippery slope when government or people believe they should decide the decisions of others.

Everyone that buys a puppy at a pet store are buying animals from puppy mills. You have no idea what you are getting and who the parents are. Whether there are health issues. Every reputable breeder sells there dogs for allot less and you generally get health gaurentees and also guarentees to take the puppy back if it doesn't work out. How many pet stores do that. Some people don't want mutts or designer dogs, that cost sometimes can be more then the breeds that they mixed. And have you ever tried to adopt a dog or cat? It is almost as cost prohibitave as buying a puppy from a reputable breeder. Not to mention with no gaurentees. People that are reputable are in it for the love of the breed and most are breeding for that next champion at conformation agility and obedience. The dogs are loved and well taken care of.

Isn't it funny how people so passionate about animal rights don't even treat their fellow human beings with the same respect? PETA and other so called animal rights groups would sacrifice 10 people for the sake of one animal.

What most should be complaining about is not the responsible breeders but the families who haven't spayed their dog. Then this dog has a litter by the local stray of a neighborhood pet who is not neutered. Now you have more dogs. But since they arn't a reputable breeder they drive to the corner of Main and State and sell the puppies off for $80 – $100. Then the local passer by who thinks the price is right and they are too cute to resist buys the puppy and has no idea what they are getting into. When this individual gets tired of the puppy they dump it at the pound or on the street. People who buy dogs from reputable breeders and are paying for the dog that they researched arn't as willing to throw away $1600+ for their Mastiff as the guy who paid $80 for his mutt.

So, if you want to go after someone for irresponsible breeding. Make sure you have the correct target in sight!

stop hatting some dogs are just better then others...its a fact!!!

you rather have waldo then a lassie?

think before you sink

Tom M.
That is just stupid. I am a liberal and have been rescuing dogs from the pound for decades. Keep your politics to yourself or get informed.

To Lee Harvey,
You are mixing apples with oranges - do you think that by neglecting and abusing animals it will make it better for the children? One has nothting to do with the other. Along with "controlling" comes responsibiity - and it is our responsibiity to take care of both the children and the animals. It was not God's intention for us to abuse, neglect or do as we wish with the animals because we can or because as you put it, we control them.

Of 152 comments to far, every single one (almost) is chanting "ADOPT ADOPT ADOPT!" Which I totally agree with, always choose a shelter than support these households who turn to their pets when money gets tight.

One question though, are we SURE this is about dog breeding, or is it about these anonymous groups lashing out on the breeders who sold a pup to the Democrats they didn't vote for?

Bush purchased full-breeds, anyone lash out and condemn the breeders they bought their dogs from??? Just curious..........

Does the same logic apply to people? Does it follow that people in Connecticut and Ohio are "disgusting" because they breed at the same time there are tens of millions of starving children in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean? Get your priorities straight, people. If you want to be upset about something, do you consider the differennce between, say, an amoeba and a human? Which do you care to support? Let's start focusing our attention on issues that matter, like the human condition...

Good grief! God gave us dominion over the creation, including these animals. Leave breeders that are making an honest living alone unless they are neglecting or mistreating the canines. These same people that join PETA and are die-hard Vegans are the ones that show up at Pro-Abortion rallies. Let's save the baby seals but abort the unborn humans made in the image of God. We live in an upside-down world....

ok, well make it illegal to sell dogs if you want to get rid of breeders. you want to get rid of the overpopulation and cure hunger at the same time, feed the poor people dogs. get off your hi horses. there's a million reasons to breed dogs, and they aren't people so stop treating them like it and acting like they should have the same rights as people. and no, i don't think Vick should have gone to prison.

This sound more to me like a persons right of choice.
I understand the feelings of those of you think people ought to adopt
instead of buying from a breeder but, it seems to me you are putting the blame in the worng place. These millions of animals you point to that are entering shelters each year are there because other irresponsible humans not the breeders. Besides making death threats is also inhumane. One form of immoral behavior cannot be justified by another form of immoral behavor.

Getting a dog is a personal choice. If I want a well-tempered, well-bred dog that is my choice. Not all people want mutts or animals with personality disorders. I do not agree with puppy mills but breeders just want to bring out the best in a dog. Also, get you dog neutered or spayed and we wouldn't be having this conversation.

As the owner of 2 rescue dogs, I agree that should be the way to go. But I also realize there is a lot of baggage of taking in a dog that is not a puppy. It's not for everyone. To my knowledge, it is not a crime to be a responsible breeder or to purchase a pure bred dog from a responsible breeder. What in the world is wrong with people that would threaten people that don't think or do what you want them to do. I wouldn't trade my dogs for the world and one is a pit but to me it's like the many personal decisions we make in our lives, children, no children etc. And I wonder how many of the individuals that made negative comments have rescued a dog that is not a puppy. I don't know if this woman is a responsible breeder but since I'm not an expert on the subject I would give her the benefit of the doubt and assume she it.

OK, of all the whiny, flaming liberals that posted to this thread, a question: did you adopt, or have your own children? If you adopted, good for you...there may be hope. If you "breeded" instead of adopting, keep your hippocritical opinions to yourself. The reality is that the dogs intentionally bred are the responsible choice and the pounds are full of the unfortunate misgivings of these irresponsible jerks that would "feel bad" about spaying or neutering a "member of their family". After all, family members have a "right" to procreate.

Guess what? Not everybody is going to get a pound puppy. Some adopted dogs turn out okay, but there are a lot of messed up ones as well. First dogs make lasting impressions on people, especially children or people who have a fear of dogs, so I wouldn't risk my family's first dog on a shelter dog.

For the record, my family's current dog is a BONES rescue beagle. If her behavior was the standard upon which I had based my expectations of dogs, I would not consider getting a dog of my own. Luckily, my first dog was a bred puppy that we received shortly after her birth.

Joe Biden should have acquired a dog from a german shepherd rescue.
You can find dogs that range in age from puppies to seniors. I can't understand why Biden didn't use this opportunity to help a homeless dog and set the right example.
We just adopted a jack russell from the pound and he is the sweetest thing. And our other shelter mutts are just the best.
This problem of unwanted dogs can be solved.
What's stopping us?

let me understand this- per a comment posted..you are saying it is irresponsible for breeders because there are so many dogs in shelters? and I am sorry, but who is irresponsible? OMG, the irresponsibility of those that USED to own the dogs in shelters, DID not have the spayed or neutered, and apparantly did not have tags on their dogs, NOW WHO IS IRRESPONSIBLE? Really? and so breeders are "BAD" because they are exercising their freedom of choice, mind you some breeders are horrible.....give me a break...

To Tom M – What the hell does that mean?!

Emily, for real? What do you think of foster families that take in abused children to try and re-teach love and safety? Should those children be "returned" because they tantrum? What a horrible lesson.

It breaks my heart to see dogs, cats or any other animal in shelters who need a home when we allow breeders to continue over populating. There needs to be a law put into place regarding this. Recently there was the stories regarding people becoming homeless and their animals being left behind. And all the recent stories of animal abuse. How sad. I have had dogs and cats all my life. I must say every dog and cat I have ever had has either been found or rescued. I have crawled under porches thru mud before to rescue. My last dog was a dumped pup my son found and we had for 17 years before he died. My current dog was rescued wondering around a neighborhood only to find out its owner had died. And my current cat is the one I crawled in the mud for.

There is no such thing as humane breeding. So many 'certified' have to be euthanized at shelters just due to overcrowding at shelters – there's over 10 thousand a year here in Washington state. No, it's not all pit bulls and rotties. There's no excuse to add to this trauma by intentionally breeding more animals. Any breed you want can be found at local rescue groups (which can be challenging to find, but they're out there!)

"It is NOT irresponsible to BREED dogs! If we like a certain breed we should be able to pick from that breed. It’s not our fault that people aren’t fixing their dogs. You should be getting onto those people that lets their dog roam around knowing they are not fixed. This is the reason there are so many dogs at shelters."

Thank you, Bree...
We can have it both ways, people! Yes, there are adoptable strays available. There are also responsibly bred purebreds. Just because I happen to love my Corgi, don't condemn me. He's neutered and won't be contributing to the stray population. That's more than I can say for the majority of dog owners; that's why we have a stray problem in the first place. Before you get all up in arms about someone wanting a certain breed of dog, take care of your own business and make sure you're not contributing to the problem.

Sorry if I am repeating, but I haven't seen this issue addressed. Many of the apparently anti-breeder faction on this thread use the following as the primary support for their position: There are a large number of unwanted dogs (and other pet animals) euthanized each year; dog breeders produce new puppies while the unwanted dogs are being euthanized; therefore, all breeding of dogs is immoral/indefensible/should be illegal/etc.

What kind of loony logic is that?!?!? I sincerely hope that those same people have voluntarily sterilized themselves, because by the very same logic, no person should conceive/deliver a baby until every baby born to parents who don't want it is adopted. I would very much like to meet "activists" who back up their rhetoric so admirably...I would listen to them!

Failing that, I suggest that all the good folks who enjoy spouting off about what everyone else should do, should keep a few things in mind:

1) The social and government system that allows such ugly things as unwanted, euthanized pets (and children!), is the very same system that guarantees everyone's right to say and do what they wish, within the boundaries of the law. That goes for the activists spouting their kooky rants, every bit as much as it does for a person to decide what kind of dog they want, and from whom to get it.

2) There are a number of examples in history where people screwed with (1)...Nazi Germany comes to mind, as does Imperial Japan and Communist USSR. For that matter, so do Colonial France, Spain and England. Modern examples still exist...the Iran of the Ayatollahs, the lovely Taliban, Iraq under Saddam, etc. I would have limitless admiration for any "activist" who chooses to spend 1 year in any of those environments, where people discover to their dismay when a "government" tries to square the ideals of a utopia with the messiness of reality. I'm willing to listen to anyone who has that experience under their belt. Until then, I would be grateful if "activists" would save their rants for those who request them.

Peace.

Tom M,

By definition, a liberal is someone who puts money into the church collection plate without expectation, while a conservative is someone who would rather not, unless it has some financial payback.

Which are you?

To Tom M – What does that even mean?!

Nice to see the Peta phone tree is up and running as I see basically the same comments over and over and over. To them anyone who has ever intentionally had one dog impregnate another is guilty of rape. They want to close down any and all places that sell dogs, cats, or any animal and lock up the owners. They are extremists who will never be satisfied until they take away everyones choice on matters involving animals.

Dog breeders are not the death sentence to dogs in shelters. Dog breeders promote proper dog ownership, sell puppies with limited registration and educate/promote the health and welfare of dogs. Dog breeders are not responsible for irresponsible people who don't spay/neuter their muts and let them stroll the streets freely. Sending death threats is not the solution. Why don't PETA members adopt all shelter dogs rather than send death threats? People have the right to own a pure bred dog. I find it interesting that PETA members use such unethical tactics given that "ethical" is in their name...

Anna, you must think interracial relationships are wrong then, too.

For some reason, I find many of the responses rather comical. I don't hear a lot of calls to stop breeding your own children. You know there are a lot of children who need a good home out there. But that's a different discussion, I guess.

No matter what, the government had no right to get in the way of that woman earning a living because of political and ethical bickering. Do they go after the shrimp farms who supply crustaceans to be boiled alive for their PETA or Democratic fundraisers? I think not! They're being foolish.

You guys are nutcases! Can all those who bred their own children instead of adopting please identify yourselves with a nice red "Hello – I am a hypocrite!" badge. All those who don't like pets being put down in the shelters, but had no problem sending their neighbors sons and daughters to kill and die in Iraq, please put your "I support the troops" bumper sticker on your forehead. Is it a wonder that the American economy is such a mess? Looks good on you!

I get so tired of hearing the dishing of reputable breeders who try to preserve the health and purity of their breed of choice. I also get tired of hearing "adopt a pet" when there are obvious problems with that choice. Many of the dogs in shelters are there because they are so problematic they do not make ''safe" pets for families with children or for inexperienced "I just love dogs" types of owners. Not all dogs are good or safe pets! Dogs who have not been correctly socialized or who have never had boundaries set for them are often biters. Most of the dogs in shelters come from owners who thought it would be cool to breed their dog to someone else's and have babies. I wish I had a nickle for every owner I've heard that just "had" to breed their dog so they could have babies of their own. Add to that the careless owners who do not spay or neuter and you have found the real source of all the strays. It has been my experience if people have to seek, research, and pay for a well bred animal they usually take good care of it. So be aware that while adopting an unwanted dog is laudable it does not come without attending problems! Good breeder programs should be supported and people should NEVER get a dog if they cannot afford to properly care for it and that means spay and neuter as well as shots, etc. Leave the breeders alone, keep your dogs leashed, fenced, spayed and neutered. Oh yeah, and put them through obedience training so if they should ever need another home they can fit in.

HSUS FACTS:

75% of all owned dogs in America are already altered.
87% of all owned cats in America are altered.
There are 74.4 million owned dogs and around 83.3 million cats. That's roughly 150 million owned dogs and cats. Euthanised pets per year is arould 3 to 4 million...that's 2.6% which includes animals put down for health reasons, sick, injured, unsound temp, etc. 2.6% is hardly an emergency situation.

Reputable breeders are no more responsible for the dogs/cats in shelters than American children who don't clean their plate at dinner are responsible for the hungry children in Africa.

If you go to a book store and want to purchase the latest Twilight release and they are out, do you purchase Betty Crocker's cookbook instead? No, you go to another store and buy what you want.

Since 1998, PETA has killed over 20,000 animals. PETA/HSUS has a 97% kill rate in 2006 and a 96% kill rate in 2008. Meanwhile, HSUS does not financially support one shelter. Of the millions of dollars they raise every year, less than 4% go to actually helping animals. They must make their tax returns public. Check it out if you don't believe it. PETA/HSUS want to end animal breeding and ownership ..period.

I applaud the president and vice president for thoroughly researching dog breeds and selecting one from a reputable breeder. Dogs from reputable breeders do not end up in shelters. All buyers are under contract to return them to the breeder if at any point in the dog's life they no longer want or can keep the dog. Shelter populations are not the responsibility or by-product of responsible dog breeders. Most dogs in shelters are mutts. I don't know of any reputable breeder who breeds mutts.

Breeders are not responsible for our over populated shelters. The previous owners of these great creatures are. Which one of you dropped your pet off to a shelter because it became inconvenient for you to keep it? Start looking into the mirror and stop blaming others.

I don't get pound dogd because I don't know how they will behave. When you buy a dog from a breeder you know the temperment, you know that it's been well taken care of, and for the most part you know it's history.

When you buy a mutt you just don't know what you are getting.

I have 5 friends who adopted dogs and 3 who got them from breeders (4 counting me).

Of the 5 adopted dogs 3 are great, but one was clearly abused before and pretty much just eats, sleeps, and poops. It has no personality. The other one is a submissive urinator and pees every single time anyone comes in the door regardless of who they are. It's absolutely horrible. The kid tries to train him, but he just won't stop peeing.

The 4 dogs that were purchased from breeders are all trained perfectly and their temperments match their breed characteristics.

Example- I wanted a dog that didn't park, would be good with kids, and would be friendly to everyone so I got a Siberian Husky. Tell me how I could get a dog exactly like that at the pound. Oh yeah- YOU CAN'T BE CERTAIN.

Are the Republicans really all that dumb (dumb as George), that they didn't think that any of us would know that the Republicans are the ones behind all the harassment of this one kennel owner. I am quire sure that VP Biden would not have chosen this one kennel if it was not a good kennel that came well recommended.

Shame on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for yielding to the pressure of the Republican party.

The Obama Family was gifted their dog by Ted Kennedy, it is apparently the offspring off his dogs. And for the record, the Obamas did consider adopting a dog from a shelter. People do have a right to decide where they are going to get a pet from, I think it's ridiculous that there are so many folks up in arms over this. Are there not bigger, more far reaching issues to be concerned over these days?

The dogs in the shelters are not the responsibility of the people who choose to buy a purebred animal. They're the responsibility of the people who owned them and discarded them like trash. People who pay a lot of money for purebreds rarely throw them away. If people want to reduce the number of dogs in shelters, press your legislators to do something about irresponsible dog owners (fat chance).

Mike, glad I bothered you. Made my day. Again, as opposed to Biden, who "picked up the puppies and kissed them all over", our former VP Cheney would have shot them all in their pens and claimed he went dog hunting.

I currently own two pure breed dogs who are the love of my life. I can't imagine a day without them. I have been shopping around for a new addition to my family as I have the proper space and time. I felt that I was being responsible as I interviewed breeders extensively. However, after reading the post from 'Fitz from Texas' I have changed my position. With very little effort I found a local rescue organization which has the breed I am looking for and now I am going to adopt a dog who needs a good home. So, Fitz if you are reading this, thank you you made a difference.

I think the majority of the public needs to do their research before they open their mouth. There is nothing wrong with getting a purebred dog. Why don't these animal rights group go after the real problem-puppy mills, petstores people who bring dying or infected animals across the borders or creating mutts (labordoodles, cockerpoos etc...)
The majority of purebred breeders are responsible, breeding only once a year to carry on only the best of the best. I think before you act or say anything, go to a dog show, obedience, agility, rally or any dog event and talk to these dog owners. Again,I emphasize do your research before you take action.

I hate to say this, but when it comes to pets, I will never and I mean never get a dog from a shelter. One does not know the outcome of those pets. I prefer to get one that is from a good breed and will become a great friend at home. She is not spayed, however, well trained to walk without a leach around the neighborhood. I have done most of the training myself, however, the first part of the training I went to learn about the beginning obedience. This particular breed is the Sheltie and I will continue to get them from private breeders around the area. The next time she is heat, I will breed her for others to get.

One thing stand out of this debate. Purchase of a Dog at a breeder, kills a Dog at the shelter.

Breeders are not the problem....it's the low life humans who don't take care of their pets. I have a cat I found as a stray that I have had for 13 years now. Shortly after I found her I ran into a little girl that said she "used" to be the owner. She and her family saw the cat making whoopee and figured she was pregnant and kicked her out the back door (in a snow covered December I might add). Cheaper to get rid of her than to spay her. I found my second cat who had been abandoned at a local gas station smelling like he had been dipped in a bucket of gas and took it home and gave it a good home. It appears that he was coming of age to begin spraying....again cheaper to ditch him than to neuter him. Neither cat is a pure breed. When is the last time you found a pure breed stray? People who purchase from breeders are committed to the animals and don't ditch them at the first sign of difficulty. I have known many people who have "tried" an animal out from a rescue, but after the animal crapped in the house they returned it...because they didn't consider that the animal does more than sit in one spot and look cute ...it needs attention. This is the level of commitment you can find from people taking animals from shelters as opposed to breeders. A person who spends $600 or more on a dog is not likely to abandon him, whereas a person spending $100 doesn't have much to lose. I don't mean for this to sound like it is all about money but what I am saying is the truth. Personally, I love my animals....my $1000 dog just had $7000 worth of knee replacements and he is worth every penny. By the way, I have 2 pure breed dogs...why, because this is America and I wanted pure breeds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you really want to help, support spaying and neutering animals, but don't jump on the bandwagon of hating breeders ignorantly as they DO treat their animals better than many, many parents I have known treat their children.

I have lived with dogs since child hood. Right now my closest friend is a puppy I rescued from a high kill shelter down south. He has incredible character, is totally loyal and is one of the smartest dogs I have worked with. I can't imagine passing him up for a pure breed dog....I have him because he is a companion not because he looks good even though he is totally adorable in every way. I will never have another pet that is not a rescue.

PETA people are way out of line on this issue. There is a difference between making a helpful suggestion and harrassing and dictating to others what to do. I have 2 beautiful collies that I adopted from a breeder after they were past their "breeding" years. They are the joy of my life. I often tell peope who admire my dogs to check out collie rescue sites or rescue sites online for other breeds of dogs. Many of these groups specialize in rescuing, caring for and adopting out pure breed dogs to good homes. Sometimes it is as simple as an owner passing away or going to a nursing home, somebody who has lost a job and had to give up their dog. There – PETA, see how simple that was? Suggestions are helpful. Heavy-handed dictatorial attitudes are not. They only convince people, including animal lovers who do care about this issue – to avoid your group and tactics like the plague.

People need to understand the breeds you are buying. Yes, a lab, pitbull or a retriever can be picked up low cost from a shelter, but the breed I love CANNOT. You hear me, it CANNOT. If it has been abused my breed of dog is ruined- they cannot be rehabilitated or integrated back into human society. Also, if you get a dog from the pound likely it has dermatoid sinus which the owner did not want to correct. this is a deadly debilitating condition that, unless caught early, has no cure. The breeder we got our dog from had 45 calls about our dog alone and refused them all, and one of the reasons we were chosen was because they could keep an eye on us! Real breeders are trying to share the breeds they love with people not make money!!

How about you all keep your radical opinions to yourself. If you don't like the way we do things in this country – i.e. breed dogs and allow abortions – go live somewhere else!

PETA is a terrorist organization

For years I donated regularly to PETA. As time went on I was upset by some of their attempts to gain attention ie, nudity, etc. Instead I have donated to my local animal shelter. I visit there and see that they are keeping the animal clean, properly fed, etc. They are also a no kill shelter

We looked at the options noted by other posts and decided on a pure breed from a reputable breeder. There are difference between breeds and pound dogs. Rescue dogs are not always the best as they can come with bad habits, bad temperments and so on. I'm not saying that pure breeds don't have some of these problems, but that's usually because of irresponsible breeding practices just like mutts. I don't think breeding in it self is irresponsible. Rescue dogs are not for everyone and I'm glad I have a choice as should you. My choice to have a pure breed dog does not prevent anyone from rescue but please don't tell me the only choice I have is a rescue dog.

Amnesty to all illegals? Well now, they'll all need a family pet.

It does sound like a lot of dogs, however, depending on the size of this breeders property, it may not be many at all. I imagine someone as high profile as Mr. Biden would not purchase a puppy from a "puppy mill". As far as the animal rights groups go, my personal experience has been most of these people have too much time on their hands.

What's wrong with dog breeding if it's done with love?? If people were responsible pet owners then there wouldn't be a need for dog shelters...people need to SMARTEN up and SPAY and NEUTERr their animals..yet, these people don't.. but they get to vote!! No wonder our last 8 years were hell on earth!! And then these Yahoos threaten the dog breeder and VPJoe Biden with death!!!! Probaby the same people who think they are "holier than thou" because they are anti abortion but they supported a president who killed over 4000 of our soldiers and thousands of iraqi civilians for his own greed!! Such Hypocrisy!!!

While I hate puppy mills, an actual Reputable Breeder is not the cause of all the pets in need of adoption. The Biggest problem in this country is people not taking responsibility for their own pets. GET THEM SPAYED OR NEUTERED. I have pure breds as well as 5 dogs that were dropped off near my home. I feed and care for them all. We have an Animal Protection League in our area that offers low cost spay and neuter and they stay busy all the time. Offer to help someone less fortunate to get their animals fixed. Get off your high horse and put your money where your mouth is.

It is very responsible when seed savers grow heirloom plants and i believe it is equally responsible when a person breeds dogs. It is a good thing to keep traits viable in our world and not let them become extinct. Much work has gone into selecting for certian traits that resonsible breeders encourage in their animals, and often there is a justifiable purpose for that trait. I will give you that most of us do not rely on dogs for our life, but the death of any species, or, in my opinion, variant of a species, is a potentially dangerous thing, and a bad precedent to set in any case. The joy of a poodle, the service of a shepherd, or the companionship of a mutt are equally to be valued. As with people, we should not hold the value of an animal to be based on breeding. At the same time, we should be thankful that all fruit is not a banana.

If every bred dog = a death sentence for a stray elsewhere, does it follow that every bred baby = a death sentence for a starving child elsewhere?

OK-so should we all stop having babies since there are so many unwanted children on this planet who are homeless, parentless and uncared for?

She breeds dogs....she's a reputable business person, and she is being being vilified and the haters are out because there are dogs that OTHER people didn't want...

Go figure...

I saw that someone said making a living off of reproducing an animal is disgusting.....what do they think all livestock breeders do? Where do they think all of our milk,cheese,butter, yogurt,eggs,hamburgers, steaks,roasts, chops,wool materials....literally everything we humans need for our existence...come from? And....all our companion animals..dogs, cats,horses, on & on....all from breeding livestock.

Pennsylvania is well-known to have many puppy mills, which is exactly what this woman is running.

Want a GSD puppy, Biden? Come with me to any shelter in the country and we can find you all the German Shepard pups you want. The pounds kill them – and they kill the mothers as well, because there is no space to house the mama and babies until the babies are weaned. And they figure no one will want a lactating mother. So they're all doomed

And – weaned doesn't just mean that they can eat on their own – it means that they are old enough and big enough to be spayed and neutered – something puppy mills like this woman's do not do.

This is hideous. Both the President AND the VP are acting like the privileged, entitled white men that they are. Pound pups aren't good enough for them or their progeny. They think they have to buy from breeders and therefore are getting "better" animals. What they're getting are inbred (mother to sons, fathers to daughters, etc.) dogs who probably have not been tested for or bred to eliminate genetic disorders that are common to the breeds.

This is just so wrong. How on earth can the leaders of the US be so clueless???? Oh – I forgot – we just had 8 years of George Bush and Dick Cheney.

These two jokers aren't any better, it seems.

The ironic thing is that Obama actually made a campaign promise to adopt a shelter dog. Throwing money at the "Humane Society" is a joke. It might assuage the Obama's guilt, but does nothing about the fact that a shelter dog WILL die for each of the breeder dogs bought by Obama and Biden.

Disgusting.

I guess socialism, enviromentalism etc are things you preach and do not practice. Why can't these high class democrats get a animal from a shelter? Many of these unwanted dogs would make great pets once properly trained, but not the greatest status symbol.

This is AMERICA. We have choices, I have gone to the local shelter attempting to get a dog for my mother. They made her fill out all this paper work (adoption papers) references required, they were going to come to her home to see if she was going to be ALLOWED to adopt .
Plus pay $200.00 for a dog that they could not tell her how old only around 3 or 4 years old , what it was mix with (it has some beagle) sorry, I would rather go to a good breeder, know how old, check out the parents, and not deal with the bull! This poor women was harrased by the so called BLEEDING HEARTS FOR ANIMALS. These people have no problem harrassing people for their cause. They take it was to far. I call the EXTREMIST! Just my opion and yes I can have my own opion THIS IS AMERICA!

What's wrong with dog breeding if it's done with love?? If people were responsible pet owners then there wouldn't be a need for dog shelters...people need to SMARTEN up and SPAY and NEUTERr their animals..yet, these people don't.. but they get to vote!! No wonder our last 8 years were hell on earth!! And then these Yahoos threaten the dog breeder and VPJoe Biden with death!!!! Probaby the same people who think they are "holier than thou" because they are anti abortion but they supported a president who killed over 4000 of our soldiers and thousands of iraqi civilians for his own greed!! Such Hypocrisy!

1. Watch Penn and Teller Show "BullSh**" on PETA. Its just another overgrown organization that is run on completely brainwashing and grossly twisting facts solely for their puropose. (MADD is another one that is even worse, without getting into the fact they are considered one of the poorest run "non-profit" in the US...now that is a fact)

2. I love how people have considered 80 adult dogs as too much and that equals a puppy mill. I guess she should just start giving them away to a shelter so she can bring them down to maybe 20 adults....cuz there are so many adults that get adopted these days.

3. Leave abortion out of this....this has nothing to do with abortion. I love how these comment boards have people that go so far off of the argument.....its like fighting with my gf, abortion has nothing to do with the article or the issue here. Unless you include the all the great vigilante pro-lifers that send become domestic terrorists. (Like PETA)

There are dog breeders because people like particular types of dogs that are not available at a shelter (you will not find a Yorkie at a city shelter). I do agree there are many used animals that should be adopted. By the same token no one should buy a new car from GM, or a new house from Toll Brothers since there are so many used cars and older homes available. This is America and you have the 'right' to buy what you want with your money. If PETA is responsible for giving the breeder these headaches, they are very wrong – trying to impose their 'religion' on others and making life difficult for some. My dogs came from a rescue shelter that handles the type dog we wanted, but I considered a breeder too.

Why is this news?

Was there so little going on in the world that CNN had to track down this crackpot woman and talk about how her soul is affected by dogs?

This "News Organization" loses more and more credibility each week. At this point I would rather get my news from John Stewart and Stephen Colbert.

stop intaginizing the breeders and start on the people that buy dogs and have no intentions of breeding there dogs and dont have them spayed or neutered those are the dogs you see comeing in to shelters most of the dogs bought from breeders never end up in shelters its the dogs offspring that end up in shelters because of the owners irresponceibility so dont blame the breeders blame yourself or others and dont expect people to go adopt a mix breed because of someonelses irresponciblity so chew on that for a while

What's wrong with dog breeding if it's done with love?? If people were responsible pet owners then there wouldn't be a need for dog shelters...people need to SMARTEN up and SPAY and NEUTERr their animals..yet, these people don't.. but they get to vote!! No wonder our last 8 years were hell on earth!! And then these Yahoos threaten the dog breeder and VPJoe Biden with death!!!! Probaby the same people who think they are "holier than thou" because they are anti abortion but they supported a president who killed over 4000 of our soldiers and thousands of iraqi civilians for his own greed!! Such Hypocrisy!!

How many homeless children are out there and yet idiots continue to produce more? Who am I to tell you not to reproduce and to adopt? Hopefull these PETA people will stop reproducing since they are only contributing to over population of human beings. Many speak of these genetic diseases yet humans with vision problems, diabetics and other health issues continue to reproduce. PETA screams: Oh my lets not crop ears or tails on a dog because it is only for cosmetic reasons bet yet they continue to circumcise their boys and pierce their daughter's ears. Ultimately you have the decision as where and from whom you purchase a dog from. Maybe as humans we need to take responsibility for our own actions and stop blaming others. If you continue to purchase from pet stores you are contributing the pet mills. Start taking responsibility for impulse buying and stop blaming responsible breeder for all problems associated with the dog world.

After trying to adopt an adult cat from a shelter last year, I can honestly say that not all shelters are willing to have their residents adopted! They would not let us adopt because our cat at home was declawed (given to us that way). No other reason. They were rude and thought it better that the animal remain in a cage than have a home.

So, don't be so quick to say the onl;y way to get a dog or a cat should be thru a shelter!

From The Ranger, above: "PETA is an organization of maniacs and people who value animal life over human life. What do this people think they are going to get, right for animals to vote? Give me a break, this is what is wrong with the world, we give these organization credence by allowing them to just go on as they are. What ever happened to “our own personal life?” First PETA asked the PET Shop Boys to change their name to the Shelter Boys? What gives them the right to do that? We have allowed groups like this to alter our way of life and make us change how we show our beliefs. I think it is time that America takes back its testicles and starts putting these out spoken misguided and just crazy organizations back in their places. I think it is time for Americans to take back America"
NOWHERE will you ever see that Peta wants animals to vote. The Pet Shop Boys story was just a publicity gimmmick to get people to think about buying pets in stores rather than adopting. The "Buy one kill one" slogan is absolutely on target. Do something for people and use your (allegedly superior) human brain.

WHY WOULD THE STATE PULL AN INSPECTION OF THIS BREEDER SHORTLY AFTER THE VP PICKS HIS PUP? SOUNDS POLITICAL.

Come on, people–read the article thoroughly. She says that most of the 80 adult dogs on the property WERE breeders and are now pets. It doesn't say she breeds those 80 dogs. I commend her for keeping them as pets; the puppy mills would find some way to get rid of the dogs once they were no longer used for breeding. Sounds like she cares and is conscientious. Unless you've been to the facility, don't judge.

Lee Haney,
Yes God gave us dominion over animals, but that doesn't mean we are to mistreat them. As for you starting on the starving kid thing..that's off the subject, but if you want to go there, then start by asking the former Pres. why he felt the need to spend our $$ overseas & not to help our own here in this country or start helping them yourself, adopt some as my family does. Quit complaining & do something if you want to see change.

I have a fairly rare breed and I would not have been able to find him except through the breeder. He had 40 dogs on his acreage and I saw no sign of bad treatment. They all had dog houses, lots of room to run and play. Nice set up. I also have a chow. I would not rescue a chow as you would no nothing about the parents. With chows it is a good thing to find out as much as you can. My first chow was a witch but my second chow is the most loving animal that I own right now. And yes, my babies are just that – my babies.

Its a sad, sad day when people can't even raise registered dogs without all these ISSUES being made of it. I have one purchased registered dog and 2 rescues. there is room for both. and PETA, they are not animal lovers, they are radical wierdos.

This is all PETA's doing. When will the uneducated learn that PETA is nothing more than a political organization which openly employs terrorist tactics?

Kinda like the IRS.

Wow, I don’t think I should read posts like this because it shows me how many crazies there are in the US…

To the vast majority of people who thinking breeding dogs is evil… If we use your line of reasoning, the US should outlaw couples from having their own children until all of the orphanages are clear and all children are out of foster care…?

To say there should be no breeders is just as wrong as a puppy mill that abuses animals. Everything in life should be balanced. Absolutes are for fools.

I do not believe that all breeders are bad. There are many that are responsibile, loving, caretakers, and there are those that are not. That said, as long as dogs/cats are being euthanized in county shelters, there should be a moratorium on breeding, period. To do otherwise is a study in human selfishness.

As a last word, it is really frustrating to me when comments are made to the effect that non-humans are treated better and/or receive more publicity than humans when it comes to abuses. Humans have a lot more rights and protections than non-humans, and a lot more advocates working on our behalf. To say otherwise is absolutely ridiculous.

Isn't the solution really quite simple? Everyone who's complaining about all the poor dogs in shelters, simply needs to march right down to your local shelter, take your own advice, and adopt a dog (if you've already got one, adopt another.) Problem solved!

I'm so glad to see the posts of so many responsible animal lovers. There is no such thing as a responsible breeder. Anyone breeding animals while millions are euthanized and abused every year is exploiting animals.

The argument that it is morally right to churn out dogs and cats because God put humans in control of animals is not an argument, just an excuse people use when they have zero critical thinking skills.

Every litter hurts.

Wow, I really hate PETA. Not only because they believe that all people breed dogs for is money (not true!) But also because they support BSL (breed specific legislation) gues what PETA, if I am a responsible loving owner and want to own a pit bull or rottweiler I don't see why you should have any say. Just because the media and cinema demonize these breeds, it doesn't mean it is not blown out of proportion.

It would be nice if the VP and the president got shelter dogs to send the message, please adopt rescue dogs!
But when it comes down to it people don't get pets to make a political statement, they get one that they feel will best be a lifetime companion and fit into their family. We have always gotten rescue animals. Some have worked out stupendously. Some have not. My parents in law always get dogs of a certain dog breed. They also like the predictability of eating at McDonalds and always stay at a Marriot. Maybe I disagree with that but to tell you the truth it's really their own personal business. Having PETA jump down the throat of a responsible dog breeder is not going to make them change their mind.
If you are concerned there are so many things that can be done locally to help with the pet overpopulation and neglect, for example a local group in my town are collecting money to build fences so dogs will not be tethered. Many vets collect money so you can sponsor to have dogs spayed/neutered. All of these are much more productive than criticizing the VP's family dog choice.

Once again it comes back to personal responsibility. I don't care if you want a purebred dog-that's the beauty of FREEDOM OF CHOICE in this country.

Personally I would never buy a puppy from a breeder who's keeping 80 dogs-how do you give each one attention daily???

What I find funny is you liberals who are supporting this. If it was a republican you'd be screaming bloody murder

Juliet, Bridget, and Others,
It is not irresponsible to breed dogs if the owners take care of them. It's the irresponsible pet owners who abandon dogs or don't spay/neuter them that cause the thousands of animal deaths every day. I have terrible allergies and cannot tolerate dogs with fur. I looked for 8 months (!) at rescues and animal shelters for a bichon frise (I would also have taken a small poodle). There were no animals that fit my criteria. If there had been, I would have gotten one. I love the dog that I *bought* and am thankful that there was a breeder who produced such a sweet and loving pup.

People flipping out about breeding being immoral and how everyone should adopt a dog are absurd. Mind your own business. If you want to adopt a do go ahead, but there isn't a chance that I will ever get pound dog. Simply put- you don't know what you are getting. It could be a perfect dog or it could be a disaster. I've sen it go both ways.

I'll take my pure bread 100% Siberian Husky who doesn't bark, but howls quietly, will never hurt anything, looks beautiful (better than any pound dog EVER), and was raised in a caring loving environment by a respectable breeder.

Why would I want a scared little mutt dog who most likely isn't even a puppy? That would be like buying a beat up old car instead of a mercedes after winning the lottery.

These are dogs. If we have too many pets, we should sell them to Korea (helps the economy) or some other country that consider them a delicacy (or just plain good eatin'). Then we can help end world starvation, too. Just a thought....

In response to Juliet who said, "The problem here is that there is NO reason for people to be breeding dogs, regardless of how well they take care of them." That's the craziest thing I have ever heard. That's like saying people shouldn't be having kids. Pets make life better. They make us more loving and caring. They help families stay together. They ARE our family. Why would it matter if we got them from a pound or from a breeder? It's a freedom that we have. I personally would rather select a puppy from a breeder (As long as they were a responsible breeder who takes care of their facilities). This way I can select from a group of them, decide which color I want, which markings, which ones I think are cute. We all have different opinions on cuteness. Then I can raise that puppy into a wonderful loving pet that will make my life andtheirs a lot better.

Everyone against this poor woman should be ashamed of themselves. Just because she breeds a particular breed for money, doesnt make her a bad person. She sounds like she breaks her back to keep up. PETA- grow up. We have strays because people decide not to spay or neuter there dog/cat. Plus the people that cant afford their animal, decide to throw them on the street. You don't want a good car to find it with a salvaged title. I don't want a dog thats been into things and could have gotten something. I want to know where it's been. People. Let it be what it is. These days, everyone is out to point the finger at someone. You point and you have 3 fingers pointing back.

If organizations like PETA did what the name implies, insist animals be treated ethically, I would agree with them. Never mind Betty White gushing over her pets, PETA's goal is to eradicate pets altogether. As for over run shelters with high euthanasia rates, some shelters are actively looking for pet dogs to meet the demands for such dogs in their communities. Recently there was an article on the news telling about dogs from Puerto Rico being brought into the local shelters. Many of the euthanized dogs (no, not all of them) tend to be pit bull type dogs.
I used to go to dog shows with one of my dogs. Folks were having to padlock the crates they used for their kennels at the shows, and chain the crates to something solid like a decorative pillar. Why? A PETA do-gooder was "Giving the dogs their freedom" and turning them loose. One of them was crushed in traffic before its owner could find it. I'm sure it really 'enjoyed' its freedom...

This woman isn't a reputable breeder. She's running a puppy mill. There's a big. big difference. VP Biden should have looked elsewhere for a dog. I will buy a pedigreed dog or a cat from a breeder who maintains a small, carefully managed husbandry program and who really cares about the integrity of the breed. This woman does not qualify.

Josh has it right. Focus on being an American and respecting everyone's freedom of choice. Inhumane treatment should be the target of anyone's anger rather than selecting a prefered breed. While the euthanization of animals is unfortunate, it doesn't have to be everyone's battle cry. This appears to be a good breeder and should be treated as such.

I will always get a dog from a breeder. I will get the dog I want, and I will keep it for the duration of it's life. I don't see where people get off blaming reputable breeders for the shelter problems. Any reputable breeder *will* take back any dog they have sold rather than have it be abandoned. If your dogs are in a shelter somewhere, you are not a reputable breeder.

The people who are out saying things like "all breeding is irresponsible" are seriously ignorant.

Perhaps if people couldn't just go to the mall and get a dog there wouldn't be a problem. Perhaps if a dog was something more than a status symbol, there wouldn't be a problem. There'd be no puppy-mills if people weren't in the market for cheap, poorly-bred dogs.

There is an obvious quality difference between well-bred and poorly-bred dogs. You can see it in their health, you can see it in their training, and you can see it in their eyes. There are a lot of dogs in shelters, but a lot of them really aren't good dogs. Not their fault, but true nonetheless.

I really feel sorry for this woman. This should not be a choice between a shelter dog or no dog. It is also important to maintain the history and genetics of all breeds and that is the function that good breeders serve. Adopting a rescue dog is NOT for everyone. We have rescued 2 German Shepherds fro our local sheter over the years and each one had many issues that only experiencesd dog handlers

I'm sick of seeing people putting all breeders into one group. I know breeders out there that will take back the dogs they bred and sold if the owner can not or will not care for the dog anymore. So please stop the generalization.

PETA has turned into a an extremist group for animals. Just like all other radical goups, their view is a little skewed. Yes we all agree animal cruelty exist and it is immoral and unethical, but any rational individual will not break into a lab and release all the animals.

PETA is the same organization that is against seeing eye dogs or any type of dogs that may assist the handicap.

Rick is the smartest individual on here, kudos to you sir, I agree... Humans should have a permit to breed. Sidenote: isn't CNN a more "liberal" network than, say, FOX News? Shouldn't Fox News be running this story?

There is a huge difference between a reputable breeder (whether this woman is one or not) and a puppy mill. Standards are set for recognized breeds by the AKC and breeders breed to meet these standards. Puppy mills breed indiscriminately to satisfy a fad in most cases (like Dalmations after each movie came out) or to make fad mutts like labradoodles, pugapoos and the like. Pit bulls are loving, gentle dogs, until irresponsible breeders breed them for viciousness and then the breed as a whole gets a bad reputation and the reputable breeder has to wean this tendency. Yes, there are too many strays that need homes, but you are rarely going to find a purebred stray that came from a responsible breeder because there are contracts signed, lots of money exchanged and many of these dogs come from championship lines – so both breeder and buyer have a fair amount invested and it is rare that a dog of this caliber will be abandoned to a shelter. Also, most breeder contracts (again, reputable) will have a clause that allows the breeder to reclaim the dog if there is abuse or if the buyer can no longer care for the dog and the owner likewise pledges to contact the breeder in case of a problem. Thus someone who has his heart set on a specific breed may not be able to find such an animal regardless of how doggedly he searches. Further, adopting a dog can also lead to heartbreak and danger as you often don't know the dog's line and the animal could have poor genes that lead to early disease/health issues or viciousness. Responsible breeders try to breed out these characteristics. Calling to an end to breeding by responsible breeders is an ill-thought out knee-jerk reaction to a larger problem. Tighter regulation is certainly a step in the right direction to weed out the irresponsible breed of breeders.

M,

Yes for real. I don't think I stuttered. A horrible leason? Please! The dog bit my small child! I'm sorry but I can't tolerate that. We kept the dogs four days after the bite and it continued to be aggressive despite our best efforts to change him. Your comparison is silly. I don't consider a biting dog to be anywhere near in the same ball park as an abused child.

I did what was right for MY family. You do what's right for yours.

While there are fine dogs to be had from animal shelters, there are also many that are entirely unsuitable to become family members and that arrive with problems that will plague the adopter for years. One simply does not know what one is getting from an animal shelter, what kinds of issues the previous, possibly abusive, owner has created. It is not always easy to move on with a dog that is noisy, destructive, inappropriately protective,an inveterate escape artist, etc. Not that one can always predict with a purebred, but at least one has the opportunity to meet the parents and observe the puppy's early environment. Over centuries people have bred dogs for specific purposes–there are more types of dogs than of any other domestic animal. The purebreds have a history and a purpose and certain breed characteristics, and they are thus interesting. They also are attractive–there is a certain pleasure in having an animal that meets a standard, just like having a lovely piece of crystal, or a painting by a famous artist. Why have an ugly painting on your wall when you can have a copy of a beautiful thing? It amazes me that leftwing organizations have managed to persuade such a large contingent of overly emotional people that it is somehow more moral to adopt a shelter animal than to buy and love a purebred dog. Have the shelter animal if you wish, but let others do as they wish. I am offended by people who attempt to dictate morality to me.

While this woman should not be blamed because others can't/won't spay or neuter their pets, I'm confused as to why there's even a demand for "purebreds". People who talk about "retaining purity" among HUMAN ethnicities are considered racist psycho wackjobs. But it's OK to build entire lifelong careers out of doing this with animals?

If you love animals, isn't that enough? Why do we have this tendency to get fixated on any particular breed, or have "favorites"?

Some of you people would have me ROFLOL if it wasn't so sad. Breeding dogs from the same breed is inbreeding?! Are you KIDDING ME?! Somebody's inbred, but it ain't the dog.

This country has lost what shred of common sense it had left. I'm all for the ethical treatment of animals; abusing animals in any way is reprehensible. I'm all against those lunatics at PETA. Anyone who goes around saying that buying a dog is killing another one at a shelter...wow, you've got issues; go see a therapist as soon as possible, creep.

Those comments about adopting a dog from a breeder being a death sentence for strays and shelter dogs is offensive to me. I volunteered at a shelter for many years and also as a behaviorist as well. I was a member of APDT for many years and attended numerous dog behavior training seminars, so I was more than just a casual volunteer.

Shelter dogs come from home breeders who breed dogs to make a buck, puppy mills and dogs that are dumped by irresponsible owners. They do not come from reputable breeders whose interest is in maintaining the integrity of a specific breed of dogs. Such breeders never adopt out to the public without a contract specifying return of the dog to the breeder if the new owner can not keep it.

I am saddened by those who would rather see dogs with significant behavior issues foisted onto unsuspecting families with children, then to have such a dog humanely euthanized. Many shelters have figured out that it is far more humane to adopt out only the dogs which have passed rigorous behavioral assessments.

The aggressive or emotionally damaged dogs which do not do well in the average home should be given a chance, if possible, however it can be far more humane to euthanize such a dog rather than sentence the dog to an unending cycle of abandonment and abuse.

Pet overpopulation comes from public ignorance and those just looking to make a buck off the backs of innocent domestic animals. Animal cruelty regulations and breeding license laws need to be strictly enforced along with public education on neutering and spaying pet dogs. I have taken in, and loved, my share of unadoptable dogs, and I will not feel the least bit guilty if my next dog comes from a reputable breeder. If you really care, you will donate to your local shelter and support their public outreach efforts.

That is the beauty of America. You are not FORCED to adopt some half-breed in a shelter that has learned bad habits. You are FREE to buy your own puppy and raise it and train the way you want it trained. That is the beauty of America, you have that freedom to choose. Not these PETA freaks who try to force their way down your throat. They are as bad as the vegetarians. If you don't like it then don't do it. No one is forcing you too, so don't try force others to live your way.

Have you ever seen Year of the Dog? Some of these posters in here remind me of Molly Shannons Character. Absolutely delusional.

If you want a pound puppy, great, go get one. If you want a purebred, great, go get one. I am sick and tired of libs and consv. who think that their way is right and everyone should do as they do.

This is America isn't it. Live and let live!!!!

Um, its not the "reputable" breeders fault. It is the fault of the irresponsible breeders and backyard breeders and those irresponsible human beings that dont bother to spay or neuter their pets that s the problem. They account for the current problems that now exist with the shelters.

Juliet- your ignorance is appalling.

Trying doing a little research before making sweepingly inaccurate comments about the percent of animals euthanized annually. You're off by a little over a million animals total.

Back in the day, PETA had an interest in animals and their well-being and they did seem to fight against mistreatment. They were still a wacky crew, but not as bad. Today- they push an agenda that seeks self-gratification more than it does any good. They've more than served any purpose they could have ever had. Animals don't have any "rights" nor do they deserve any BUT they do deserve to not be mistreated or abused.

The only remaining benefit to PETA- At least they still have Pam Anderson to pose for them... But even she's an old show.

People Eating Tasty Animals...

One of the worst failings of the human race is the inability of many of its members to mind their own damned business!

Don't like dog breeders and prefer a pound puppy? Fine–have at it. But other people's preferences are none of your bloody business!

And, for that matter, don't like guns? Then don't buy one–but it's none of your business if other people do.

Don't like abortions? Okay, don't have one–but it's none of your business if other people do.

Why is it that the world's busybodies always want laws passed to impose their opinions on everyone else?

Animals deserve more respect than most people.

Breeders should be treated like their animals.

I understand peoples passion but take a step back. If I adopt a dog from a shelter, what am I getting? I have no idea of temperment, health or anything else on that dog. I wish there was a better way to track it, but there is just not. If I buy a puppy from a breed that I have heavily researched to be the right fit for my family and lifestyle, what is wrong with that. If I go to a breeder, I usually get to meet at least one of the parents and see the general trend of the siblings.

And seriously!!! Death threats against animal lovers!!! I don't get it.

@ jj Quakers don't run puppy mills. I think you meant Amish.

PETA have nothing better to do rather than threating others, who own a business and make money doing so. My aunt in Scandinavia makes expensive furs and her business was ruined. These people did all they could to stop her from making furs. We had cameras mounted in the store front to catch the thugs, but they still continued. Now that they moved away from the city, she is now able to continue her quest on a smaller scale at home for her clients that knows of her success.

I can't believe people are actually harassing this woman for breeding dogs. Just because there are dogs in shelters is no reason for a reputable dog owner to not breed their own dogs. Following the logic of this arguement, there are also to many people in this world but we still let people breed and it's the dumb ones that keep having the kids. Maybe there should also be a law that no one can have kids until all orphaned children are adopted. That would be the same idiotic logic that these others came up with about taking shelter dogs first.

He is within his rights to do as he pleases and get whatever dog he wants. Thats the beauty of living in a free Democracy such as the one we have here.

I am appalled that someone could be harrassed to the point of receiving death threats for running her (legal) business, whatever it is.

"He should do this, he should do that."!!! What is this nonsense? Mind your own business, and let people be as long as they're working within the law.

Don't like shelters and feel bad for the dogs? Hey, good news, nothing in the constitution is preventing you from buying a huge ranch, makin a non profit business and taking in all the dogs yourself? Be a hero, save them from their certain and impending death. The same constitution, allows someone like Biden to buy a puppy of his choosing.

I was unaware that the VP did not rescue. Its so sad, given the opportunity that both Biden and Obama wasted by not going to breed rescue, a humane society, shelter or other adoption option. It was a tremendous missed opportunity to send a message/set an example similar to what Oprah Winfrey did when she decided to adopt rather than ever use a breeder. Her original show on puppy mills (and her follow-ups) have had more or a positive impact than anyone can ever realize. Having volunteered for over 10 years in rescue (and adopted 4 dogs over that period), I can attest to the fact that shelter dogs, whether purebred or mutts, are the best! We get people all the time at my rescue asking about their options, and in particular mentioning what they saw on the Oprah WInfrey Show or things they'ver heard about specific chain stores, like Petland Discount (which was revealed to be involved with puppy mills in a wonderful report by the Humane Society.. With so many wonderful pets so desperate for loving, permanent homes, I only wish more people understood the need is so great for adoption as the very first option! I voted for Obama/Biden hoping for a fresh start–i have to say i'm more than dissapointed - and I'm well aware there are far greater issues right now on their plates, but again–what a missed opportunity for both to have set a positive example by not using a breeder when so many are euthanized so needlessly.

I am a pet parent of 4 saved dogs and 2 cats and they are my family. This message is for Lee Haney, stop bringing God into this, I can certainly say that when I hear I child crying(out of the ordinary at a Walmart or some other place) I make it a point to find out why the child is crying. If I sense abuse or that the child is being neglected, I call the police and literally hold the person in place until authorities arrive. Not everybody ignores a child in need, but we are talking about pets and the ignorance of many that the animal does not feel pain or neglect. You need to stick to the subject at hand.

We should use the animals in shelters to feed the hungry. no reason to waste the meat.

You will never see a police dog that is a mutt from the pound or that is from a Puppy Mill. Seldom will you find a "service" dog that is from the pound either. Nor will you find a sheep herder with anything other than a sheep dog like the Border Collie. Police, and others who needs specific characteristics in a dog, must go to good breeders for those dogs. I've had mutts and had AKC purebred dogs. Loved them all. Mutts are often healthier and smarter and make great companions. But I have a G. Shepherd now and needed to know what traits I was getting when I got him – for a reason. There are reasons that reputable breeders exist.

If I want to get a dog from a breeder, I choose a reputable breeder for a certain kind of dog. That means a breeder who doesn't do it for the money but the love of the breed. One who only breeds a few litters a year (and no dog has more than 1 litter a year) and retires female dogs by the age of seven by having them spayed. They then either are placed with families that adopt them to be loving family pets or they were co-owned to begin with and they never have to breed again. The same goes with stud dogs. My dogs are members of my family and my breeder has the same philosophy. Puppies are raised in her house until they go home with me so that they are socialized with humans. It's nothing like a puppy mill. To say that all breeders are alike and that they are all puppy mills is disgusting. Ours is a loving family of people who have a deep love for labrador retrievers. The dog that I have coming in June is a pure bred puppy. I have had mutts from rescue before. I have also fostered for lab rescue so dogs wouldn't be killed. I love those dogs. But this time I want a pure bred yellow lab pup. I love the breed and I want to start off brand new because my husband has never had a dog before. Maybe later a second dog will be from a rescue. But people have the right to make their own decisions. I give a lot of money to the ASPCA each year in donations to save the lives of these animals that result from irresponsible owners who do not spay or neuter and think they can just throw away a pet. I take the time to invest in training and my dogs are members of my family. Put the blame where it should be not on people who get dogs from responsible breeders who have spay/neuter clauses in their contracts. Puppy mills are horrible. Responsible caring breeders are not.

It's a sham really. We need to step up our efforts to destroy the unwanted pets so people can buy the expensive ones. Who wants a next to free one when you can spend $1000s for a no good K-9 companion.

Breeding is not illegal and until it is, people- all people, even elected officials, have a right to purchase an animal from a breeder. If you don't like it then donate money and supplies to your local shelter and write to your elected officials to have the laws changed. I have owned both shelter animals and purebreds and there are benefits to both, as with the Obamas needing a hypo-allergenic dog which they could not find in a shelter.

Breeders, what is so wrong with getting a dog from a breeder? I know there are many animals that are in shelters, but not everyone needs to or wants to get their "family" pet from a shelter.
This poor breeder is getting hate mail, death threats and for what reason? Breeders not only do it as a way to earn a living but also for the love of the breed.
Personally, people should learn to mind their own business, instead of insisting on minding everyone elses.

Not all breeders are bad, and they have a place. While getting a pet at a shelter is great, there are reasons to get from a breeder as well. The fact is, different breeds behave differently, shed differently, and have different problems. If you are looking for a particular behavior from your next dog, the best way of getting what you are wanting is to choose a purebred that is known for that type of behavior. For me, I love Shelties. They are great dogs. They are adorable, and very very smart. That makes them very easy to train. They are a good size for a household pet as well. For me, if I weren't getting a Sheltie, I wouldn't get a dog at all. So in my case, you can't claim that a shelter dog will die because I got a Sheltie. I don't understand why some people are so closed minded, and think that just because they don't have a reason to get a specific purebred dog, that nobody else should either. It's really quite ridiculous.

Ignorance must be bliss! So many of you have no idea what a responsible breeder does for thier breed, nor do you understand the lengths that they go through to ensure thier dogs go to great homes. The reason they are called breeds, is because each one has a purpose or qualities that are required for thier situation. So many of you have written about the dogs that are available at the shelters or local pounds, do you know what types of dogs these are, do you know how they were treated, do you know how they were raised? Most likely no! If you have a young child at home, do you want a dog that was breed specifically for it's temperment, by responsible breeders who socialize thier puppies, or do you want to take the chance on a dog from the shelter that you know nothing about? Breeders have thier place, start cracking down on the people who let dogs just run loose and dont spay and nudder thier pets, start cracking down on the "puppy mills", but please leave the reputable breeders alone! The really good breeders produce amazing dogs who are great at what they are breed for. And 1 last question, how come none of you talk about all the "unwanted children" in the world, like you talk about the pets? My guess "ignorance".

I support PETA's underlying intentions but often find myself at odds with some of their actions..and this is one of those times.

Like it or not, protecting and insuring the breedlines of dogs, among other species is both ethical and humane. Yes, there are breeders who act unethically, but PETA has a duty to make sure they know for a fact that is the case before they point fingers lest they lose their own credibility..which is too often being called into question as it is.

Sorry, PETA...and everyone else, but you were wrong on this one.

You all owe this woman an apology.

I have cared for and rescued nine stray cats over the years and spayed/neutered/released the cats that were not adoptable. The suffering of these animals is all due to the irresponsibility of other humans. Nonetheless, when the time came to get our first family dog, we ultimately went to a reputable breeder. While I looked at breed rescues from puppy mill situations, there were many unknowns regarding behavior and health history, and with very specific yard and family needs, I needed more certainty with my first dog. I resent that PETA and other animal welfare groups, which I have supported over the years, accuses me of causing the death of shelter animals. I find the PETA ad offensive in every way, and it is this type of extremism that makes people who would otherwise be sympathetic and supportive to their issues turn away.

I have both adopted pets from shelters and from a breeder. 3 of the dogs I adopted from the shelter were HORRIBLE for my situation. (I spent TONS on education, obedieance training, etc. and still could not keep them). 2 of my dogs came from breeders. Both of them are great fits for my family. My dachshund was a part of the family at the breeders we got him from (kept in the house, even potty trained when we got him). A certificate of health and spay/neuter agreement were part of the purchase. If anything ever occured that we could no longer keep him, the breeder agreed to take him back. (there is a difference between a 'backyard' breeder and a hobby breeder...one is for money and the other is a occasional occurance for love of the breeed.) My dachshund is from Champion bloodlines and has scored well in the ring (although he is primarily a family pet). My other dog is a corgi and used to be the breeders show dog but she HATED the ring. She is a good family pet and has even been trained to be a service dog to my son, (who is deaf and autistic).

As with everything in life there are pros and cons to this situation. We have 3 dogs, 1 from a breeder and 2 from shelters.

If the dogs are coming from a safe, clean and friendly environment where they receive food, medical attention and care than where is the problem? This is America....where freedom comes first.

If the dogs are not being given he care and love they deserve than the authorities need to step in.

I have a lot of respect for some of the breeders I know, but my preference is to adopt.

Remember we live in America......Land of the Free (not so much anymore!)

Ok first off I have to mention that 90% of the time I get a dog I get it from the pound in order to give a good home to a pet. That said, I have to say for people to seriously lay off the good breeders (not the puppy mills) People who go to the reputable breeders are more often than not the people who pay lots of money for a dog and TAKE CARE of their animal.

Yes we should help the animals in the pound. HOWEVER, why are there so many animals in the pound?? Because other individuals don't live up to their responsibility of caring for their animal! I think all animals should be expensive so people think twice about getting one in the first place! Then if they do purchase the animal they can A. Afford to care for it and B. Are less likely to just discard the animal because the puppy grew up. People need to take responsibility for their own actions and stop blaming others for wanting a specific breed that meets their lifestyle or tastes. To each their own.

PETA is nothing but a fringe group that wants to exert their concepts onto others in dealing with animals. Yet they advocate killing pets rather than allowing them to live with people (look it up online). There's a history of them lying to gain access to animals, euthanizing them, and dumping the carcasses in dumpsters. Yeah, that's real ethical.

80 Dogs in a shelter are not too much if they are well cared for. The article said nothing about how many of the dogs were used for breeding.

It would help to have all the facts before drawing a conclusion. I definitely wouldn't take PETA at their word about anything.

Adopting is great and I have done it and will do again, but purebreds are great too and our next dog will be from a breeder. There isn't anything wrong with breeding dogs to get the traits you want. When you go to the pound you are getting who knows what. Around here 50%+ of the dogs are pitbulls in the shelter anyway and they should be destroyed out of hand. Good on you Joe for getting a Sheperd. Great dogs!

People do not stop having children because there are many out there with no homes that need adopted. You cannot blame the reputable and responsible breeders. There is NOTHING wrong with maintaining a good blood line. It is the irresponsible people who have ninety cats in their home that they will not get fixed and end up with 600 kittens that are inbred and dumped on society that are the problem. Place the blame where it is deserved – on the irresponsible and uneducate.

I agree poor unwanted dogs should be adopted. In fact, poor unwanted children should be adopted. How dare any American breed their own children instead of adopting? Pregnant women must be stopped immediately!

Oh really, Tom M! Your logic is laughable. So only liberals have pure breed dogs? A lot of valid points have been made here, pro and con the issue of dog breeding. Yours is not one of them.

Michael, really, 7 dogs? I know of a woman in Columbus who has 8 dogs, is dying and now has to find homes for 8 dogs. The insanity of your thought process and your conspicuous consuption is as bad as it gets. Nobody's impressed.

I'm sorry that this breeder was subjected to such outrageous scrutiny merely because Biden purchased a pup from her. I'm weary of the "if you are operating a good kennel, you needn't worry about an inspection"! Few understand the ridiculous requirements to "pass" an inspection ... how many dog owners STERILIZE their pets' dog house every 2 weeks? If you are a breeder, you are required to do so. How many dog owners remove the poop from their yard ONCE DAILY. If you are a breeder, you are required to do so. Has the grass in your yard ever gotten 6" high because you've been busy or the weather has been bad? If you are a breeder, that's a violation.

There is truly very little "profit" in raising dogs ... food, veterinarian supplies and veterinary care costs continue throughout the year while the responsible breeder breeds females only once a year. And, the responsible breeder insists its puppies be returned "home" if circumstances dictate the adoptee can no longer keep ... a breeder will incur shipping, updated veterinary care, etc. to re-home the pet.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with "shelter dogs". Until a few years ago, I'd had "shelter pets" my entire adult life. Then, I fell in love with an Alaskan Malamute ... with a purebred, you are better able to determine the dog's temperament. With a mixed breed, you are dealing with the temperaments of 1, 2, perhaps more, breeds in one animal.

There are few "purebred" dogs in shelters ... rescue organizations are available nationwide to pick up purebred dogs and find homes for them. And, responsible breeders require puppies be spayed/neutered as soon as possible ... breeders are not the cause of overpopulation of dogs and cats. Irresponsible pet owners are the root cause ... refusing to have their animals spayed/neutered – of course, vets aren't too willing to come off their fees for such services either.

The number of dogs cared for by a breeder is not an indication whether he/she is a "puppy mill". The QUALITY of care and attention to the animals housed at the kennel determines whether the kennel is a "puppy mill".

I agree. Dogs should not be bred.
Too many die in shelters, and not all shelters use humane euthanization techniques!
Where is PETA when that happens?
I also think that dogs should not be treated as 'chattel' and sold for profit.
Who cares is a dog is purebread? (come on – that would be called incest if it were humans doing that!)
The lowliest mutt has the purest love!

Dogs taste good. Lots of protein and low in fat.

Too many of you seem to think the breeder has no right to do her job. Note she also serves as a rescue shelter for German Shephards, without a 2-week death policy. Many people don't like "pound-dogs" because of the uncertainty of ownership. If you get a dog which was previously abused it can easily become a danger to small children and even adult owners. A breeder takes much better care than the local pound to ensure their dogs are a proper fit to the owner. A pound will sell a dog to a family of 6 living in a 1 room apartment while a breeder is meticulous on the details of where their dog will live. Don't trash breeders and private rescue shelters just because you simply no nothing about their system. Why don't you buy 10 acres of land and keep care of 80 dogs instead of complaining about the good deed she is doing for her community and the very happy owners of her dogs.

So I assume that all of you that are telling breeders to go away and that it is wrong have adopted all of your children and would never think of having your own??? I realize that this may be not an apples to oranges comparison but that is basically what you are saying. "since there are dogs available at shelters, don't buy from breeders to get exactly what you want"

Dogs at shelters come with many issues, some built in already by previous owners or a rough life, many were abused, etc. With purebred puppies, you get a new dog that you can raise and train from the start. I have no problem at all with RESPONSIBLE breeders. I have had 4 boxers, two from rescue and two from breeders and I support all of the RESPONSIBLE breeders and rescue groups alike as they are all trying to get rid of the bad ones.

if she has 80+ dogs, she is breeding far more than she can place.
while i don't condemn all breeding, breeding this many more than
can be placed is also wrong. the unwanted dogs either live their
entire lives in her kennels with only occassionally getting out, or end up in a shelter later on because they were placed by necessity in less-than-great homes (which often dump them at shelters when they tire of them).

This bears repeating, 80 dogs is not a responsible breeder, its a puppy mill, dont be stupid!!!

Why should i be forced to take a dog from the pound or shelter, yes there is a problem where to many dogs are breed and then left for dead, but why punish the good people. So now i cant have new things? I must buy a used car becuase theres to many used cars so i shouldnt buy a new car if i can afford it. That doesnt make sence to me.

I have 5 dogs myself, i take care of my dogs better then many take care of thier children, plain and simple, most pet lovers treat thier pets better then some treat thier own family.

The issue is people and not the dog or the breeders, people in general are nasty andmost dont deserve a dog but in no way should others be pinned down to get a shelter dog just because you feel i should. Mind your own business and worry about yourself.

There is nothing wrong with breeders! Some breeds of dog you can only get from breeders, because the pet store won't carry them! If people think breeding dogs is wrong what about other animals, like birds! I am getting ready to get a bird from a breeder, is that wrong to breed birds as well, because let me tell you, if you go to a resuce agency to get a bird you better know what your doing and what your getting into!! Birds with behavior problems are much worse then you can ever know, unless you rescue them!! I am all for breeders as long as there animals are well cared for!!

A responsible breeder? Did you see that there are 80 ADULT DOGS on her property? 80 breeding dogs is not a responsible breeder. 1/8 of that number is not a responsible breeder. Even if only half of those adult dogs are breeding, that is a puppy mill, not a responsible breeder. How she treats her dogs is somewhat irrelevant to this fact. She is churning out puppies as a business, and for every dog she churns out, another is sentenced to death at a shelter.

I have 5 dogs, and I can tell you that two people can barely devote enough time to properly care for, feed, train, vet, and groom 5 dogs properly. We have no life – it is devoted to our dogs. 80 dogs is a warehouse – not a home.

Shame on the breeder for breeding so haphazardly clearly to make a buck. Shame on you Biden for buying your dog from this woman. Shame on you both, Mr. President, and Mr. VP, for caving to lesser, shallow aspects of your nature and not rescuing a dog from a true shelter situation.

And shame most of all on the people who call themselves animal rights activist, but make threats against, hurt, or emotionally terrorize people . If you believe in the right of animals to live a happy and free life, you have to believe it for ALL animals – including humans.

Be the change you wish to see in the world...

As a responsible breeder of Balinese – a very rare breed of cats – I carfeully choose where my kittens go. You will hardly ever see a Balinese in a shelter because most people who have had the good fortune to care for a Balinese love them dearly. In fact most of my kittens go to people who have previously had a Balinese. We breed these beautiful animals because we wish to preserve them – they are well cared for – we genetically test the adults and always insist that if the new owner is unable to care for the cat they must return the cat back to us.

And yet as careful as we are – we have run into people who view pet ownership not as a responsibility, but as a matter of convenience. If you look at the reasons why animals end up in the shelter, it is often because it suddenly became "inconvenient" to continue to care for the animal. We need to stop blaming breeders, but start educating people that when they decide to adopt a pet, they are taking responsibility for a life that is going to be totally dependent on them for the rest of that animal's life. The animal may not be perfect or may get sick, but that is no excuse to toss them back into a shelter.

I once had someone who returned a kitten back to me 10 months later because he didn't like her voice. Fortunately he doesn't have kids because he probably would have tossed them out the first time they had poopy pants.

So animal rights activists, quit going after breeders and start going after your fellow thoughtless human beings!

I had

Guys, do you think we are missing the big picture here? I mean come on! We are talking about DOGS here. So the first and second family got a dog for their family. Who the hell cares where they got the dogs from! Just do your job and lead this country correctly. Getting a dog from a breeder or from a shelter has nothing to do with how a person lives their life, does their job or what type of morals they do or don't have. Are you all telling me that you feel so passionately about this with DOGS and CATS but NOT about the thousands of children that need adoption? I mean, if it is irresponsible to breed DOGS and CATS when there are so many of them at shelters, is it equally irresponsible to breed children and not adopt? Get a grip people! Lets move on to more important things and let these people get back to their lives and their jobs. I think Biden and Obama have more then enough on their plate then to deal with this. Don't you all?

I fully support Obama/Biden in the areas of econonic recovery, social recovery, civil rights, education and health care reform, etc. But I think they really dropped the ball by getting dogs from breeders. They could have gone to the DC Animal Shelter right out on NY Avenue and picked out a dog that really needs a home, and saved it from Euthanasia. The Obamas could have found a low-dander dog there easily. I think it sends the wrong message. There are too many animals being euthanized right here in DC to warrant obtaining a puppy from a breeder.

These so-called animal welfare groups need to get off their moral high-horse and stop harassing responsible breeders, who are true advocates for the well-being of their respective breed. When I was looking for the right Doberman (because in a nutshell, I wanted a highly protective family dog) I considered rescues and shelters, but simply could not find a dog that I KNEW was properly nurtured and socialized from birth, and weaned by a well-socialized mother. That's the kind of animal I wanted in my home. Though my original intent was adoption, I found a responsible breeder, whose previous clients welcomed me into their homes to meet the dogs they got from her, and I purchased a purebred puppy who has grown into a wonderful urban family dog. Rescue and shelter dogs aren't for every household, and getting a healthy dog from a caring person isn't immoral.

Please stop judging people that want pure-bred dogs. Have you thought of the reasons why? Allergies, knowing the history of the animal, etc. I agree with all of you that are of the opinion that plenty of animals need homes, but does that really make it ok to crucify your neighbor for going to a breeder? For the record, I have a pure-bred AND an adoptee. Does that make me only 1/2 a good person?

I fail to understand why one must never buy from a reputable breeder and instead always take a dog out of rescue. I say never buy from a pet store that gets their animals from puppy mills or backyard breeders, most of whom end up in rescue, but top breeders, such as those who also show dogs, should not be ostracized as adding to the dog population. Puppy mills breeding designer crosses in tiny cages should be shut down.

I have done both in terms of where I got my dogs – loved both dogs madly – but would always buy another directly from a breeder – one I could visit, see the dogs as pups before 8 wks, meet the mom, see the papers, review the health guarantee, get screened by a breeder who asks the probing questions about how I would care for the dog (fenced yard? at home?) and what characteristics they look for to match the breed etc.

My humane society dog was the most expensive and heart breaking act of kindness – it needed a special diet, daily insulin shots, four different operations, tons of socialization work for fear and food aggression. I would be hard to go through that sort of experience again, it was an emotional and financial drain in every way. My carefully selected dog from a show dog kennel has been nothing but healthy, and I feel, for the sake of everyone else in my life who supports any pet I own, it's the best way to go to give us a more balanced experience in the joys of pet ownership.

Amen to that Mary C – I think these home visits and "inspections", and this "criteria" these shelters put out there are CRAZY! Again, they would rather seen an animal without a home sitting in a cage then have it go to a forever home. With "oh my gosh! another cat!"... I have 2 dogs – both mutts – both purchased for $25.00 from private parties. The oldest 9 now and wont be with us much longer – she was hit by a truck as a pup (wanted to play with the neighbors cows and she accidently got loose when my son went to put her out for potty) – we put thousands into having all her skin reattatched, I spent hours dealing with drip tubes, etc. She is spayed, up to date on shots, has had a loving home for 9 full years. We now have a 3 month old puppy – again purchased for $25.00 – she is a mixed breed as well and smarter then a whip! She can already sit, laydown, roll, shake and even roll the other way when told! I didnt have to "beg" a shelter for her, I didnt have to pay a small fortune to a shelter for her. I will get her spayed before she is of age without someone MAKING me pay for it up front. *I* am doing the obediance training. I am not rquired by someone else to have it done and to pay $30.00 a session for it. I will not have the "shelter" checking out my home and telling me if I am or am not "fit" to adopt a recued animal. I rent – this would disqualify me immediately for a dog. I am in a stable home with teenagers – that might disqualify me too because of all the "activity" at home – I work – oh God no, only stay at home moms can have dogs! I have other pets – apparently that would have been a no-no too – So I decided to look to a private party for a puppy to add to our home and our life. I truly did want to go to a shelter but their costs and "regulations" are just to stringent – they apprently would rather keep them locked in a cage then see them in a loving home.....

I for one am sick of reading over and over again on these websites "for every dog that a person buys from a breeder one dies in the shelter". Yes, I concede that the amount of unwanted animals in this country is a problem that must be addressed. However, people have every right to go out and buy a pure bred dog from a reputable breeder if they so choose. When a person buys a purebred dog from a reputable breeder there are many benefits to be had. For one, you will have a good idea of the physical and tempermental traits of the dog you choose, both parents will have all the health tests required for the particular breed so you are more likey to get a healthy animal, and if for some reason you cannot keep the dog a reputable breeder will take the dog back and rehome it. Additionally, you can choose to participate in a number of AKC events included confirmation, agility, and obediance.
I applaud anyone who would like to adopt a dog from a shelter, but I also applaud and respect anyone who chooses to buy a dog from a reputable breeder. Just because some people have been irresponsible in breeding their dogs, which has resulted in over population, it does not mean that reputable breeders should be labled as evil, they are not the problem!

There's always going to be that one person that doesn't agree with what you're doing. No way EVERYONE is going to agree on something as a whole.

Keep your chin up, Ms. Brown.

I think this woman was running a legitimate business and was made a target by the radical animal rights groups because of her publicity. Dog breeding is not a crime, nor should it be. While these animals should be treated humanely, they should not be treated as humans. They need to be cared for and kept in comfortable humane environments and ultimately placed in good homes, but we should not make the mistake of affording them humanity. They aren't humans. They are dogs. As long as the breeders are responsible and treat their animals well, they shouldn't be targeted for making a legititmate profit from their business.

Why should anyone defend his/her decison to purchase an animal from a breeder or decide that they hold the key to all things moral and just because they got their pet from the pound. Is this still America? Did someone come in the middle of the night and institute a some sort of special ethics squad? Do what you want as long as your decision/actions agree with my personnal beliefs? Very scary.

There is a difference between a puppy mill and a breeder. A good breeder has dogs that only have 1-2 litters a year and are kept in good conditions, receive medical care, and many times, they work to get rid of genetic defects and diseases. Some dogs need breeders! Bulldogs for example, need good breeding or else they can have a world of health problems (though sometimes they still do).

If it weren't for breeders, many dogs we know and love wouldn't exist.

Puppy mills breed dogs as much as they can and do not take care of their animals. They sell the dogs to pet stores. They often have multiple breeds and the object is to produce as many puppies as possible to maximize profit. They disgust me.

I have one shelter dog and one I got from a family who had puppies and yes I agree you should adopt from the shelter and yes, its awful how crowded it is, but I wouldn't hold it against breeders. I'd hold it against irresponsible dog owners who 1) ditch their dogs at shelters because they "don't have time" for them and 2) people who do not get their dogs fixed, which contributes to the overpopulation.

Yeah, go adopt a mutt that you know NOTHING about. You don't know if it was abused or if it has any history of illness. You don't know what mix of breed is in the dog, yes it matters because different breeds are meant for different things. Mutts are like gambling, sometimes you get a really good dog, and sometimes you get the next Kujo.

I am very upset with the add PETA ran. I put PETA in my search engine and I found more upsetting things about PETA. Check out this web site http://www.petakillsanimals,com. This web site, if it has correct information, shows me that PETA has no right to condem the killing of any animal. If this web site is correct then PETA is a two faced bunch of jerks.

The real question is...WHO do you think is raising all these puppy s?? Back yard breeders and puppy mills. Just how many "pure bred" dogs did you all find in your work at the shelters? probably some, but by far the majority came from the above mentioned back yard breeders and puppy mills. SO the next time one of you wants to go buy a dog do your homework. find out if they Show in conformation, do agility or other dog related activities. And get your dog spayed or neutered. Healthier for the dog and less chance of it being stolen by ...you git it yet? back yard breeders and puppy mills.

I really feel sorry for this woman. This should not be a choice between a shelter dog or no dog. It is also important to maintain the history and genetics of all breeds and that is the function that good breeders serve. Adopting a rescue dog is NOT for everyone. We have rescued 2 German Shepherds from our local sheter over the years and each one had many issues that only experienced dog handlers/owners should deal with. Tragicly many shelter dogs have been badly abused and need training and rehabilitation that many well intentioned people aren't capable of providing or willing to tolerate. Neither of my Shepherds could have been placed in an average home. However each individual has to decide whether they should adopt from a shelter or go to an AKC licenced breeder.

Killing huge numbers of dogs in shelters is sad, but it is NOT murder.
Murder is killing another human being (homo sapiens sapiens). Baby humans are being killed daily, and lots of people feel they have that right. What it all boils down to is responsibility. We have lots of dogs in shelters because PEOPLE decided to no longer be responsible for them. Same with abortions.

I love dogs just as much as the next person, I consider my dog a part of my family. I took her in off the street as a stray and has been the best dog I could ever ask for. She is now 15 years old and still going strong. I plan to NEVER purchase from a breeder. I'm not saying that all breeders are bad but I have to agree with the fact that there are SOOO many dogs, cats, and other creatures out there waiting for homes that I will always go to the pound. Remember Mutts and older pets need love too!!!

It seems to me that the masses on this post are blending dob-breeders with puppy mills. This is a huge distinction.

My family has been looking for a doberman for close to 10 months at shelters. We have not found a single doberman that is not a minnie. So you all are telling me that I should get something else? That is not right.

As for those poor dogs in the shelters, you should be blaming the individuals that got those dogs in the first place. Once you get an animal, it is yours for life, not something to discard when you get bored with it.

I'm actually pissed at the shelter we bought our dal-terrier from. When we got him, I specifically asked the shelter if he was tested for deafness, and those SOB's told me yes. Well it turns out we have a completely deaf ( but very good dog ). So the problem is not just with the breeders.

There is a HUGE difference between a purebred & a mutt. The breeding of dogs less than purebreds should be stopped, I agree. That would solve the problems in shelters. However, there is no problem with keeping the integrity of a breed or with responsible breeders. I hunt & no offense, but no mutt is a better bird dog than my purebred Springers. Take your issues out on people who don't spay & neuter their pets responsibly.

I can't seem to help myself. I start reading comments, and find myself wasting so much time in the day trying to make a reasonable impact.

Comments have gotten to the point where they really are out of hand, so many rude people, so many people willing to place blame at things they have no experience or knowlege of.

It's not just this story – it is pervasive. People seem to becoming meaner.

Is the fact that we isolate ourselves in front of our computers, pretending that reading and commenting is social intercourse the thing that is making people meaner?

I really wish we wouldn’t be so quick to judge the President and his wife for the selection of this pure breed puppy. He promised his children a dog and he has kept his promise. One of his daughters has allergies and would not have been able to tolerate a mixed breed puppy with normal doggie dander. Would it have been better for him to select a shelter dog only to have to return it because the child was sick all the time? Really, it would be irresponsible for a shelter to adopt a puppy to that situation. This man was in a no win position with the majority of the public. He decided to step up and be a winner with his kids. As much as some may or may not like it, the first family made the right choice for their situation. Would it not be better for all of us to follow this lead and make the best choice for our own personal situations? The chances of finding a pure breed that meets their needs from a shelter or breed rescue group are not good and often the breed rescue dogs are older and have been in abusive situations. As a parent I would be reluctant to introduce a dog with a questionable background to my children. Some may work for adults, but not kids. Let’s try to be fair in this case.

Would you please find a more worthy cause. There are so many human beings dying all over the world for lack of food, helthcare, sanitation, shelter; and you are worried about dogs being sold, or living in croded space. Get a life!

You've got to be joking. How is this news at all. "Normal" people i.e everyone on here can go to a breeder buy a dog/cat and its NOT on CNN.com the next day. I find it very, very stupid that people choose to bash the President and Vice President for doing what everyone has done at some point in their life. It doesn't matter if it came from a breeder or a freaking pound its a DOG...If breeding was so bad why does American society allow all these women here to "breed"? Take Octomom for example NO ONE made her get fixed, or take her kids to an orphanage to wait for adoption... People such as this are just as bad as the puppy mill. ARRRRRRG I am so mad...

It's ridiculous that the President and VP are judged so negatively for not getting their puppies from pounds. This is a free Country, and we all have a choice whether or not to adopt children and/or pets. These two men have done and will continue to do more for our Country than the rest of us put together. Please quit harping on and writing about such trivial things – give it a break for once!

I keep hearing about the irresponsible breeders, they always have a home for their puppies. The strays are from irrespensible owners who don't have their dogs spayed and neutered, if every dog owner who wasn't going to breed, had their dog fixed there would be very little need for shelters.

I believe the forced breeding of any animal that isn't on the verge of extinction is wrong.

Keeping the breed alive? Pure bloodlines? Listening to you fools, one would get the impression that all dogs would die out if humans didn't intervene (Which is not true at all). People who breed anything (Which isn't on the verge of extinction) are in it for money, they aren't doing the animals any favors by inbreeding them. They are reducing the animals genetic diversity, making them far more susceptible to disease and genetic defects.

How would you feel if the government stated who YOU could breed with so that bloodlines could be preserved or to preserve a certain set of traits, just because they look good? I bet you would have none of it, you certainly wouldn't consent to INBREEDING (Read: Incest). So why is it "ok" to do the same to animals?!

As for the person who claimed that people should adopt children instead of having their own children, way to compare apples to oranges. Forcing an animal to inbreed, so you can have an animal that looks "pretty", compared to two individuals choosing each other to reproduce, to pass on their genetics and fulfill their biological desire to reproduce.

The current discussion is a great example of how worthless sniping back and forth between extremist on both sides just confuse everyone in the middle. They win few converts to their cause by offering thin, but very loud arguments. Where has the humanity in honest disagreements gone? That's what the story was about...how far left and far right and the far nutty wingers can quickly make any issue (a dog purchase in this case) Custer's last stand at the Big Horn. "OMG, we're all gonna die if we keep (please fill in extreme view here)". I think MountainWhispers.com got it right... Folks, it’s over now. Lots of other actual important issues with which to grapple. Leave the nice lady alone and as America’s been there, done that, grandparents will tell you…Let sleeping dogs lie.

The problem is not the so called puppy mills. The problem is the irresponsible people who decide they want a pet without finding information about the breed and what the animal requires. They just look at a pet as another toy and then get tired of it after they no longer want the responsibility. I think people who adopt a pet or buy a pet should be required to pay a fine if the decide they no longer want the animal or try to find it a good home. And I also agree with a lot of people on here who say we turn the eye to bad parents. The reason for so many unwanted animals is due to so many bad "pet" parents. If they decide they do not want the animal any longer they should also sign a statement that they will not try to adopt another pet or buy one within 5 years. Maybe by then they will do more research and really be out to benefit the animal.

It is very important that people are aware of the fact that there is nothing wrong with purchasing the specific breed of puppy from a reputable and responsible breeder!!!!

It's the back yard breeders and those who simpy do not spay or neuter that are keeping our shelter, kennels and rescues full!!!!

Purebreed dog breeders and their clients are the only people interested in keeping dog breeds alive. With so many combo dogs, I fear even finding a good miniature poodle when my beloved Babette dies. People should reject pet store dogs that come from puppy farms, especially in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan and shipped all over the country. These dogs are kept in terrible conditions and their breeders do not care about producing strong, healthy, intelligent dogs.
Breeders like this woman and others like her should be honored and praised, not harassed. Shame on Peta and on the local officials.

PETA is a radical fringe group and I do not support them. However, I do donate quite a bit of money annually to both the ASPCA and HSUS. I am a card carrying animal lover, and so yes, I do support adoption of shelter dogs. I have two of them.
However, in the specific instances of Biden and Obama-
- Obama needed to have a hypo allergenic breed for his oldest daughter. That can be a challenge finding in a shelter.
- Biden got a German Shepard. My parents also had one, which they got from a reputable breeder. Why? They are a large, potentially aggressive breed and it is simply dangerous to have one without doing your due diligence on their temperment.

Puppy Mills are a criminal enterprise, and adoption should be the #1 option whenever possible. But c'mon people...

Many of these comments here are typical of current ideas in the US now. No one is responsible for their actions. It is always someone else's fault.

Lets get real. It isn't a breeders fault that there are so many strays and other animals in shelters and pounds. It is the original animal's owners fault. They are the ones you should be focusing on. They are the root of the problem. As soon as the animal is not as great as they originally thought it was going to be or they are tired of caring for it they set it loose or drop it at a shelter.

Take responsibility for your actions and make others as well.....

dogs should be bred.
this is troubling on so many levels.
its the people who do not spay and neuter their dogs and let them loose as strays that should be penalized.
this is another case where common sense takes a backseat to an emotional reaction.
the fact is that some people like a mutt and great to to the pound and get a mutt.
some people like a pure bred dog, they like the way these dogs act according to their breed.
Peta has again overstepped common sense and taken a step to extremism

Buying a dog from a breeder is perfectly acceptable! If they can sell the puppies, and they are taking good care of them, then there's no harm! the harm comes when people buy a dog, then decided they "don't like it" or "it's more responsibility then we thought." Not buying from breeders isn't going to help a thing. And promoting that is as bad as sending your pet to an animal shelter.
I have two beautiful Bengal kittens. On top of two shelter kittens, and I've saved and rescued cats for years, but I made the decision to adopt from a breeder because I knew what I wanted.I have NEVER met a cat as beautiful for as sociable as my Bengals. They are absolutely lovely, and worth every penny I spent on them. I chose to buy from a breeder because I knew what I wanted and DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE A CHANCE. My last two rescue cats had to find new homes because NEITHER of them could adapt to the lifestyle I led.
It wasn't that I wasn't a good owner, or that they didn't love and respect me, it was that they needed a house with ONE cat. ONE animal. And I have two dogs.
My Bengals take walks, and ride in the car they know how to open doors and enjoy playing in the shower. More often then not, they have every animal they meet charmed, whether it be cat or dog, and their unique coats alone ingratiate them to humans.
I bought them for the personality, not because I'm ashamed of owning a rescue cat. the same way I'm looking at buying a Giant Malamute. NOT because I don't want to save an animal, but because I know that breed meshes with my lifestyle.

This discussion borders on the irrational.....breeders should be banned because of indiscriminate breeding caused by irresponisble pet owners? That is a lot like telling parents that they shouldn't have children of their own because there are so many orphans in the world. It is patently ridiculous. The two issues are totally unrelated. The fact that mutts can be as wonderful and loving a pet as any show dog is irrelevant. Mutt advocates should not impose their desire that the breed of the animal shouldn't matter any more than the breeders should impose their values on those who really don't care.

Pet owners who allow their pets (pure bred or not) to breed indescriminately are the problem. The resulting puppies (and kittens for that matter) have no guaranteed home. The owners have made no plan for their well-being. They are the ones that need censure, not reponsible organizations and should be the focus of the protest.

Maybe there should be a relatively high fine for any owner who lets an animal who is not fixed out of their immediate control (on a leash or behind a fence) is in order. Many communities have such ordinances, but they are rarely enforced. Any mill who breeds animals in excess of the number that can be sold by the time the animal is 14 weeks old (hard to adopt out as a puppy) should be fined if that animal is not retained as breeding stock. Owners who turn in a litter of puppies to a shelter without getting the parent fixed could also be fined.The fine could then fund those adoption centers if that, rather than snobbery, is the real focus of the concern.

It always seems to amaze me how people in this great country of ours put the welfare of animals and plant life before our fellow MEN!!! Don't breed any animals. Don't cut down any trees. Don't drill oil anywhere an animal might live but pass a bill that allows you to kill an unborn baby at any stage of pregnancy! Oh and if the baby is born alive don't try to save it's life!! Something doesn't add up here does it???

I live on a farm and I need two specific breeds of dog for the farm so I have purchased one of each of these for this purpose. A lot of the people leaving comments don't seem to understand that most of the breeds were developed for specific purposes and if the breed is mixed they would lose the traits they were bred for. There are lots of people like me who have like me "working dogs". The dogs are loved and taken care of. I also have two mutts on my farm. One of which is well behaved and the other which is a little aggressive (she is a rescue). She sometimes has to be crated when company comes. I'm working on her manners. She came from an elderly woman who let the dog do anything she wanted with no discipline.

I do not purchase a dog from a breeder without meeting the breeder and the parents of the puppy. I even have talked to the breeder of the well behaved mutt. I just purchased a 12 day old puppy whose mother had died and am raising it on a bottle. By the way, all of my dogs have been spayed except for the new puppy who will be fixed when he is six months old. I will admit that my husband and I will not take an over six month old rescued dog unless we know a history on it because we have grandchildren and young children as neighbors and we have found that even with lots of love sometimes the damage is so bad that they can become dangerous.

Instead of slamming the reputable breeders, slam the elected officials who don't make laws requiring all dogs and cats not used in a breeding program to be spayed or neutered.

I hope VP Biden enjoys his lovely puppy.

I totally agree with Martin:

"Very disappointing that Biden and Obama felt the need to buy dogs from a breeder and not save an animal from a shelter or rescue. Purchasing from dog farms like they did sends a bad message to people who want to do the right thing."

Rescues 99% of the time require more hands on attention. You have a daily routine that does not get deviated from. You can spend 2hrs a day with the animal making sure it feels loved. Otherwise, the rescue winds up going back, because it won't stop eating furniture or stop messing on the rug. Rescues, unfortunately, are damaged goods that require much, much more patience than the "clean slate" of a purebred from a breeder. Just like a special needs child requires more attention than a "normal" child.

In a picture perfect world, we would all have that time and patience. But we don't. The VP and Pres wanted companion animals that would fit THEIR PERSONAL life situation.

Anyone who suggests that these dogs should have been rescues just does not get it. Putting a neglected, nervous animal into a chaotic and unstable family lifestyle is abuse, plain and simple. A rescue dog would have gone through a tortured existence living in the white house.

Unlike the majority of people sharing their uneducated opinions, I have actually done rescue work and reside in PA. There is nothing wrong with dog-lovers patronizing breeders. The good breeders do uphold breed standards for the good of the breed. I wonder how many of you commenting, who decry breeders, have ever donated a dime, a minute of your time, a bag of food or towels to a rescue organization. Dog/cat rescue continues to grow in appeal–thank goodness. Please don't villify breeders when there are other viable options. Direct your ire toward your state Dept. of Agriculture, ensuring they enforce laws and shut down puppy mills and dirty pet shops. Support rescue groups who are deep in debt and short -on volunteers and foster homes: they need any help/support you can provide. I welcome the continued discourse and debate.

Breeders should be examined closely. When Biden went there to get a dog, she should have expected something like this. I certainly wouldn't be surprised to find that Biden himself had something to do with the investigation. If not, where was he when this lady was being treated so badly?

Yeah these are animals are part of the breeder's family, whom then turn around and sell for hundreds of dollars. great family. i know the condtions with 80 of my family members would just be lovely. breeders are just lookin to make buck plain and simple.

People are so crazy. I have a pure bred dog, but I also have a mixed breed and I took in a dog that showed up at my house. There is nothing wrong with pure bred dogs or cats or horsee or cows or etc.....Ya'll need to get a life and quit worrying about where Biden or Obama's dogs come from it does not matter IT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS

The comments "against" what the woman is doing is hilarious to me. There are worse things out there in the world than to worry about one business-minded individual. She breeds dogs and sells them because there is a demand! If all of the self-righteous people who have commented so far cared so much then they would go out to an animal shelter and adopt a homeless anilmal today! Or maybe help a homeless person. Or what about adopting an orphan–the orpanages are pretty full these days...

Leave the woman alone. She hasn't mistreated the dogs that she has and that's all that truly matters.

I'm so amazed by the absolute stupidity of people who compare giving birth to your own child to purchasing a dog from a breeder. Wow!

Walt/Irene/Steve – FYI, this is not Republican harrassment, the state of Pennsylvania is controlled by Democrats. Check your facts.

This is just ridiculous. It is fact that most dogs in shelters are the product of irresponsible dog owners, not reputable breeders. All these people keep talking about all the dogs in shelters and blame breeders for them being there. How about you look at the problem with a little intelligence rather than just emotion?

Irresponsible dog owners who don't have their pets neutered and let them roam free or mate with other dogs that they own are major part of the problem. Puppy mills who breed for money and not for integrity are another major part of the problem. Reputable breeders contribution to the problem is is very small. Dogs from reputable breeders end up with the most caring and responsible owners a majority of the time. PETA needs to focus on the people who are responsible for putting those dogs in those rescue shelters, not the people they feel are responsible for not getting them out.

We had a very bad experience with a rescued St. Bernard who nearly ripped the face off of a family friend in a totally unprovoked, unexpected attack. I am sure it had something to do with it's upbringing, but what that upbringing entailed was not revealed to us. Never again......

How come everyone blames the breeder for dogs and cats ending up in shelter. How about placing the blame where it lies, on the owners who are so qiuck to give up their pets when they become an inconvenience. They use all kinds of excuses to give up their pets, allergies, moving to apartment, having a child, no time to take care of them etc.... What a bunch of baloney!!!! I am not a breeder or animal rights activist. PEOPLE if you are not hundred percent committed to the care of an animal do not get one. This is how they end up in shelters. I think breeders are convenient to blame for this. How about getting a list of everyone who has surrendered an animal and jumping down their throats about it.

80 dogs = puppy mill……..so i guess she takes each one out for a nice walk everyday?
80 dogs times 20 minutes a day equals 26+ hours a day. Those sure are long days!
___________________________

If you have a big yard and your dog has others to play with you don't need to take it for a walk. I rarely take my dogs for walks since they have a big yard and eachother.

Why are people hating on dog breeders? You do realize that there are tons of people who don't want adopted dogs right? These are the type of people who take care of their animals and make sure they never go to the pound. Oddly enough it's people who adopt that are most likely (over 300% more) to either abandon or bring their dog back to the shelter. Why do you rarely see pure breds at the pound? Because the people who buy purebreds care and educate themselves enough to be good owners.

Pam are you a purebread. I would think NOT. I hope that you would think twice before making such accusations. Rescue dogs or shelter dogs are not the type of dog that are in most cases suitable in a home environment, especially if they are not let out for a good walk. My neighbor has 3 large dogs (shelter dogs) and 2 small tiny ones. They are hardly out exercsing those dogs which includes the tiny barking ones. The children must have taught these animals to sing and I have had to call on the Police many times, due to the noise. I have thought many times to throw rat poisoning into their yard to get rid of that noise.

Hey libtards a breeder is not the same as a puppy mill. Legitimate breeders are a benefit to all breeds.
How is breeding dogs bad? It is the only way for AKC breeds to continue to thrive. Find some other ridiculous cause to whine over!

PETA strikes me as just another loud extremist group that has become so militant that they are now the same as the people they supposedly protest against. All of the camera-hungry special-interest organizations look and sound the same to me now. Extremism is ugly in all its forms.

I hope everyone who is saying how bad this is realizes Obama got a purebred from a breeder as well, going against his promise of a shelter 'mutt like me'.

Where is PETA?? I suggest you do a little more research on PETA. Their headquarters put down a huge number of animals per year...why aren't they being put into homes??? And this is at the headquarters.

And as to dogs should not be bred....sheesh...same can be said of certain people.

But adopted dogs from the pound aren't CUTE PUPPIES.

If someone wants a shelter dog, then they should go to a shelter and adopt. If a person would prefer a purebred animal, then that is their right as well. It's a personal choice, and no-one has the right to dictate to anyone else where/how they get their new pet.

Something that seems to be missed in all of the various rants about only getting shelter pets: If we did not have breeders protecting/producing their individual breeds, eventually all dogs would be so cross-bred that the individual lines would no longer exist.

One last remark in response to those that condemn the profiting off of the reproduction of animals. If you eat meat, eggs, fish, purchase or use any other animal derived product, you're supporting "profit from the reproduction of animals." Unless you are completely vegan, and only purchase/use fully synthetic items, you have no room to judge those whose livelihood depends on the production or output of animals, regardless of the animal in question.

Dont say dog breeders are all good (im not saying the one where obama got his dog is bad) there are many puppy mills that leave the dogs in far less than acceptable conditions and the mothers are just treated as breeding bitches
its not right.
Im sure the place they got their dog was fine because Obama probably would have said something about how the place was being run and how the dogs were being treated.
Most puppy mills and breeders are bad.
and people who breed and breed and breed animals need to think twice about the number of times they make their dogs get pregnent it may cause heath issues

Now excuse me i must get back to school

Thanks for your note Miranda. I've had both dogs from a shelter and dogs from breeders. I like having the choice to pick. When I purchased my German Sheppard from a breeder for my young kids I wanted a dog that had spent his early weeks with his/her mother and didn't have any emotional issues like many from the shelter. You don't know what issues they may have faced. On the other hand I've had dogs from the shelter and they do require a little more time to adjust and they turned out fine. I just didn't want to chance having a larger dog around my kids that was emotionally unstable.

It's obvious that some people are missing the point on both sides of the issue. It is easy to deem someone going to a breeder for a specific breed of dog as selfish; however, many people going to breeders, recognized by the AKC, are in it for the life of the dog. Specific breeds have different temperments and many families with kids, or in certain living conditions, search the different breeds looking for the dog that will best suit the family and enjoy it's life as their pet. As inhumane as you want to make it, it is not practical to demand that these people adopt from the shelter. Many of the animals you see at the shelter have been returned as many as 5 times. Should we chance the dog to being returned once again or face being put down? How dare we suggest that everyone adopt! Adopting is a HUGE responsibility! Many of these dogs come from questionable backgrounds and have been through trauma. It takes a SPECIAL BREED of humans to adopt and give these poor dogs the change in life they deserve. I will not carelessly tell some guy I don't know to adopt and endanger a dog that has already been through enough torment. For those not suited for the unconditional love of a questionable pet then indeed, go for the pet that suits you. Find the reputable breeder that will help you find the puppy you will want to keep in your family for as long as it lives.

any person with 80 dogs is NOT a reputable breeder. This is a puppy mill, pure and simple. A reputable breeder has just a few, top-quality dogs and doesn't breed very often...a reputable breeder produces show-quality dogs. A person with 80 dogs is obviously breeding for quantity, not quality. There's no way this woman can be treating 80 dogs as her personal pets....not enough time in the day.
Shame on her. Shame on Joe Biden for buying a dog from a puppy mill. If you want a German Shepherd, google "German Shepherd rescue"....you'll get hundreds of hits.

Thank you all for infringing upon the rights of others. Some people prefer to have a dog with a known pedigree. That's their choice.

Other people prefer to select a dog from a shelter. That's their choice.

As long as the dogs are not mistreated (including at the shelter) so what?

But for most of the posters an individual's right to choose is wrong. Once again the only right way is their way.

I get irritated by the many people who think they have a right to choose for me.

Go take a hike Fascits!

It's amazing that people constantly harp on getting a breed from the shelter. I support no kill shelters, and indeed, my wife got a dog from a shelter, and my German Shepherd came from shepherd rescue. However, coming from the shelter, my wife's lab was severely abused, and it's taken almost a year to where he'll come anywhere near me. Also, think about it, their history, their linage, their personalities, you won't know anything about it. He's turned out to be the hardest dog I've ever tried to train, and my mom has been training German Shepherds for 40 years (me for the past 6, once I got my own 2 shepherds, with one just passing away recently from lymphoma). I can understand going to breeders...especially with dogs who were OVERBRED in the 80s like German Shepherds. You want them to be certified to not have a lineage of hip problems, spinal problems, heart defects, etc, which overbreeding in the US caused. Both my shepherds were from a European lineage, and thus don't have the major health problems that plague American lineage shepherds. So, stop BASHING breeders and listen to what a lot of other posters have said.. they're keeping the integrity of the breed, and the traits they're known for. And some people are actually allergic to classes of dogs (like me, hounds.. the oil in their hair sends my allergies off), and going to a shelter, you NEVER know what you're going to end up getting. So think, and stop spouting off non-sense. Oh, and how are you going to get any dogs at all if all you do is adopt from a shelter with neutered/spayed dogs? Think about your lines before bashing breeders who care about their dogs.

Ms. Brown seems like a very intelligent lady with a world class reputation for breeding fine dogs.. One can only feel sorry for her that by providing the Bidens with a wonderful puppy she has subjected herself to the scorn and hate of the PETA fanatics and associated nut cases.

Some people here are just plain old 'creepy'. Get a life and stop hovering over other peoples decision about where they get their dogs or cats. Its none of your business, when it really comes down to it. Get your dog from where ever you want to get it from. Its your choice. Animal activists like PETA can suck it. Where is PETP (people for the ethical treatment of people)? In American, animals are treated better than people. Get your priorities straight. Regardless of where the animal comes from, its here and its alive and probably could use an owner.

You extremist animal activists just set off nothing but nasty feelings in me towards you.

BTW, Pres. Obama may have bought a dog from a breeder, but they had specific needs and they made a generous donation to the shelter in D.C. and they were reportedly very happy about the donation. So SHUT UP!

Bring out the weepy violin sounds when you hear them whine and cry about how hard and nasty the world is to animals.
The world is a hard and nasty place and it will never change, get out of your neo-hippy fantasy land and face that fact.

Kudos to anyone that provides ANY animal a good home.

And if President Obama or Vice-President Biden would have gotten their dogs from the pound, the same people who are saying that that's what should have been done would then be saying it was all a publicity stunt. You haters need to get a life...

I am so sick of these idiots that keep saying adopt a shelter dog why would anyone see or need a breeder...are you that ignorant of the myriad of possible needs that a dog owner may be looking for? Maybe a hunting dog or a hypoallergenic dog. I tryed for 18 months to find a cockerpoo female to replace the dog I had lost to age. was on every shelters fax and call list for 50 miles and got not even a blip. I called each one at least monthly to check on there incoming and in house dogs and remind them of my intrest.

Why would i want just that type of dog? Well I wanted a female as I have had the best luck bonding with me female dogs. A cocker/poo as they are hypo-all and just the right size for a condo but not to small to play and have fun with hiking ect.

Stop imposing your beliefs on others or we'll unleash the muslims on you and then you will understand what it is like to be told what to think and do.

I am so sick of politically correct people forcing a shelter dog down my throat.

Reasons I may not want a shelter dog:
1) Was abused and has issues around small children.
2) Behavior of an unknown mix might be an unknown variable.
3) Has physical problems that would be difficult to pay for.

Then, of course, there is the matter of whether you like the dog. Why should I get a dog I won't be crazy about, if what I want is a certain pure-bred?

It is not my fault that there are millions of people who don't know how to properly love their dog and hold on to them. I know parents that buy their children a dog, and once puppy phase has passed, interest with their pet wanes greatly. Why should I pick up after their mistake?

The politically correct idiots need an injection of reality on this issue...

You people are so high and mighty. How could you possibly judge this breeder from one CNN article? Have you been there? As for Biden, Jesus let the guy pick whatever dog he wants. This coming from a animal rescuer.

Aren't there a bunch of sea kittens still in need to protection? And isn't PETA busy supporting the latest tour of the Rescue Shelter Boys?

But, seriously, how is a person wanting a specific breed any different than a person wanting to have their own child instead of adopting? I think as long as breeders are responsible and mistreat their animals and don't overbreed and end up putting dogs down because they can't place them all, then the real blame lies with owners who don't get their pets spayed or neutered or who take on the responsibility of a pet and then don't live up to it byeither taking it to a "shelter" or abandoning it. Those people are some sick puppies.

at the hatred and mean spiritedness the comments on this show. People doing something they love is a freedom we all enjoy. If they enjoy breeding dogs and treat them well that is their business. Blame people for the evils they do in discarding animals do not blame those who love and care for their animals.

So what, breeding should be abolished? Think, for a moment, of all the people who would lose their jobs. Of course people should adopt from shelters, but you militants need to understand that breeding will continue existing even after your feelings have been hurt and you start hurling death threats at people for doing their jobs.
Harness that rage toward something practical, like getting dogs adopted. Here's the thing, Biden is not going to apologize and return the dog just because you are angry. Stop wasting time.

A Dog Pimp is a Dog Pimp no matter how clean or dirty the brothel is...
One can argue how much they love the breed but then one could also argue that this pimp considers another breed or mutt a lesser being. In human terms that is, I believe, called racism. I will admit it may be a stretch but if Racist Dog Pimps want to tout the good they do for their chosen race of Dog, I guess all we can do is keep as good an eye on them as possible until the laws change which makes this type of prostitution illegal. I thought we had proven that the concept of a master race was a bad idea and that the Mutt in all of us is what ultimately blurs the lines or our differences and brings us all together. The Human experiment is just that, as should the Canine experiment...

For those of you that talk about getting a pet from a pound vs a breeder. It is your choice...... I never understand why people feel the need to judge others to their opinions. I have 2 beautiful dogs from breeders and I will not give them up for anything. So don't put people like me in a stereotype just cause I bought my dogs from a breeder. I have nothing against dogs from the pound, but how many pure breeds do you see in pounds????? why don't you talk to the people that let their mutts breed mutts.......

reposting what Rhonda said...."Reputable dog breeders spend thousands of dollars on pre- breeding test on their dogs-hips, eyes, genetics and are treated better than most children in our country.
On ANY DAY- you can catch a GREAT WELL KNOWN breeder who has been up all night delivering puppies, hasn’t had a shower for 2 days, and not everything is it’s usually bleached down normal state. Dogs from these breeders try to preserve the integrity of the breed, sell dogs with contracts that state if the dog is being mistreated- THEY can take the dog back- and they care about every puppy that is blessed on their kennel.
SHAME ON PEOPLE FOR NOT KNOWING ABOUT THE SPORT OF CONFIRMATION, OBEDIENCE, AGILITY and the other programs sponsored by the AKC. And GOD bless our breed rescue programs out there- that do the same. A Mutt is not for everyone- and DESIGNER DOGS ARE MUTTS- just with a higher price and a backyard breeder who hasn’t spent the time and money invested in the quality of their dogs"

i've grown up in a home of a reputable breeder who competed in confirmation and so on.... believe me there was NEVER any money to be made. i grew up poor most of my life. our dogs recieved the best care and still recieve the best care. when someone simply did not want their dog anymore because of divorce or what have you, who took the dog back? my parents, because guess what, it was written into the CONTRACT that they were to bring the dog back for any reason no questions asked if they did not/could not have it.

you wanna buy a dog from my family? prepare to go thru the most intensive interview you've ever been thru. i also worked at the local animal shelter for 3 years and took care of all the unwanted abandoned dogs and cats. you could be in and out of that shelter in an hour with your new pet and really not know a thing.

dont even get me started on "no kill" shelters.....

shame on the obamas for accepting a dog as gift. and shame on any of you for wanting to give a pet as a gift, they are not gifts, they are parts of your family. even hunting dogs are respected family members.

so please take the time to understand a true akc reputable breeder and your average backyard puppy mill.

look into breed clubs, hell, ask to see their annual budget and take a look at how much money is being spent on rescue. did you know that breed clubs go to auctions of puppy mills just to buy any of their own breed? take a notice of how much of the budget is being spent on health education for the breed, and health testing. how much money is being donated for heath research. PAY ATTENTION TO THAT.

Some of the comments on this list really show the stupidity and blind hate people have for breeders. I am a breeder, and a good one at that. Dogs are my life. They are my family's life. Now don't get me wrong, we do not breed a LOT dogs. In fact, we do a single litter every couple of years. We do it because we love the breed.

We DO NOT do it for the money. Over the last 5 years I have invested over $50,000 of my own money in the care, feeding, showing, testing of ALL of my dogs. Anyone with even the most basic of math skills can figure out I do not MAKE ANY MONEY and in fact I operate at a huge loss. The dogs get as good or better care than most humans EVER will. They are also loved like no other. They live like Kings and Queens in my house. If people would learn to treat each other and their kids as well as my dogs are treated, a lot of the problems in this world would go away..

When my dogs need something, they get it.. Regardless of cost. IF I see a puppy to someone, I will ONLY sell to people I know either personally or through a close friend. The reason is simple, I care about the dogs and I want to track them through their life. To be there for them and their new owner when needed. And I use an iron clad contract that give me the right to take back the animal at any time if I feel they are not being treated well. The new owners are not permitted to sell or give away the dogs without going through me so I can check the new owners out and get a new contract. (No I don't make any money off of that). The pups that leave my house are guaranteed a good home forever with me and my family. (That’s part of the reason we do not breed frequently)

I will only allow a single female to be bred twice in her lifetime. If they are not going to be bred and are not going to be show, then I spay / neuter them by choice.

Now, I am sure some people will look at this and say that I am an unusual case and that most breeders are not like me. Well, I know a LOT of breeders and MOST of the ones I know are like me for the most part.

Now that I got that off my chest, let me flip the coin.. There ARE really bad breeders in this world. The kind that you see on the news that only care about the money and not the animals. Horrible conditions abound. Breeding the females CONSTANTLY and without care. Keeping dogs caged ALL day and night. I despise this type of "breeder". Actually they are not breeders at all. They are what you would correctly term as a "back yard puppy mill". A "back yard breeder" is actually a term that was adapted from "hobby breeder". (I am a hobby breeder).

When I find someone like that I try to educate them. But more importantly, whenever I hear of someone looking to get a dog, I educate them on how to not buy from one of those breeders and how to spot them. Furthermore, I heavily encourage people to adopt from shelters. If someone wants a specific breed, they can go to the breed rescue groups and save an unwanted dog. In the rare cases I have had someone ask about getting a dog from me, I ALWAYS, ask them why they want my breed of dog (Collies) specifically and then I give them a list of some semi-local collie rescues. If they are not dead set on a certain breed, I tell them to go to the local shelter and adopt. It's the best way.

I try to educate everyone I know and talk to about ways to get good dogs from other than a breeder. But if they REALLY want one of my dogs, AND they can pass ALL of my criteria, I MIGHT sell them a dog.

What gets me is how all the haters out there automatically assume that if someone breeds a dog, they are an evil animal abuser out to only make money and make the problems worse. The fact is that these types of people are so blinded by their own stupidity and hate and PETA / HSUS propaganda that they think ALL breeders are the same. And they will stop at NOTHING to hurt a breeder. They will lie, cheat, make anon calls to authorities, and even directly attack the breeder, their home, family and even the dogs.

People need to stop and think before they act and or open their mouth to spill hatred about something they actually know relatively little about. If you think PETA and the HSUS are actually protecting animals, then you are a serious part of the problem. WAKE UP.

Oh and by the way, yes millions of cats and dogs (and other animals for that matter) are put down in shelters every year. But guess what... In some areas, a VERY large number of those animals are actually imported. Either from other States, counties, cities and even countries. Yes you read that right. For instance a great deal of the animals in the southwest US are bred in Mexico. And if you think US puppy mills are bad, you should see the ones in Mexico...

Response to: "I’m confused as to why there’s even a demand for “purebreds”. "

I wanted a purebred because:
- I wanted to know what size the dog would grow to be.
- I wanted to know what temperament to expect, and choose a temperament that fit what I desired in a pet.
- I wanted to know grooming requirements.
- I wanted to know if the dog was at higher risk for certain health problems, and what exactly those health problems would be. Some breeds and more sensitive to various medications than other breeds as well, if someone doesn't want to deal with that sensitivity, they shouldn't get a breed that has it. (For example, collies owners avoid using ivermectin, which is common in heartworm preventatives, because collies are notoriously sensitive to it.)
- I do agility with one of my dogs, so I want a sound dog. It's important to me that my dogs come from parents and grandparents that have been screened for things like luxating patellas so that there's a smaller risk that the dog I acquire may have that problem. Bad knees + jumping = not good for the dog.

Not everyone wants a mutt. Dogs are not just the same inside with a different shell on the outside. Even with small companion breeds, there's huge differences. For example: a yorkie and a toy poodle, while both being about the same size, are completely different dogs! They act very differently from each other.

Many people still actually USE their dogs for things like herding and hunting. They will be much more successful if they have a dog that was actually bred to do the job. Which do you think will herd sheep better: a Border Collie or a Greyhound? Which do you think will retrieve birds better: a Lab or a Pekingese?

Less dogs would end up in shelters if
(a) People RESEARCHED prior to getting a dog. Many shelter dogs were impulse buys. Over 50% of dogs in shelters are between 6 months and 3 years old. About 40% of dogs in shelters were owned for between 7 months and 1 year before being given up. And 96% of dogs in shelters have had no obedience training.
(b) People got a dog that fit their lifestyle, not just get a dog based on looks. Sure, that Belgian Malinois is beautiful, but it's WAY too much dog for most people.
(c) People didn't buy from petstores or backyard breeders. A shelter, breed rescue group, or reputable breeder is the way to go. The latter three will screen the home to make sure the people know what having a dog entails and the the breed and the individual dog is a good fit. If they don't think it will be successful, they don't sell the dog to them. Versus petstores and backyard breeders who have the "take the money and run" approach.

dog breeders also result in millions of in thousands of animals being put into local kill shelters. I work at a shelter where 1 out of every four of our dogs are pure bred. If you love a breed you do not have to make money off of the puppies. Stop pretending like these people do this out of hte goodness of their hearts. If they loved animals they would adopt all of the pure breds out of local shelters.

"JD" when people are charged and tried for murder when they kill a living breathing child then I will support your arguement. Abortion is legal, and I will continue to fight for a womans right to choose. It may not be my choice for myself but I will not take away that right from my daughters, or your daughters for that matter.

A child is never as popular to support than when it is the womb. Once a kid is born, they can go thru all kinds of hell and abuse and the pro life people don't raise a hand to help them. Where does that fit in with your pro life view?

I guess I should feel guilty for having my own kids since there are so many babies that are in the need of adoption? Or would it not be fair to compare humane euthanization of stray pets to a life of hell and little chance to babies that grow up without families. There is much to be done in this world, focus your energies on something productive. Being angry and reputable breeders because others people irresponsibility with their own pets is a bit misguided.

"Who cares is a dog is purebread? (come on – that would be called incest if it were humans doing that!)"

I guess Pam doesn't know anything about genetics. Pure breeds aren't breed with their own blood line. Just like any other species, incest breeding weakens the blood line making the species more prone to inheriting genes that are mutated, causing disease, malformations, etc. It's ok Pam, you shouldn't feel too bad that my purebreed lab is more intelligent than you. Afterall, you're probably the result of incest breeding in West Virginia, or perhaps Kentucky. BOOYA!!!

I have spent a considerable fraction of my income for years contributing to rescues and shelters, but think responsible breeders are also an asset (unlike puppy mills with their disgusting conditions and extreme cruelty).

I'd be interested to know how many of the shrieking critics on here actually contribute or volunteer at rescues and shelters. I'd be willing to bet a bunch that there are a lot of hysterical trolls on here whose interest in limited to shooting off their mouths (well, keyboards....)

To say everyone who buys from a breeder should be ashamed of themselves since they did not buy from a rescue is wrong. I commend the work all of our animal shelters do, and I encourage animal adoptions. In the end, it is that persons choice where they get their pet from. Some people, myself included, and uneasy about buying a pet from a shelter. I have no way to know what kind of upbringing that pet has gotten. I will not risk the safety of my family and friends to a dog I have not trained or can personally vouch for how it was raised.
I will also never buy from a pet store, or from a breeder who I have not personally met, interviewed, and can see how the animals are bred, housed and maintained.

Animal rights groups need to take a smarter approcah to changing the perceived injustices around animal treatment, because there are many to deal with. Keep to trying to shut down true puppy mills and raise the standards to make sure all pets are treated humainly.
Good, responsible breeders should not be vilified by the public for providing a service people find valuable.

Again, PETA is mentioned nowhere in this article.

I am interested in animal rights, hand out literature and follow a diet that backs me up.

BUT

I think that PETA sucks. I think everyone here agrees with that. They dont represent everyone who believes in animal rights.

The breeder should not be upset by any means. Those who sent death threats need to open their minds. She did a good thing! Claudine made an excellent about how breeders keep the integrity of the breed and ethical treatments. There is nothing wrong with wanting a pure bred dog!! Yes their are so many animals in shelters that need homes too. While we're talking homes being needed, there are children that need homes too! Should we adopt dogs or children? PETA, you do good work, but what about our children? Shouldn't we perhaps put our funding toward taking care of the potential dog owners?? I'm just sayin'...

Follow this link for a real eye opener into how much peta REALLY cares about animals:

http://www.petakillsanimals.com

CNN probably doesn't have the cahones to post this though...

The reality is this:

If we stop the breeders and then there are no more unwanted pets, the poor people who put those unwanted animals out of their misery and the poor souls who produce the chemicals to do so will be out of jobs.
In the face of this recession/depression we need those jobs. Additionally dog is considered good eats in part of the world, it may come to pass here too.

If it were not for breeding, there would be no dogs except the wolf.
This in fact is the goal of PETA.

Did you know that President Obama PROMISED the Humane Society of the United States that he would adopt a shelter dog? I am an Obama supporter, but I'm ashamed of him for breaking that promise. Give me a week (or less) and I could find a purebred, unwanted German Shepherd that someone once just couldn't live without, but now doesn't have time for/can't afford/doesn't have the room for/recently had a baby/ blah, blah, blah. There are other ways to obtain a purebred dog without going to a breeder.

they just want some publicity, thats all. shame they have to demean and insult, let alone someone as reputable as the VP to do so. just shows you how the media is slanting things these days.

anyone with an atempt to collect or possibility to harass, through physical violence or otherwise these days is seen as a valid debt collector demeaning everyone else, whether the 'collector' has a right to do so or not.

this applies not only to a bill collector, but anyone is general who wants to put someone else down, even if it is a personal reason. There is MEDIA law against such acts. I should know.

seems a lot of people are getting improperly 'defamed characters' lately because of this. it goes to show you exactly how much one-sided bigotry exists in america. we were supposed to have put a stop to this many years ago. this hatred for our fellow citizens HAS GOT to STOP.

to me it sounds like america has mad cow disease. weird, because i dont seem to be affected by this 'hoopla'. I know others that, like me see this going on and are taking a stand against it, even if it seems an uphill battle.

With everything going on in the US and abroad...I could care less about the president and vice president's choice in a pet. I think our attention should be elsewhere. A dog is a dog.

I flip houses and use 2 purebred dobermans as watch dogs at night. These dogs were bred and trained for this from a early age. How exactly could I find a dog like this at the pound? I would never trust some mutt in any newly renovated house of mine.

PETA is nuts. Their kill rate for animals they take in is something like 400% higher than the average shelter. Sea Kittens? Human milk in ice cream? If you give money to these people then you are the real person gettin abused.

For every human baby born, a starving orphan in a developing country dies. This is the logic being used against puppy breeders. I'm all for animal rights, but for some reason activists tend to approach the subject with a frightening dose of ignorance and self delusion. There is nothing wrong with humanely breeding healthy bloodlines, even for commercial profit. There is certainly something wrong with irresponsible pet owners who decide they no longer want to or can take care of a pet they had previously committed themselves to.

This is a free country....we have the right to agree or disagree using this forum...we have the right to bear arms or choose not to...we have the right to get a dog from the pound or from a breeder. It should be nobody's business. If there are too many dogs in the pound it's because there are too many irresponsible pet owners who don't spay and neuter. The first thing I did with my purebred lab was to spay her. It's all about responsibility!

I grew up on a farm in the country where against our will, people used to just drop off their unwanted dogs. There was no "pound" in our area. We adopted a few and tried to give the rest away, but could not afford to keep them all, so we ended up shooting several of them. We had those we kept, fixed, so that the problem would not be exacerbated, but felt bad about those that we could not keep. Even so, I find it odd, that so many people should be telling someone else what kind of dog they should or should not have, because of the potential death of a dog. Instead of denigrating breeders why don't you go to the source of the problem and criticize/castigate those that abandon their pets, or don't have them spayed/neutered.

I love animals, but the animal rights people need to back off. It is NOT always possible to adopt a suitable pet from a shelter or rescue group. I had promised my 8-year-old a dog for his birthday. We visited shelters first, but the only dogs available were too large and aggressive-looking to have around my young children. We next tried to adopt from a rescue group after researching and selecting a breed that we felt would be happy with our family. The rescue group stalled us for months. Finally, about six months after my child's birthday, we got a dog from a backyard breeder. It had complete veterinary records, was in excellent health, and the breeder gave us special food and a detailed list of instructions to care for it. It was already used to children, as it had been treated as a family pet in her home. I would have loved to have saved a dog, but could not endanger my young children to do so, and the rescue group just wouldn't work with me. I still have the corgi we adopted – she is seven years old and in excellent health and has been joined by a Jack Russell we DID rescue four years ago. The Russell had been abused and was a fear-biter, but with love and patience has turned into an excellent family pet.

People are always asking me what kind of dog I have – he is so beautiful, funny and extremely protective – eveyone wants "one just like him". Imagine their suprise when I say he was thrown in a dumpster as a puppy and then rescued by the ASPCA. He's an adopted mongrel......and while I do find some purebreds to be nice dogs (temperment, confirmation, etc.), I've never had a purebred (we had several when I was growing up) that compared to my mutt (we refer to him as our 'couture' dog). Funny – so many people tell us that they wish we hadn't had him neutered so he could be bred......they just don't get it, do they? Real dog (or cat or horse or anything else) lovers love what a dog brings into your life. (And if you must have a purebred, you should still check out breed rescue and the shelters – they are full of labradors who 'got too big', boxers who 'play too much' and other half-grown dogs that were given up for acting like....dogs. Honestly – we really don't deserve them.

The fallacy of the PC idiot:

Hey, if you are buying a pure-bred, you are sentencing a shelter dog to death!

is the same as:

Hey, if you don't buy a dog at all, you are sentencing a shelter dog to death!

I am a huge animal lover. Not just dogs, but all animals. Peta does do great things but, and can also hurt the reputable people who do breed. There are good breeders out there. Don't be so quick to judge.

The problem is the breeding and not nearly as much how they treat the dogs they are breeding.

1 – Gazillions of animals are killed "humanely" every year because they can't get homes.

2 – Women should wonder how their lives would be if they were kept and made to carry, give birth to, and give away their young over and over again. Aside from the whole "giving away" part, the physical toll the body takes when it repeatedly gives birth is obvious and these animals have no choice.

I have had both shelter dogs and breeder dogs. I bought the dogs directly from the breeder – not a store. I will not get a shelter dog again. Sorry. We did our best, but they never became part of our family, and eventually we had it put down after biting my kids – unprovoked. I looked at shelter dogs and the amount they were charging was about $50 less than purchasing our new puppy. I am not taking a chance on a shelter dog for that little difference. Fine people who don't get their dog fixed to pay for the care and fees related to adopting the unwanted pups they produce.
Greg

Without breeders certain breeds would go extinct. The problem at shelters is not that there are necessarily too many breeders, it's that humans are diposing of animals carelessly, or not neutering/spaying their pets. The real people to blame are not breeders (although puppy mills are unmistakenly disgusting), its those who discard them to the streets, or breed them "just for money". A breeder should be in the business of keeping a certain breed alive and up to it's breed standard. Those breeders are necessary. If all breeding stopped, and all dogs were spayed/nuetered, there would be no dogs left in 15 yrs. I don't breed, I got my dog at a shelter, but I understand the necessity of some breeders. We can be too quick to throw around blame and accusations, and hate.

Good for VP Biden. He can purchase a dog if he chooses. He can adopt one too. It is his choice. Too bad all you animal rights people are not as concerned about human rights. There are actual people/children starving or living in tyranny all over the world. Imagine if you put a bit of energy into stopping the murder of unborn children in this country instead of dogs. Oh, that's right it is not murder it is a choice – your body.

Well, it's my choice to purchase a dog and that makes me evil. It is your choice to kill an unborn child, but that is Ok? I mentioned the abortion angle because of all the fanatical animal rights people I have met – ALL have been pro-choice

I do agree 80 dogs is more then a bit much. However, I am sure I read that these dogs were past breeding dogs. At least she did not neuter them and send them off to pound then because they lost their purpose. As far as Obama and Biden, REALLY? Who cares what pets they have and where they got them from, I want to know how the are going to house and feed the homeless, what are they going to do about the ecomony?
As far as all the homeless pets, well I wonder how many of you that are so righteous have pets or have had pets who have had litters and never spayed or neutered your animal? That is why there is an over abundance of animals, the owners need to go and get their animals spayed and neutered. I have a rescued German Shepherd, fixed, a rescued mixed breed itty bitty dog, fixed, and a maltese, fixed, my two cats fixed! I rescued three of my animals and purchased one and one was free as a kitten. I am probably over board with my animals now, but they are loved, love me back and are very well cared for. So all of you out there who are into this righteous behavior look in the mirror for a moment. Instead of going on and on about breeders, why not go out and do some good in your own community, raise money to have animals spayed and neutered in your local shelters and with local families.
But you know what they say about opinions? Opinions are like behinds, we all have one!

Breeders disgust me, too. Rescue an animal. We have way too many already. There is no reason anyone needs to go pay $800 for a damn puppy with papers. Absurd.

I always have mutts from the pound. However I believe people have a right to whatever breed they want. It is sad that there are so many dogs without a home so I only hope that people neuter and one day the problem will not be so big. My current mutt is the best 50 bucks I ever spent. She makes me laugh every day.

We recently adopted a shelter dog and she is the life and love of our home, however, if we had chosen to buy a dog from a reputable dealer that is certainly no ones business. Groups like Peta and Wild Horse Rescue people, grizzly bear and wolf groups need to put their money where there out of line thinking takes them. In our state horses starve to death because people can not afford to feed them yet there is no options for these people. Bureau of Land Management pays millions of dollars a year to feed and house wild horses that no one will adopt. These organizations need to pay for the long term care of horses, grizzlies, wolves and all other programs they support. Stop letting these groups have their way with our tax dollars. If you want to save all the shelter dogs and cats in the world just get your checkbook out!

Stop blaming the breeders (entirely) and blame AKC. If you want to show a dog in agility or obedience, then they have to be pure bred! If AKC would allow a mixed breed category, then more people would be willing to get one since all they want is a nice dog to run through agility. (Plus the mixed may be better at it then any pure bred). Write to AKC and complain!

What a whack job, the children she knows are obviously not well treated.

To all the self righteous "dog breeding is bad blah blah blah" folks, there are plenty of children in need of good homes in this world but I bet that didnt stop you fools from breeding!

I have a six year old dog who is spoiled to death, but wanted her to have a companion.. So when I went to a shelter to do the so called "right thing" and adopt a puppy, it never even crossed my mind that we would be "denied" .. But we were, because my husband and I both have a job. My dog is walked daily, and has her own bed in every room of our house and is well trained. They said it was their "quirky" rules.We have a huge new home and yard and a kennel that is better than most people live in. So who are these people to tell me I should do the "right" thing and get a dog from a shelter? I tried and wasn't worthy of it. I would definitely buy a dog from a breeder, as I am sure they would care who it went to and would know that we would love and take care of it.. this is America isn't it? It is a shame that this lady is made to feel like this – as it was a shame that I could not give this shelter puppy an excellent home because of their quirky rules.

the words "reputable" and breeder do not belong in the same sentence.

I cringe when I think about how much biden/bama could have helped the cause for homeless pets. But instead, they purchase dogs, giving undue attention to breeders and pet stores (puppy mills). I really think that this is definite character flaw of both the president and vice president. Kind of depressing. Everyone should visit an animal shelter and see the awesome dogs in cages waiting for someone to take them to a cozy home. Sad.

If you have ever seen what happens at a puppy mill you would understand. Unless you have seen the horror you should not be commenting. People who love animals would not treat them the way these breeders do, and the breeders dare to call us 'activists' like that's a bad thing. Ghandi and Dr King were called 'activists' and also called 'extremists' so fine, name call, but you will not stop us from defending dogs.

At least half the people hereseem to have a problem with reading comprehension/memory.
1) Obama did not 'buy his dog from a breeder'. It was a rehomed puppy, and a gift from Sen. Kennedy.
2) The lady in this article has 80 dogs that live on her property, true. But where in hell does it say she breeds 80 of them at any time?
3) It seems incomprehensible to me that Biden, a true dog enthusiast would deel with anyone who abused animals in a 'puppy-mill' operation, and I don't understand why people would think otherwise.
4) PETA is a PITA; bunch of neurotics

Margo

It never ceases to amaze me how many comments are made with such passion. The bottom line is that those of us who have jobs can spend our discretionary money any way we choose. We can buy breeded dogs, rescue dogs, restaurent fare, casino stints, booze, cigs or donations to charity. Deep down–who cares...

While I'm certain that no one, dog breeder or otherwise, can possibly care for 80 German shepherds in a responsible manner, I'm still confounded by the boneheadedness of the "ADOPT! ADOPT! ADOPT!" crowd and their insistence that, as one poster her put it, "there's no reason for anyone to be breeding dogs."

I assume that you're old enough to understand the basic biological law that requires creatures to breed in order to reproduce. If everyone stopped breeding dogs and everyone looking for a dog went to a shelter, we'd soon have no dogs. Shelter dogs are almost invariably spayed and neutered and thus unable to produce more puppies. Surely such a plan would quickly put the shelters out of business but it would also lead to the extinction of dogs, purebred or otherwise. Since the only dogs that will be breeding on their own are feral, I wonder if you're volunteering to redomesticate them for us once the shelters are empty?

So, by all means, go to the shelter. Use a breed's AKC club rescue group to get a purebred dog of a particular breed. But that doesn't mean no one should buy dogs from breeders. It's not that difficult to ascertain that a dog comes from a small, family-oriented, true kitchen raising kennel and it's not difficult to ascertain the health of the puppy before you make a purchase.

Why are people complaining that she has 80 dogs on her property?

PETA kills (oh sorry euthanizes) over 2/3rds of the animals they "save" from research...where's the outrage at that?

The fact that she has 80 dogs tells me that she isn't euthanizing them, nor is she forcing one or two dogs to constantly be pregnant. She is keeping them BEYOND their breeding life and taking care of them unlike the mills. Nice try though.

Where are police officers going to get their K-9s if there are no reputable breeders making very smart, very fit German shepherds? What if you work on a far and need a quaity herding dog? You need breeders so you don't have to go through 5 dogs to get a good working dog. But most of all, you have no right telling me where I should buy my dog. I am sure these "self important liberals" buying dog's from breeders are different from the self important liberals who demonizes anyone who doesn't buy a dog from the pound.

Let me start off by saying I am an active supporter of ASCAP and the Humane Society of the United States! I am 100% against puppy mills!!!! However, some of the comments I have read in here are absolutely BS!!!! Just because you buy a pet from a REPUTABLE BREEDER does NOT mean you do NOT care about the animals in shelters!!!! I have owned shelter dogs and cats most of my life. I have 3 shelter cats currently and YES, I OWN TWO GERMAN SHEPHERDS!!!! One was a rescue (so pfffft) and one I did indeed purchase from a very reputable breeder! I also rescued a shepherd from an abusive situation back in 2001. God rest his soul I lost him in 2006. Both shepherds I rescued were adults! I am very much in love with the breed! So why does that make me a shelter dog hater?!?! I would continue to rescue but for those of you that have any sense about the breed know that when you rescue a german shepherd from an abusive sitiuation that the dog is more than likely, scared, fearful and is very aggressive!! I can't let a dog like that into my home around my children and other pets!! So purchasing one from a REPUTABLE BREEDER was my choice! It DOES NOT mean I have killed a shelter dog as the commerical on this video article suggests!! Which by the way is a horrible, horrible commerical that should be banned! TO BE CONTINUED!!

People have the right to spend money on whatever dog they want. You (Juliet and Beth, to name a couple) have NO right to decide how anyone else should select their pets. I too have works for shelters. I would recommend adoption but sometimes it's not an option. The woman who ran the shelter I worked with didn't like children, she refuse to adopt out animals to people with children under 7 years of age. So a family with a 5 yr old who wants to give a dog a loving home would never get one by her standards. Stupid and it does nothing to help the animals the need homes. Someone else left a comment that "9 out of 10" dogs from breeders end up being euthanize...please site your source. I think you are intentionally lying or clueless. There is nothing wrong with purchasing a pet from a reputable breeder. The problem is that too many people see no reason to spend 50 to 80 dollars to get their pet spayed or neutered. They are the same people who dump their pet any time the have to move to a new home or have a baby . If you can't see adopting or buying a pet as a commitment for the pets entire life then you should not get one...period. Some groups who claim to promote "animal rights" are nothing but a bunch a fanatical wackos who think they have the right to hurt anyone they want to uphold their own ideals, kind of like fanatics of any major religion. If people would stop and use a little common sense before they brought a pet home there would be much less of a problem. However, most people give little thought to having and raising children so how can we expect them to be responsible with pets?
And JD, get off your woman hating kick. I've known more than one man who flat out refused to accept a baby they had helped create. Walking away is just as bad as being the one who stops by the abortion clinic. It's very convenient to blame it all on women though.

I am tired of people and groups who bad mouth respectable breeders and private owners who seek and obtain registered quality pets with good bloodlines and breed-specific characteristics. Purebred registered animals are wonderful pets, and the correct breeding enables families to select a breed that best suits their lifestyles. We have an AKC registered yellow Labrador retriever, which I specifically wanted because of the breed characteristics. We also have two AKC registered miniarture dachshunds because we also desired little pet dogs with their characteristics. We also have a purebred Siamese housecat, the third one I've had in adulthood ... I love the breed. On the other hand, I have volunteerd much of my time to no-kill animal shelters both in hands on work and through fund raising and holdong a position on the borad of directors. Many people work hard to save homeless animals and I'm one of them. I must say it is a rare occasion to find a purebred animal that is homeless or given up for adoption. People who buy purebred animals are generally very responsible pet owners.

Ed, you say you supported PETA but are now withdrawing your support because of how they treat "respectable pet lovers?" Were you truly unaware that PETA opposes animals being kept as pets?

I wonder how many other well-meaning animal lovers are being gulled into supporting this radical, extremist group that draws no distinction between humans and animals.

Someone posted that you should go to petfinder.com, look up German Shepherd Dog, and you'll see that today there are 7,475 German Shepherds at shelters, not counting mixed breeds. I have to correct you on this: the great majority of those 7,475 who come up under "German Shepherd Dog" are in fact mixed breeds, as you will see if you look at the individual dogs' profiles, or as you will know if you have ever used petfinder. I love mixed breed dogs and all my animals are rescues; I am posting this because there's nothing to be gained by dealing with inaccuracies or lies. I love petfinder, and have found some of my most beloved furry and feathered friends through the site.

God gave us control of the animals? Prove it.

We are all animals and none of us is privileged over others. If you are not an animal, you must be either vegetable or mineral. We have responsibility for the globe because we are "intelligent" beings. As such, we are merely caretakers of dogs. Breeding dogs should be abolished and we have the responsibility to get control of the shelters and abolish puppy mills. Biden and Obama are delusional as are all politicians.

I own two purebred dogs and I got them for a reason. I have no problem with muts or adopting, but I wanted a purebred because their health, behavior, and lifestyles are predictable. I chose dogs that were compatible with my lifestyle so that I could enjoy them as much as possible and I would be able to provide the best lives possible for them. When you adopt a mutt you don't always know what you're getting. Why do you think so many of them end up in shelters? People get dogs that they know nothing about and then dump them at shelters when they can't deal with them. In terms of health, there are just as many if not more problems with mutts BECAUSE of the fact that many of them are two different breeds that don't mesh well. This whole thing is dumb. Sure she has a lot of dogs; she may not be the most responsible person. But I'm sure that many of the adult dogs are no longer breeding. She is just caring for them after their careers are over. Thats what breeders are supposed to do. Also, if you go to a shelter the first dogs adopted there are the puppies–SHAME ON YOU PEOPLE!! You are no better than her because you aren't adopting older dogs!!! See how dumb that sounds? Why don't you take older dogs? "Because they won't live as long and are probably there for a reason." Well that's just as bad as wanting a purebred. Dogs will keep breeding without people. we just take the ones we want regardless of the circumstances. No one else needs to say a word unless they adopt every stray dog they ever see-EVER!!! But wait, then you'll be just like her; too many dogs to take care of and people threating your life. pwnt.

I used to volunteer at a local animal shelter and I worked with both dogs and cats. While I wouldn't hesitate to get a mixed breed cat, if I ever have another dog it will be a purebred animal. While it is "possible" to get a purebred dog from a shelter, they are adopted so quickly it is a very difficult thing to do. I would get a purebred dog because with a purebred, you know what you're getting in terms of temperament, disposition and any health issues that could arise as the dog gets older. With a mixed breed, who knows.

An alternative to getting an animal from a shelter is going through a rescue group that specializes in a particular breed. You get a purebred that is "rescued" and everyone wins.

Breeders aren't the problem. Irresponsible pet owners who don't have their dogs/cats spayed or neutered are. That's where the unwanted mixed breed dogs and cats come from.

To all who are criticizing the breeder, have you been to her facility? Have you seen how the dogs are kept, fed, played with. Don't point the finger without firsthand knowledge.

And, by the way, this is the United States of America. People can get a pet from wherever or whomever they please – shelter or breeder. As long as they treat the animal with love and respect, it isn't anyone's business where the animal came from.

this is to all you idiots who think they should stop breeding dogs all together and get them from shelters, you are morons.

if people stop breeding dogs, in 10 years there will be no dogs anywhere, whether that be in my home or in a shelter. i should not be punished because PEOPLE can be irresponsible when getting a dog. i know what i want in a dog, i dont want a joe smo dog. i want a dog with a medium hard tempermant, strong build, needing exercise, smart and friendly, and a good breeder can get me just that, a shelter can not.

rescue dogs can be great as pets, but they are a total wild card, which is probably why so many end up back in shelters over and over.

the problem is not good respectable breeders like this one, its not even puppy mills, the problem is people. yes, puppy mills are aweful, but if people werent so irresponsible they would not buy from them and they would go out of business, and only respectable breeders would remain.

i used to support PETA until i realized there absolute goal is to get rid of ALL pets from homes, and now find myself fundamentally opposed to them

If PETA and HSUS truly wanted to make the lives of animals better, why to THEY euthanize instead of placing them for adoption? Their rate of adoption is ridiculously low. Their ultimate goal is to end all animal ownership PERIOD and even call it animal enslavement. I hope that term is disgusting enough to slam everyone's pockebook shut.

Reputable breeders will always take back any puppy they produce throughtout their lifetimes. This is generally a requirement in their contracts.

Shelter dogs come from back-yard breeders (cheap, no health checks, etc.), from puppy mills and pet stores (one in the same).

If you make money breeding, you're not doing it correctly.

I have a pair of so-called "designer dogs" - a "Bug" (Boston Terrier / Pug mix) and a "Chi-Weenie" (Chihuahua / Dachshund mix). My "Bug" was adopted through a shelter but he never spent a moment in the shelter, he was fostered with a loving family until his forever family came to claim him - that would be me. He's been with us for a little over 4 years, and I love my "Bug"!

Our "Chi-Weenie" was abandoned underneath our semi-truck in a parking lot somewhere in Oklahoma (I won't name names, but I know where I was at). She was less than 4 weeks old and not even old enough to be away from her mama. I bottled fed her and hand-raised her from 2.5 weeks old, and she's been with us for almost 3 years now.

Both of my dogs and both of my house cats are "altered / fixed / sterilized", and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm an animal lover, not a breeder. I didn't want a litter of kittens or puppies, for any reason.

Some people pay a lot of money for these two "breeds" of "designer" dogs. I paid $50 to adopt my "Bug" through the shelter, and the "Chi-weenie" was obviously "free to a good home" because she was abandoned. Both of my cats were "free to a good home" animals as well, and "mutts" if you will.

All four of my animals - dogs & cats - have pet beds, toys, food, regular veterinary care. They are licensed and tagged and, as I stated before, they are all "altered". Not every pet owner - or even someone that owns a "designer breed" dog - is an evil person. And not every breeder is an evil person either.

Random bred dogs are not the 'right' dog for every person. Somebody's cast off puppy mill purebred is not always ideal for a home wanting a genetically sound dog.

Good breeders take their dogs back any time, for any reason. Those dogs in the shelter are not from good breeders unless some dishonest owner has broken the right of first refusal in the adoption contract and dropped the dog at a shelter without returning it to the breeder. Those shelter dogs are are from your neighbors who did not take an animal for life, did not control its fertility, were not responsible for it and its offspring.

Some of us do not wish to have our freedom of choice taken from us because our neighbors were irresponsible dolts. We will not be punished for their failures. We will not be restricted by their total lack of decency.

We will open our homes to animals of the type we want and we will get them where we want them as long as it does not encourage more irresponsible behavior.

Keep in mind that many of you are being brainwashed by animal rights groups who want to see the extinction of all domestic animals. They will divide us animal lovers, and one by one, they will shut down our ability to own and share our lives with dogs and cats. They will tell us to stop doing business with puppy mills and that will be good. Then they will say stay away from back yard breeders and that will be good. Then they will say stay away form responsible breeders because there are still shelters full of animals. Then if they are like PETA, they will kill more than they adopt all the while trying to get people to sterilize any animal and encouraging restrictions on the number of pets a person can own.

Eventually, it will be like China. If you own a pet you are somehow immoral and wasteful.

Already we have an influx of small breed dogs from Mexico and other countries because there are not enough small dogs in many local shelters. That's where most of our dogs will eventually come from if you people don't pull your heads out of the propaganda and start supporting responsible ownership AND breeding. Foreign puppy mills, like that will be an improvement. I'm sure foreign puppy mills will be nice places ...sure they will.

... so says this owner of both shelter and purebred dogs from breeders

Ya'll are so stupid! You are worrying about dogs when we have babies on the streets everyday either prostituting or being taken advantage of by grudy old men, just to survive because they have known fit parents. Yes, I love animals, but I love a living and breathing human life above all. Why don't America focus on that. Save our children while you worrying about saving an animal.

Crazy Americans, no wonder we are being laughed at around the world.

"April 14th, 2009 12:24 pm ET
No used dogs for credit card biden. No dog from the pound is good enough for self-important liberals." – Tom M

Tom M, Get off your self-righteous high horse. Morons like you only divide the country with crap like stating that pound pups are not good enough for self-important liberals. I know tons of Red state republican breeders and I am a southern liberal with 2 adopted dogs.

I love steak. I love chicken. I love fish.

People kill animals. People are omnivours, and thus we were meant to eat animals (whether by nature or God is irrelevant). Which means killing them.

Little difference from killing animals in shelters. Oh, wait, those animals are supposed to be pets! Maybe we should start eating the animals in the shelters, numb everyone's feelings for them a bit.

I am currently fostering 8 german shepherd puppies and their momma. They are quickly becoming a part of my pack and it will be hard to let them go, it's been so much work. While my heart goes out to this woman for caring for these animals, I honestly, do not understand breeding. There are so many wonderful shelter and rescue german shepherd dogs... I just don't get it. More people should rescue dogs and less should breed them.

Tom M- What an idiotic statement. What does one's political leanings have to do with this issue?

IrishKisses-I couldn't agree more.

such tree huggers its insane,

if i want a dog , ill get it where ever i want,

and btw i adopted a dog from a Tennessee rescue shelter, but seriously you people are annoying.

Does this mean that I should adopt a child rather than having one of my own?

Where does it end? I cannot, and will not, take responsibility for the irresponsible actions of animal breeders and those who choose to abandon their pets to the pound. Their choice does not take away my right to get a puppy if I so choose.

Taking the logic of these arguments to its final conclusion means I am responsible for the actions of everyone around me.

There are breeders, and then there are REPUTABLE Breeders, there is a huge difference between them.
A reputable breeder shows their dogs, and breeds for the betterment of the breed. When they breed they choose their dogs they are breeding for a required outcomes like temperment, breed standard and to ween out certain heriditary diseases known to affect the breed. A good breeder will have their studs and females tested for known ailments and diseases, They will also spay and neuter those that have tested positive for those genes and ailments. And most of the time a reputable breeder does not have 80 + dogs on their property.

The other type of breeder just breeds for money, they don't care what happens to those puppies after they got their cash and the puppy has left their premises. These types of breeders should be banned.

And please don't knock people who buy breeds as I for example wanted a dog with certain traits. I researched many breeds. I then found a reputable breeder and purchased my puppy because I not want an adult dog (although i will rescue a dog in the future) and I did not want a puppy with a mixed bag of DNA where certain traits may come out and give us surprises!

Please people do you research before you get a dog and get a dog that suits you and your families lifestyles! And don't forget to spay an neuter your animals!

We rescued a 2 yr old dog that seemed to be great until it bit one of guests
when they came to visit, we since have bought 2 different types of dogs
from 2 different breeders and I have to say I don't see anything wrong with
getting dogs from a breeder. You can check out the breeder and their history and record keeping, as well as the parents of the puppies (most of them are kept on site) better than the guesses for answers you get
from a shelter. Rescue a dog from a shelter and you still have to
pay for it... a "small" adoption fee or "re-homing" fee what's the difference, because they call it a "shelter". I would rather pay a breeder and know exactly what I am getting. We have the freedom to choose do not make anyone wrong for doing that.

The main problem i notice with PETA is its black and white view of the world. Stop unnecessary cruel testing on animals, get rid of feed farms for sure! How do they succeed in anything they do? They always seem so hateful. "i'm better than you because I don't torture poor defenseless animals". I have no problem hunting a deer or a rabbit because i know a bear or a mountain line would, if it could, eat me. Its how life works. You have to eat things to continue living. and PETA can thank their omnivore ancestors for their large brain. come on people, there are more important issues to worry about. this woman is not a puppy farm! quit giving PETA press! just another extremists group with a few rich celebrity members.

"Stop blaming the breeders (entirely) and blame AKC. If you want to show a dog in agility or obedience, then they have to be pure bred! If AKC would allow a mixed breed category, then more people would be willing to get one since all they want is a nice dog to run through agility."

There are many other venues that people with mixed-breeds dogs can compete in for obedience, agility, etc.
Here's a whole list of agility organizations, you'll see many of them let mixed breed dogs compete: http://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.display&page_id=62

AKC does encourage people to adopt from shelters by offering the ILP/PAL. Unregistered dogs that appear to be purebred can compete in companion events and earn titles.
http://www.akc.org/reg/ilpex.cfm

Quit blamming the breeders you unfit owners who didnt take care of your animals.They are in shelters or foster care, If you want to do something about how many animals are out there waiting for adoption then go get your pet and take care of it this time!

Damned if you do, Damned if you don't...

Animal rights activists are going a bit far. They hate puppy mills, but also hate reputable breeders?? If a person wants to select a pure-bred puppy that they can train and socialize properly they should be penalized?? The only good dog is a dog rescued from the pound? I'm all for rescue dogs ( I have one), but I also realize that rescue dogs also come with unknown behaviors that can be especially difficult for novice owners to deal with. There is no shame in going with a breeder who is professional in their treatment/care of their dogs and making every attempt to maintain a strong genetic soundness of the dogs they breed. Their (animal activists) attempt to discredit anyone recieving a puppy from a reputable breeder merely serves to undermine their goal to dismantle puppy-mills...rather, we need to encourage potential owners to research breeders, be aware of puppy mills, know what to look for, and be responsible in their choices.

Here's a solution, don't sell your puppies to big government, PETA-loving idiots like Biden and Obama.

As someone who has both a dog that I got from the pound as well as a pure breed that I got from a breeder, I feel for this poor woman. The animal that I recieved from the pound was a full grown dog that was miss treated by its former owner, she runs at the sight of a news paper and cowers from loud noises but is a very lovable animal. The animal that I recieved from the breeder I purchased because I love that breed of dog and always have and always will. All of these animals that this person breeds are well taken care of and are treated as though they are children of the family. This dog is very lovable and protective of my family as well. When you go to the pound you dont know what you are getting, you may be wanting a corvett when you got to the car dealer but end up with a cluncker because you didnt know the full history of your purchase. I have nothing but praise for this womans integrity and pitty for these poor people harassing her with false and slanderous claims.

Why is the purity of the breed so important? If different breeds were not supposed to have puppies together they would be genetically unable to do so.
To say that a "breed must remain pure" is no different than saying that a "race must remain pure." Believing that people are better off owning "pure breeds" is like saying that people are better off if they only have children with people of the same race. If a person's lineage contains multiple races is that person of a lower quality than a person who's lineage only contains one race? NO! So why should a dog be of lower quality because their lineage contains multiple breeds?
How would you feel if someone was in the business of "breeding" pure blood people and putting them out for "adoption" for a profit?

Many people through their posts demonstrate that they have selected the wrong people for pointing a finger at. Breeders are where new puppies should come from, even if they are mixed breeds.

Our society should not have needed animal shelters in the first place if we were responsible citizens. You are saying, "Do nothing about the irresponsibility of hundreds of thousands of people whose pets populate shelters and make threats to the people that are bringing animals into the world the right way. Come on!

Let's clear up some misconceptions here.

Yes, there are some overflowing shelters. The reason many of these shelters are overflowing is because of state or local laws requiring these shelters to keep all animals – even feral cats (unadoptable) and vicious dogs (unadoptable) for extended periods of time before they can be humanely euthanized.

The popular myth is that shelters are overflowing with dogs or cats who can be adopted but simply aren't...not true, at least in most of the cases. If breeders "stopped breeding" because of this myth, very soon there would be no pets for anyone – not to adopt from the shelters, not to buy from the breeders.

This is why you PETA folks and animal rights activist folks will never get anything done for your cause. Im all for the ethical treatment of every living thing on this planet not just the cute cuddly things you guys like to lobby for. But you guys go off on random good people just cause they fit some profile of a monster you have built in your tiny little worlds. I have seen some of the most foolish remarks in these comment sections. Dont breed dogs!? Well after PETA has spayed and neutered everything in site and the pound kills all the rest how else would the species survive?

My wife and I belong to a rescue group for boxers (Boxer Aid and Rescue Coalition). I am amazed at how many animals are at the pound and being killed. Why keep breeding these dogs? All that is happening is that people get these "cute little puppies" who then grow up and need to be trained. Instead of taking time to train the dogs people say they can't handle it and take it to the pound. Breeders make a ton of money off of these animals that are probably going to end up in a pound and eventually killed. Not all breeders are money hungry people; some love their animals and care for them as best as possible, but the majority do not. Trust me, I have helped rescue somewhere around fifteen boxers who all were just tossed aside because people couldn't handle them. Breeders and people who don't spay or nuter are some of the biggest problems.

Methinks quite a few people on this thread (99%) need to do some research on AR & PETA & then come back to comment. You don't even realize that you have fallen hook, line & sinker – the AR groups are out to kill off ALL dogs/cats/pets & you won't catch on until they're banging down your own front door with a search warrant & carting off "Fluffy" to be euthanized that evening.

Do some research, people.

I, too, have generally 'rescued' my pets. Have had a strange cat or two through the years but no big deal. Four years, ago, we rescued Lily. Now, once an animal comes into my home, he/she becomes 'family' and will always be loved and cared for. Lily is a six year old American Eskimo who acts like she is autistic. Sometimes very sweet but other times she will bite as soon as look at you. We can never have her around small children. She can also be "over protective". While she is a picky eater when it comes to dog food, she loves garbage, ie... dead birds, bones, whatever. Then wrestling this stuff away from her, she generally bites us. She is only six years old but already shows signs of arthritis, kidney disease, eye trouble, hearing loss. We love her and will see it through but she is definetly the most difficult of all animals I've ever owned. Also, turning out to be much more expensive than any other pet we've ever had. In the end, I would rather pay upfront then deal with all I've had since 'rescuing' Lily.
Living this experience has convinced me that 'resue' is not always the way to go. She is the most volatile and expensive pet I have ever owned.
If one has small children, limited income and/or limited experience w/pets, adopt from a reputable breeder. It will save you money in the long run and a lot of heartache along the way.
To all those who criticize those of us who choose to purchase some of our pets : "get a life".

If you read these posts, you seen not only incredible ignorance about dogs and other animals but also the truth to the old dictum that dogs are better than people.

The line of the dogs that I have reach back thousands of years into prehistory. In breeding them, there is no profit other than love of them and their abilities.

Eliminating these dogs will not help the dogs in the pound. Enforcing more severe penalties for loose dogs, abandonment and abuse is needed. Actually, I would enjoy seeing their owners put in a pound for a while.

Where I come from, dogs are a delicacy. I eat one every week. Puppies are very tender and juicy.

You ANTI- Breeder people are wrong. Just because there are countless pets needing adoption does not mean you should be blast those who choose to get a dog from a breeder. It's like saying people shouldn't have their own children because there are thousands of kids needing adoption. Talk about having double standards. The point is people want puppies, and pure bred dogs, with specific characteristics. Things that are EXTREMELY rare if not impossible to find in pounds.

Seriously, leave politics out of this. Everyone, no matter their opinion on the spending bill or TARP or anything else that leads to partisan name-calling, should be united against dog breeders. Maybe they treat them nice, I'm sure some of them love their animals (there are exceptions to every generality), but there is already overpopulation of dogs and cats in this country. Shelters have to euthanize hundreds of perfectly adoptable and adorable animals every year because they don't have the budget or they don't have the space. Shelters have to euthanize thousands of animals every year because of neglect, disease, and other unfortunate circumstances that come from poor care and poor health. Go to the shelter, adopt a loving animal, save a life.

continuation.... I have worked for vets and ALL animals get diseases and such, not just the pure breeds! To Juliet: I tell you what is irresponsible and selfish, is to let your dog go unneutered or unspayed! That is why the shelters are full of unwanted animals!! And to Tom M: you are an ass! "No dog from pound good enough for Biden"! I took that personally since I have a pure breed I purchased from a reputable breeder! When you want the best of something do you go purchase it from a reputable place or do you try to find it at a flea market or yard sale?!?! AND FOR GOD SAKES BEFORE YOU YAHOOS START JUDGING... I AM IN NO WAY COMPARING A LIVE ANIMAL TO MATERIAL ITEMS... I AM JUST TRYING TO MAKE A POINT!! AMEN to Rhonda, Michael, JD and Claudine!! I know there are very poor and unreptuable breeders out there, and yes, they need to be stopped.. but lay off the good, reputable ones! I support ending puppy mills to the fullest! To be continued again....

gimmeabreak! you guys get all bent out about a person breeding thier dog and taking the steps to try to insure the puppies will have the proper bloodlines yet it's ok that all these other people obviously let their dogs run loose and get knocked up by any hound around. where's the bashing of these people that did not take care of their dogs to ensure they did not add to the over populations. also so we only adopt then these breed dogs will be left to be alone and that's ok? people that breed professionaly are just fine in my book, as long as they do it right (and plenty do) if you want to adopt, fine then adopt, but don't get all high and mighty against someone who wants a particular breed of dog. i guess my wife and i should never had conceived our own kids, we should have adopted. PETA is joke, if they had their way none of us would own a pet. you guys really want to help this world out? stop worring about what kind of dogs/cats everyone is buying and start looking into the needs of HUMANS. stop drinking the PETA koolaid.

First of all it is so wonderful to see how many people care about this issue. Second, I like Obama and Biden, but have they ever actually gone to a shelter? If they had, I don't believe their hearts and consciences would have allowed them to leave without at least one dog. Next, I totally agree with the people who criticize ideas such as "preserving the integrity of the breed," etc. Give me a break! Don't tell me you aren't making money off the misery of the animals who, through no fault of their own, get taken to a pound. Because if people did the decent thing, they would adopt animals. They would also adopt children. And to all the idiots out there buying puppies from pet stores: You ought to come out to an Amish puppy mill and see how the dogs live, in chicken-wire "cages" about 3 feet by 3 ft by 3 ft, filthy, miserable, unloved, unhandled, wild, yapping day and night. When they urinate and defecate they do so onto the dogs who "live" beneath them, or onto a contraption where the p... and sh.. slides down to where the Amish clean it off. All in the name of money. To the person who described why she /he wanted a purebred: bet you love telling people how much you paid for it! Bet you think that makes it worth more. But you can't put a price tag on love, or on doing the right thing.
Stop the insanity! If you want a dog adopt one! If you want a kid adopt one!!!!!

80 Adult dogs on a single piece of property? That's a lot of dogs. However, the owner is allowed to breed dogs, and if she is pure-breeding German Shepherds, more power to her.

But let's keep in mind that it's one thing to breed dogs for a commercial venture. It's another thing entirely to not "fix" your dog and let them produce unwanted puppies.

Bottom line: This is America. There are some people who prefer and/or need pure breds (ie allergy sufferers) and this is a free country to do so.
From reading most of the comments it appears the inspection was motivated by politics since this seems to be yet another political issue to some of you blaming "Liberals" for all the puppy mills, etc. All I can say to that is grow up.

For everyone who is saying horrible things about PETA and their euthanizing process. PLEASE read this: http://blog.peta.org/archives/2009/03/why_we_euthaniz.php

There are hundreds of thousands of pets who are abused, neglected and then found by compassionate people who bring those animals to the PETA centers. Often times, they are so badly injured or starved or sick that the only humane thing to do is to put them down comfortably.

The millions of animals put down due to overcrowded shelters are not in affiliation to PETA. However, the breeders are the cause of that, and the people who buy from said breeders.

For those of you who want to adopt shelter dogs, more power to you.

But because I want to go through a breeder, don't assume I am some sort of demon.

I want a puppy, not an older dog. I want to train it from the beginning and know the care and upbringing it has had and to bond with it from the beginning. Dogs have a relatively short life span...Our first dog was 13, our second dog, 9, and our current dog is almost 14, but has significant healh issues including cancer and arthritis. Given the close bond, and how hard it is to say goodby to a loved pet, and the grieving process involved, I don't want to miss 10% or more of my dogs lifespan by adopting an older dog.

I want a dog that i hav some reasonable expectations about the dog's personality and genetics. I want to see its parents and siblings. I want to see where it was born, and how it was handled during the first weeks of life.

I make a big emotional and financial commitment to give my dogs the best home they can possibly have. So I select carefully the breed and the kennel.

That is my preference and my right.

Some of you people are just plain idiotic. First of all, with any important purchase in life, you should do your homework if you're buying a dog from a breeder or from anywhere else for that matter. A dog is part of your family for many years and you should be informed on what you are bringing to live in your home. So choosing to purchase from a well documented and compassionate breeder is smart. I think most of the anger is a crude form of jealousy pushed on breeders and the people who buy well bred dogs, or else just misdirected because you truly don't know the source of your issue. Let's face it, people who buy from breeders do as much population control as those of you who rescue dogs. It's the puppy mills who over produce and irresponsible owners who don't have their dogs fixed that are truly to blame for the countless dogs put down. I know where I live if your male dog isn't clipped, then you have to pay a fee to the city annually. Ironically, the fee is similar to that of the operation fee charged at local humane societies. Do the right thing and stop blaming breeders and start educating retailers and customers about the problem of overpopulation and how to have their new dogs fixed.

P.S. I love my pure bred Border Collie! He's smarter and better looking than any mutt.

No way is breeding dogs a criminal activity unless we're talking puppy mill. I personally would never buy an animal with a pedigree, preferring instead to save the lives of the wonderful dogs/cats in shelters. BUT, it is a personal choice, and as long as the animal owner provides a good home and alters the animal, then I don't think we should be criticizing. The animal overpopulation situation is just an unfortunate fact, and some cities have a policy of trapping, altering, and re-releasing feral cats. Altering is just the best thing that can be done to any animal, period, to bring down the population. Quite frankly PETA lost all credibility with me when the "sea kittens" story aired anyway. They come off as a group of irrational idiots, probably with good hearts, but too militant to be taken seriously.

With the staggering number of dogs who find themselves in shelters and worse every year, you'd think that breeders who profit from selling animals would consider a breeding moratorium. Puppy mill operators aren't the folks I'd expect to have a conscience about that but those who claim to love the dogs so much who just keep pumping out puppies to sell are profiting too.

There's reputable dog breeders and then there's puppy mills. Don't paint them both with the same brush. Dog breeders ae who we have to thank for many of the breeds we have today, they put a lot of work into selective breeding. I got a beagle-bulldog mix from a reputable breeder, and he's an incredible dog. He's not as much of a slave to his sense of smell as a beagle is, and he doesn't have such a strong tendency to run off chasing after smells. He's also got stronger hips then a bulldog would, and a longer muzzle, so we don't have to clean his jowls. He's smart, he's got an independent and a stubborn streak, and he's tough as nails. We went to shelters, and our cat is a shelter cat, but we couldn't find any dogs there that captured our heart like Tater did.

Add to that the hoops that animal rescue shelters make you jump through, and they really do need to just back off. Half my pets are shelter pets, half my pets are from a breeder, and I donate a lot to the ASPCA every year.

But these militant PETA types are just completely fricking insane, there's no reasoning with them. And I'm a liberal.

I have 4 dogs. 3 of them were rescues. . . 1 from a shelter and the other 2 literally found by the road. My 4th dog is a pure bred Golden Retriever. I looked for a pure bred in shelters and did not find one. I then checked with the breed rescue locally, of which I am a member, and could not adopt one of theirs because I live in a city and the criteria says the dog needs to be in a rural setting with running room. So I drove 16 hours to get my puppy form a good breeder and would gladly do it again. The dog was not bred specifically for me. . .she had already been born when I discovered her. I "rescued" her from an uncertain future if no one wanted her. My desire for a pure bred golden did not equal a shelter death. The dog I wanted wasn't available, so I didn't "pass up" a shelter dog and allow it to die. I have given a wonderful forever home to 4 dogs who were already in this world.

To "JD"

Apples and oranges, but then again, it's always about abortion with you evangelical creeps. Always gotta weave your insane anti-abortion spin into everything, don't you? Thank God you pathetic lot are a dying voting demographic.

Responsible breeders protect species. PETA once again has gone over the top and given anumal welfare supporters a bad name.

The Lord God gave Man domain over the animals. That means Man can do whatever he wants to whatever animal he wants. If I want to kick a dog, the Lord God says it is just and right. Animals were created for the use and amusement of all mankind. Obey the Lord God or suffer his wrath!!!

All the people saying that people that breed or buy purebreds are evil are being insane. There have been individually recognized dog breeds for hundreds years. These dogs have been bred for certain physical and personality traits for a reason. Someone that wants a particular dog has every right to choose a dog that they will have a reasonable expectation for what the dogs personality and behavior will be like.

Blame the yahoos that wont pay the $100 to get their pet neutered or spayed. Its their fault dogs end up on the streets or in shelters.

The reason dogs are in shelters is not because of the responsible breeder but because of irresponsible owners. Try to buy a dog from a serious breeder who loves his dogs and see how easy it is. You have to provide much more information than when trying to adopt a shelter dog. You are screened and quizzed and usually the price is high enough to dissuade a person who wants the dog just because of the way it looks or because he saw it in a movie. Most serious breeders make you promise to give the dog back to them if you find one day you can't keep the dog for one reason or another. PETA only works for its own purposes; otherwise, it would be going after puppy mills.

Oh, I just love these self-righteous dweebs with more keyboard than brains who think they're so right about every idiotic comment they make on things like this. I didn't make animals for anyone to give them rights, and in fact I never gave any "rights" to anyone I put on this planet. Trying to force your views on this subject on anyone else is only going to get you smackdowned by the other party. And remember, the kind of terrorism you nitwits think you're within your rights to inflict on others can also be inflicted on you. You've been warned.

Adopting nothing but strays is a noble idea. However, certain breeds have certain desirable traits that you can't find in a shelter mutt, so this is unrealistic. If one is looking for a working dog, a pit bull mix from the shelter is not going to be a good herding dog because it was not bred for this purpose. Furthermore, if we stop breeding dogs, soon there will be no dogs at all. Think people! Dogs do not spontaneously regenerate!

I love GSDs and when I get another dog, it will be a GSD from a reputable breeder. Not all breeders are evil, greedy rubes. Painting all with the same brush is a hasty generalization.

I dislike PETA as they are hypocrites. They were found dumping dog carcasses in dumpsters in this state. So much for PETA's no kill policy.

Continuation... If any of you paid any attention to the lady's set up she had for all of these shepherds, you would have realized it was a very awesome set up!!! And if you paid attention that she doesn't breed all of them, some are just her pets you might think twice before you open your mouths, well maybe not! Those shepherds looked very healthy and happy! I didn't see the signs of a puppy mill! Some of you condemn people who don't get shelter animals but purchase from breeders. What about people who don't have pets at all? Are they bad people too because they don't adopt a pet? My heart breaks for shelter pets! But unfortunately they all can't be saved! I am sorry I had to continue my comment so many times but I was absolutely outraged when I read some of the comments made!!

My wife just purchased a puppy today from a reputable local breeder. We considered a shelter/rescue dog but didn't want to be subjected to the application, approval process, in home visits, yada, yada, yada. The cost wasn't much more. No wonder there are so many dogs looking for adoption. Also, as a member of PETA (People who Eat Tasty Animals), I object to the above negative comments!

People have the RIGHT to purchase their dog from a responsible breeder if they choose. If they don't want to go to the humane society that is their choice. People who spend all of their time telling other people what they need to do with their hard earned money get on my nerve. I have a friend who got several dogs from the human society had problems with each of them. Because most of these dogs are mutts if you have a child with allergies you have to get a hypoallegenic pet. I can understand having a problem with puppy mills, but when you have a breeder who treats their pets like a member of the family you should not have any problem with. I refuse to let Peta or you idiots tell me that I can't go to a breeder to purchase my daugher a dog if I want to. PETA and anyone elsie who have a problem with it kiss.......

I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting a purebred dog. I have had three dogs in the last 20 years from shelters and loved every one of them. But I am telling you, you do not know what you are getting from a shelter animal, especially an older dog. If I had young children, I would not risk getting a dog older than 6 months because you will not know if that dog has been abused, improperly socialized, etc.
Purebred dogs often are noted for certain dispositions. Some are agressive, some are loyal and gentle, some are hyper, some are just pretty. But the point is, you have a good idea of what your dog will be like.
BTW, for the people who mention PETA, you obviously have no idea what PETA's real stance is. As far as they are concerned, we should not have animals as pets, we should not eat animals, we should not use animal hides, etc.... It is not a question of them supporting shelter animals over breeders.

For the record, the Obama's Portuguese Water Dog is a rescue. His original family was not able to keep him.

What is this, the PETA blog ?

The Obama's did not BUY their dog Bo. Bo was a gift from Sen. Kennedy who also has the same breed. If you want a 'valid' opinion you should at least get your facts straight. I Love Pugs

It is a matter of personal freedom and choice if a person wants to adopt a pedigreed animal. I have both. There are also millions of children that need adopting yet when did you last critize people for having their own children?

I fully support animal welfare organizations but these animal rights groups won't stop until there are no pets (their REAL agenda by the way) and we're all vegetarians.

We do live in America after all and people should have the freedom to choose their own pets.

Yeah, there's a lot of shelter dogs out there to adopt. What people gloss over is that very often these dogs are damaged goods, traumatized and untrainable. It's hard to adopt a dog out after it is a puppy because it's hard to train a dog past the 8-12 week formative stage. There is a lot that has to be done in the early months of a dog's life, in terms of training and socializing, to make it a friendly and safe family pet. Not everybody can adopt an untrained traumatized older dog from a shelter with behavior and possibly medical problems, and take the time and money needed to get that dog right. An untrained and unsocialized dog is a danger to its owners and to the people and animals around it.

On top of that, the animal shelters in my area have a ridiculous number of hoops you have to jump through in order to adopt from them. If adopting a rescue dog was such a great thing, and if there is such a need for it, then the shelters need to make it easier, and streamline the process.

All that being said, I will continue to donate to the ASPCA, and when I have a home and a yard, I will try to foster a couple dogs until they can be adopted.

I agree with those saying each dog bred by a breeder represents the death of a perfectly wonderful shelter dogs. Shame on those that breed and those that buy-it is inexcusable. I say it is time to put breeders out of business. One poster mentioned that it is not a money-making venture to breed dogs anyway-so what would the breeders elimination truly hurt?

You people who have a problem with ALL dog breeding are insane. "Every dog sold from a breeder is a death sentence for a stray?" You crazy peacenik liberals really have a problem with the concept of individual responsibility, don't you? A person who maintains a clean and ethical dog breeding facility because of their affection for a particular breed is in no way responsible for the actions of low lives who are putting dogs out on the street.

Expecting every dog owner to clean up the dirty laundry of some low life is unreasonable. Why don't you focus your frustrations at the cause of the problem: people who don't take care of the dogs they have.

People need to stop harping on breeders just because there are strays to be found in a pound. The logic just doesn't hold. Breeders are not responsible for the number of strays out there, in most cases its the dog owners that do not spay/neuter or control their pets that are to blame. There are countless children in need of a good home as well. Does that mean a mother who still decide to give birth to children of their own is being irresponsible and selfish? I know its an emotional issue, but that does warrant holding a group of people responsible or to blame when they themselves have done nothing wrong.

Most of the dogs in the shelters are big
ugly mutts. We are in a nation (used to be that is) where you could do what makes you
happy.

Breeders sacrifice a lot just to breed dogs.
No vacations,up all hours helping mothers
etc.
Most screen their applicants looking for a good fit.

PETA and the SPCA is taking over the country. More and more breeders are been taken out. Most people want a purebred dog
and not a mutt.

LEAVE THE BREEDERS ALONE!

Most of the dogs put down in shelters
are pit mixes,lab mixes etc.

c'mon people, seriously you got to be kidding me. 80-90% of dogs in shelters have pit mixed in. IT's the irresponsible owners of mutts that dont' get them fixed is the problem. Wether a mutt or purebreed spay and neuter your dog. I'm a hunter and I'm not going to find a good hunting dog in a shelter. I'm going to a breeder. Breeders for the most part treat their dogs better than most people treat their kids. This is for all the shelter dogs only comments. You have a young baby or child at home, YOU DO NOT WANT TO BRING HOME A DOG FROM A SHELTER THAT MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ABUSED OR IS A PIT MIX AND TAKE A CHANCE WITH YOUR CHILDREN. MABYE A PUPPY BUT ANYTHING OLDER THAN A YEAR , YOUR TAKING A CHANCE WITH YOUR CHILDS HEALTH AND WELFARE. TO CALL SOMEONE CRIMINAL FOR BREEDING DOGS IS ABSURD. WHAT'S NEXT ONLY FIFI'S AND FUFU DOGS CAN BE BRED.

Kudos to the Obama and Biden families for taking the time to thoughtfully choose the right pet for their family and not giving in to the leftist fringe elements (read PETA, et al) that supported their election and now somehow feel that they are indebted to them.

Can't wait for the Rescue Shelter Boys new release. Gimme a break and get a life PETA followers!

Get a grip people!! All of you people who say "go rescue a dog from a shelter" have no idea what the heck you're talking about. Most shelter dogs don't come from responsible breeders (many of whom will include as part of their purchase price a caveat that states that the dog will return to them if the buyer for any reason decides they no longer want the dog). Most shelter dogs come from pet shops – where any impulsive idiot off the street can buy a dog as easily as a new pair of shoes & then decide 2 days, 2 weeks or 2 months later decide they'd rather have a cat, or a bird, or a motorcycle. Responsible breeders work very hard to not find the right families for their pups. Unfortunately most of the dogs in shelters are not fit for adoption because of behavioral or health issues. Unresponsible puppy mills are the cause of many of these unwanted dogs sitting in shelters. These are the breeders that should be more fully regulated, licensed and inspected. As it stands, any idiot who decides they want to breed a dog can – with very little oversight. Responsible breeders, like the ones in PA where Joe Biden got his pup, are helping to maintain breed integrity & find good homes for all they're pups. Like all zealots you people jump on any bandwagon you can find and condemn everyone and anything involved with whatever so called cause you decide to take up this week – do some research.

I have a pure bred 85lb blue American Pittbull Terrier 100% razors edge purple ribbon i bought from a breeder and a mutt lab husky mix whom i found wondering the streets in the winter time. Does that make me like half a monster or what? Oh and by the way she just had 11 puppies last monday!! They are all so cute. Funny things happen when you put a male and female of any species together. Oh and if there werent dog breeders in the world those cute little rescued dogs you guys love so much would be WOLVES! and who wants one of those in your yard?

Leave the poor woman alone! While adopting is definitely noble, there are plenty of reasons to go with a breeder too. First and foremost, it isn't just about getting a "cute" puppy. Anyone who has raised a dog knows that the early puppy months are critical for establishing a relationship, good behavior, etc. I'd never encourage someone not to adopt, but I'm sick of animal fanatics acting like it's the only way. Furthermore, did you adopt your kids, or did you decide to bring more humans into an already over-populated world? There are plenty of great kids in orphanages. While they don't face euthanasia, who's going to adopt them? I find it truly bizarre that people get so worked up over things like dog breeding while ignoring far greater social ills that affect HUMANS.

Brad April 14th, 2009 2:32 pm ET

Breeders disgust me, too. Rescue an animal. We have way too many already. There is no reason anyone needs to go pay $800 for a damn puppy with papers. Absurd.
______________________

Here are some reasons-

1. I want to go to Alaska and compete in dog sled racing (Siberian Huskies)

2. I want a watchdog (Dobermans)

3. I hunt and want a dog that has skills (Labradors/10 other kinds)

4. I want to know that my dog won't hurt kids (tons of kinds that historically haven't harmed children)

5. I want to know that my dog was taken care of so it doesn't have emotional problems (No clue if it's from the pound).

6. I want a hypoalergenic dog (mutts rarely are)

7. I want a dog that doesn't bark (Siberian huskies for example).

8. I don't want my dog to drool.

9. I want my dog to be beautiful (My husky is better looking than any pound dog in history. She's from a champion bloodline and was literally bred for perfection. Bright blue eyes with perfect markings)

10. I work and need a dog that can be trained easilly and doesn't have ANY prior emotional problems (mutt dogs more often than not are MUCH harder to train than dogs from breeders.

I would continue, but I think my point has been made.

____________
Swins April 14th, 2009 2:33 pm ET

the words “reputable” and breeder do not belong in the same sentence.
_______________

What about dog breeders who breed, raise and train dogs for the blind? You do realize that those are bred right? I guess not....

What about breeders who raise dogs to help find people lost in avalanches? Or those who breed and train police dogs to find drugs? Or people who breed and raise dogs to protect their owners? Ir dogs that are bred to find dead bodies or follow scents of missing people?

I would never get a mutt since I've had so much success getting my dogs from reputable breeders. I've seen too many of my friends get mutt dogs that just had issues. Years of training a dog to finally get what I could have had after 3 weeks had I bought from a breeder is not what I desire in a pet.

Why do you think that you rarely see purebreds in the pound? They are almost always better dogs than mutts.

Do you people really put blame on dog breeders (who raise purebreds) for there being lots of mutts in the pound? That's logical....

Anyone who does not understand what is wrong with breeding and selling dogs or other animals needs to spend even a few minutes walking through the kennels at their local shelter and meeting all the wonderful dogs of all breeds that will die because there are no homes for them. Please think about adopting an adult pet. You may be surprised at how quickly they become your best friend. As for Obama and Biden, I am disappointed. What a poor example. Bush did a better job of animal avocacy in his press release when their family cat died.

Dog breeders breed dogs for the same reason people sell drugs. There is a great demand for them. As long as people are willing to spend $100's of dollars for a pet, there will be animal breeders.

I find it ridiculous that people immediatelly start blaming breeders for animal shelter problems. Just like everything else, there are good breeders and bad breeders... the ones that breed while controling blood lines and that continuously try to improve the stadard of each breed... such as temperament and character (this for those of you that will try to bash the part of breeding for beauty only). How about for once blaming the people that irresponsibly go pick up dogs from puppy mills (yes the ones that just pump out dogs without any idea of who the owners may be, and without care to bring good balanced dogs to the world). The owners that after a few weeks decide that their appartment is too small to house a dalmatian after their kids watched the disney movie... or the ones that will undoubtedly will be buying tons of labs in the coming months and will be giving them up because THEY... not the breeders... have no clue haw to care for a dog and give up on the responsibility.
I will buy and care for whatever dog I please... be it from the pound or from a breeder... I decide how much trust I want to put on the anumal that will be part of my family and around my childer for the next 10-15 years... whether it comes from a pound or a breeder it is of nobodys business... and in my case, neither the breeder or I would have no responsibility for the thousands of dogs abandoned by bad owners. The people to blame are the BAD OWENERS AND IRRESPONSIBLE PARENTS THAT JUST WANT TO SHUT THEIR KIDS U P WITH A PUPPY!

Those who go to breeders are not supporting "puppy mills" but are being careful about choices. Oftentimes,dogs in shelters or are up for rescue are there for a personality reason or an abandonment reason, sometimes, even, having been beaten. In either case, those who want a dog won't really know what they are getting. Selecting a certain breed requires research of both the breed and breeder, a la Kennedy and Obama. If more people did that, fewer dogs would be in the pound. I don't know what to suggest as a solution for puppy mills or abandoned dogs, but please do not criticize those who are careful about their "selection for life," because think about it–that dog will be with the its owners, Obamas and others who are careful and judicious in their choices, for its life span

There are thousands of kids in foster care or looking for adoption. Anyone who wants their own child is obviously self-interested. Adopt before breeding! Sound stupid? I think it does.

Why is anyone surprised that we kill millions of unwanted animals each year when we do the same thing with millions of unwanted human babies? I am willing to bet that if Americans valued their own offspring more then animals would be treated better too. If you want to save the animals start by banning abortion.

LN, I agree wholeheartedly. When we adopted each of our pets we made a lifelong commitment to them. My King Shepherd, whom I purchased from a very reputable breeder, has never had a single health issue (except for the ones acquired from bringing our German Shep/Lab mix home from the hospital). I _needed_ a dog for a particular reason and acquired my KS for that reason. She is not only my best friend, but assists me in so many ways as I have suffered 3 strokes at a very young age. When one acquires a pet from a shelter, one never really knows the history of that pet. Shoot, we were given three entirely different stories regarding our GSD/lab mix. Upon bringing him home and having to deal with all his initial health issues and he started feeling better physically, he began exhibiting very aggressive actions towards me – biting me three times. We are patient people and have worked very hard with him – giving positive reinforcement and a lot of TLC. A little over a year later – he is still progressing but we still have some serious issues. When he was neutered, we requested our vet xray his head as we had noticed his shirking away when we went to pet him. Well, lo and behold, he had been beaten at some point and his orbital socket had been fractured. We figure a woman must have beaten him – possibly with a chain as he is terrified of chains.

So, as altruistic as people may want to be in visiting their local shelter, one never knows what one is getting – from behavioral issues to serious health issues. For just once in our 20+ years of marriage, I wanted a dog from a reputable breeder who I knew – as much as I possibly could – would give me a dog with all the qualities I asked for – and I could have her from a pup...

who's up for some Korean bbq?!?!?!?

How is it MY RESPONSIBILITY to save a dog from a shelter instead of purchasing one that I know won't have health issues, won't turn on my kids, and is they size and type of dog that I want? Why is it always everyone else's job to bail out the millions of people JUST LIKE YOU that didn't want their dog anymore, or couldn't take care of it, or couldn't take it with them, or didn't want to care for the puppies theirs had because they didn't get it fixed? Maybe I don't want a pitbull mix. (one of the most popular breeds in the shelters here in South Carolina) Maybe I want a house dog that can curl up on the couch with me and doesn't require a lot of realestate because I live in an apartment. I can't stand all of the bleeding hearts that feel like they can judge anyone they want because they don't fall within THEIR ideals.

I'm not against adopting dogs. Far from it. I help place dogs. (placed two to a loving home last night) My friend has 10 dogs from a rescue. Another has 15. I however, own a golden retriever that was purchased from a breeder. Because of the way she is, I would love to go back to that exact same breeder and get a new one from the same blood line when mine passes away. How is that wrong? You people need to get over your "holier than thou" attitudes...

Stop villifying Obama for not getting a dog from a shelter because for small children it's not very practical, as in the dog could have severe behavioral problems from prior abuse/neglect and attack the children. Also his daughter had a specific medical issue with allergies. So as the responsible parents that they are, they made the right decision for their children's safety and they made a donation the the humane society.

Oh and doesn't PETA destroy most of the cats and dogs they rescue? I mean as an organization that *loves* animals so much, why aren't they out there opening up PETA sponsed kitty and doggy hotels for those that don't get adopted. Or is their budget strictly for buying paint and spewing out propaganda these days?

As a dog owner/animal lover, nothing disgusts me more than people affiliated with PETA.

This guy GOP hater has literally been on this baord typing the same thing about Cheney shooting dogs for like 3 hours. Get a life dude.

While I agree there are many dogs that need to be rescued, my frustration come from the cost, and hurdles that it takes to rescue many purebred dogs. I recently looked into both German Shorthairs, and German Shepards and found it would cost me more to adopt a purebred dog than it would be buy a puppy. So, we ended up buying a new puppy. Maybe if it were easier, and cheaper to adopt more people would do it...

Blame the republicans and their insatiable need for obstructionism and revenge.

Just answer this question:

Why is it ok to breed animals for profit?

If your answer is "because they are dogs", then you lack the perspective to answer objectively.

JD: The reason is simply that not everyone agrees that fetuses are human lives. If they did, then obviously abortion would be illegal. Most people in the U.S. don't [not by a huge margin, but enough that the law disagrees with your position].

Anyone who says that nobody should be breeding dogs because there are ones already alive in shelters has good intentions but I completely disagree.

Should we be vilifying parents who have biological children instead of adopting? If there are kids in foster care, why give birth to more? Would you tell the parents of a newborn that they should be ashamed of themselves because they should have adopted an orphaned teenager?

I got my purebred from a reputable breeder because I wanted to raise a puppy. I didn't want someone else's discarded dog with who knows what kind of physical and emotional baggage. As long as my dog never ends up at the pound, which it NEVER will, it's none of your business!

I think the real point here is that this one lady who obviously isn't breeding dogs out of ill will, but rather because she loves working with dogs, was vilainized because she was associated with a politician. Similar things might have happened if he went into a mom & pop computer store to buy a laptop. The owners might have been given hell just for being associated with him. Granted, that's not as "controversial" as the breeding issue apparently is, but still.

To the self righteous, holier than thou folks who want to criticize those for getting a pure bred dog, I would say that there are families out there who are looking for a pet with a predictable temperment, size, etc. Often times with a mix breed, you have no idea what you are getting. Certain dogs need more exercise than others, some breeds don't do so well with children. Frequently, a shelter cannot identify the mix of breeds in the dog, and even if they can who knows which traits will be dominant or recessive?

The RESPONSIBLE pet owner will do their research and find a breed that is right for them and their family so that the dog is a cherished friend and not a decision they regret.

If you have the flexibility to get a mix breed stray, then by all means that is a great thing to do. But not all dog breeds are alike, just as not all dog owners are alike. You would think that someone who had worked at a shelter like some have stated they have would know that you can't just pair any stray dog up with any family.

They're animals, not people. Chill out.

We bought a German Shepherd from this breeder after ours passed away at 13. She loved all the dogs and is looking out for their welfare.
She breeds them for intelligence. I bet our dog is smarter than any honor students of PETA parents.

Respectfully submitted,
garry

She received death threats from "animal rights" groups after she sold a puppy to Joe Biden? That's just unbelievably pathetic. Losers need to get a life. Or a pet.

Why do people assume that these animal rights groups are republican? Most animal rights people I know are all democrats. Secondly, I don't understand why anyone would buy a dog from a breeder when millions of dogs die in shelters. Mutts are great dogs.

Yay, PETA once again shows it malice and hatred for humans. What do you call a group that supports fire-bombing animal shelters (for putting down dogs) while euthanizing over half the animals that they rescue?.....PETA

I was reading a comment from "Juliet" above. She said

"The problem here is that there is NO reason for people to be breeding dogs..."

"It’s irresponsible and selfish to buy an expensive one from a breeder when there are so many great animals at the pound."

As someone who loves dogs and has had many throughout my life. Why is it my responsibility to take in a dog that someone else abandoned? Aren't they the ones who are irresponsible and selfish? I think Juliet should focus on curbing the bahavior of the folks that are actually irresponsible and not expect the responsible ones to clean up their problems!

It is a never ending cycle like anything else. If we don't take the puppies puppy mill breeders make, then they die or go to shelter, if we do take them another puppy dies or goes to a shelter. What must happen first is that the government put restrictions on breeding, in one way to preserve breeds and also to prevent over-breeding. Breeders should be limited and require licenses to do so, perhaps. The solutions come in so many forms. Personally I have 3 pure bred dogs, not by choice. My Aussie was a great choice for my household and provided from a wonderful breeder friend of mine. My boxer was from a puppy mill and in absolutely disgusting conditions, so my husband and i felt it best to take her then leave her there and notify the appropriate people, and my chihuahua was on her way to the pound when I found her. Purebred or not, all animals are in trouble of being homeless. The key I truly feel is with the government and the laws.

It is a shame that our President and VP missed the opportunity to adopt a wonderful shelter pet. With literally thousands upon thousands of healthy animals euthanized annually due to overpopulation issues, it is beyond me why anyone would "buy" an animal (not to mention the health problems many of the pedigrees suffer due to in-breeding).

We may think we "love" our animals but do we really "respect" them?

I just don't understand this "keeping the breed alive" thing. It sounds like they are trying to stop evolution. What is the point of maintaining the purity of German Shepherds, or Bulldogs?

A a good number of you need to a lot of research on the difference between a puppy mill and a reputable breeder.

My husband and I got our first German Shepherd last May from Jolindy's (Linda Brown). We had visited many breeders before choosing Linda's.

She and her staff lovingly take care of her dogs even bringing them all inside during night hours.

Thank you Linda for giving us Ruger!

Juliet,
You stated that there should be NO breeding of dogs with the multitude that are in shelters. Well....as many children that are in foster care and orphanages, should we stop women from having any more babies when there are so many beautiful children without homes? Just curious.

These complainers must definitely be Republicans, the party of NO.

I feel sorry for this lady. I know VP Biden is enjoying his puppy.
GO JOE AND BARACK!

For the people yelping about Biden not adopting a shelter dog, how do you know how many dogs he owns and where he got them? Do you people ever think before you post, or is it always knee-jerking for you?

I am appalled that there are so many who will whine about dog breeders and puppies that are sent to shelters, adopt more dogs people!

Someone on the board mentioned that: "Adopting animals is hassle"... It's unfortunate that people would share in this opinion. Adoption agencies just want to ensure that their animals are going to a family who could provide them with adequate care instead of abandoning the animal or mistreating it in any way.

In reading all of the comments above, I have not come across even one good reason for breeding dogs (or any other animal for that matter). It certainly isn’t for the benefit of the animal. It is just a selfish act on behalf of humans to make money on animals or get certain characteristics out of that animal that are attractive to us (again, for selfish reasons) .

A rescued animal can offer the same kind of companionship as any other dog or cat purchased from a breeder. I would urge anyone who is considering purchasing from a breeder to at least consider adopting first. Take a trip to your local animal shelter and visit the dogs/cats there, I think anyone would have a change of heart being in the presence of so many wonderful animals looking for a home.

It's truly disheartening to see so many comments suggesting that anyone buying a dog from a breeder is being irresponsible and that they should get dogs only from shelters. I did not find a single comment condemning those who are truly irresponsible... those who allowed their dogs to breed or escape and become wards of the shelter. These are the people to blame... not the reputable breeders and those who support them.

All the comments talk about how "loving" and nice a dog in a shelter is. Maybe. But you have no way of knowing. Are there genetic conditions? Hidden health issues? What is the demeanor of the dog? Has it suffered mistreatment and is now overly aggressive? Is it safe around kids? You just don't know. If you do not care about the breed or history of your dog, getting an animal from a shelter is a wonderful thing to do. There are many great animals there. But just be prepared for what you are getting into.

Reputable breeders know the history of their dogs. They always try to breed to attain desirable traits. You have a much better chance of knowing what you are getting into. Good breeders are cautious about who they sell dogs to. They will interview you more than you interview the dogs. If they don't like you or believe you cannot manage their breed, you will not get a dog. Period. Some will never sell you a dog outright. They remain part owners and retain the right to reclaim the dog if they believe it is in the best interest of the animal.

Many breeders run rescues for the breed as well. They are called regularly by local shelters whenever a dog of that breed is found and unclaimed. They pick up the dog, provide medical attention, food, and shelter. All at their expense. They then incur the cost of trying to place it in a good home as well. Usually they ask for nothing more from a new owner than the actual expenses incurred.

So don't lump all breeders into a single category. If every dog came from a reputable breeder, there would not be many dogs in shelters.

The breeders protect the integrity, conformation, temperament and lineage of the purebreds. The ones who should stop breeding dogs are the backyard breeders of purebreds who only look at the profit to be made (and not the conformation to breed standard, temperament or lineage) and the owners of mixed breeds who allow their dogs to continually produce more unwanted mixed breeds.

I must not be a "self-important" liberal since my dog came from the pound. Most liberals I know with dogs brought theirs home from the pound as well. Glad to know we don't get the smug, snide treatment, Tom. I'm also a Southern liberal living in Central MA where there are a lot of libertarians and Republican wannabe libertarians.

Jim: animals adopted from shelters are all spayed or neutered. A bad owner is a bad owner. If you are a good owner and breeder, there is no reason to be bent out of shape.

How can anyone in good conscience breed a dog and add to the population where there are already 3 million healthy animals killed in shelters each year?

Integrity of the breed? Give me a break. It's called GREED.

As much as I love my dog, I would have never even thought to breed him. Majority of these "breeders" don't know what kind of life their dogs end up living. Abused, neglected, back yard dog?

"The problem here is that there is NO reason for people to be breeding dogs, regardless of how well they take care of them."

Hmmm... the same could be said of humans... there is no reason to be breeding more of us, and yet we encourage people to continue procreating. Why? Because we're selfish and won't be happy until we occupy every square inch of the planet and destroy it.

I see quite a few comments about 'adopting' and 'rescuing' as opposed to 'breeding'. Do these commenters have biological children or did they adopt?

Just something to think about...

TO:
"MEL April 14th, 2009 3:01 pm ET

I agree with those saying each dog bred by a breeder represents the death of a perfectly wonderful shelter dogs. Shame on those that breed and those that buy-it is inexcusable. I say it is time to put breeders out of business. One poster mentioned that it is not a money-making venture to breed dogs anyway-so what would the breeders elimination truly hurt?"

It would mean that I would not be able to get another AKC registered yellow Labrador retriever - which I chose for specific reasons - someday to replace the elderly one I have now!

You are all losers...they are just dogs. Who cares? Argue about something that really matters like human population control.

I'm with a previous poster. I've supported PETA for over 12 years, but I am through with them. They are becoming domestic terrorists. I wish I could have my money back.

I believe there is a place for both adoption and breeders. I have obtained dogs from both. Adoption will work for many people but only if they have both the knowledge and time to handle a dog that has probably suffered abuse and like the puppy farms probably not properly socialized. They have to realize they are accepting the risk that they may have to put the dog to sleep if it can't be socialized.

For those not willing or unable to take on such responsibility the reputable breeders are the best means to obtain a dog with the characteristic you may be looking for.

I'm tired of PETA and animal rights activists. No one cries the blues when people keep having babies – and yet there are millions of children in the U.S. with no parents. The same animal rights activists are the same people that will not think twice about breeding their own baby while millions remain parent-less into adulthood. I don't get it. Yet as a gay, single man I would have to jump through hoops and wait years to adopt a child.

Is this the United States of American? Land of the free? Since when did we lose the freedom to choose any dog we want?

If you want a shelter dog, good for you. Go get one. If I want a Purple Portuguese People Eater that's what I'm going to get.

What has happened to common sense in this country?

So if I hear correctly, I should not be allowed to pick out the dog of my choice because other people cannot handle or take care of the one they previously choose. This seems fair.

I dunno...people do the same thing with cattle and nobody complains...how many farms are there with 80+ cows bred for the use of humans and kept in pens and nobody bats an eye? Why are dogs different? They're all animals...each has a heart and intelligence...same with pigs...goats...any farm animal...but dogs are different? What about chicken farms...people don't complain cuz they don't cuddle with a chicken like they do a little foo foo dog. I see no difference in raising dogs. I bet she has way more interaction with her dogs than any farmer has with their livestock. The biggest difference is that these dogs won't end up butchered and packaged up at your local meat counter.

I completely agree with Juliet. There is no reason to breed pets when so many are euthenized in shelters. People should adopt dogs from shelters and dogs should be spayed/neutered. I surely hope that Biden and Obama (fyi...I support and voted for them) will spay/neuter their pets. No one can care for 80 dogs. The dogs don't receive attention or walks unless there is a staff of people working for the breeder.

EVERY mixed breed dog at a t shelter is the result of a misguided backyard producer....NOT the purebred dog community. If everyone got their pets from reputable breeder there would be NO shelter dogs. THAT is reality.

Every breeder I know, in the 35 years I have been a part of the community, cares about their puppies, takes reposibility for them their entire life, spends considerable amounts of money insuring only the healthiest are bred from, as no one wants the heartache of a preventable inheritable disease.

When you get a pet from a reputable breeder you get a support system for the life of that pet.. When you get a shelter pet you perpetuate the shelter systme and the irresponsiblity of those who cared not for that life, in addition to NO knowledge about that pets past , it family health, or how it has been raised.

I see nothing wrong with dog breeding if it's done responsibly. Unfortunately, there are an awful lot of people out there who consider themselves responsible breeders who really are not. As for the person who mentioned that many people walk past a child getting a butt beating at Walmart, and do nothing about it...I'm sorry. Look at our kids today. I think not enough of them did have a good swat on the butt. I'm talking a swat, not an actual beating. Maybe if more of them had gotten a swat here and there when they earned it, our kids wouldn't be as messed up as they are today.

It is neccesary for dog breeders to continue breeding to preserve quality breeds with healthy dogs with good temperments. However, what is not neccesay is for idiots who buy a pair of dogs to be producing "designer dogs" like "pomchis" and "labradoodles."

The real issue with animals in shelters isn't quality breeders, it's backyard breeders, puppy mills and irresponsible pet owners.

Get real people. Can't you see that PETA and other animal rights activists are out to make vegetarians out of all of us? The real criminals are those that let their mutts breed and have unwanted puppies. There is nothing wrong with getting a purebred dog or cat. I have had both; my current cats are strays that wandered up. Even though I love all animals, I realize God put animals here for our use and service and for food! Human rights should come before animal rights!

I can't believe how much interest this topic has generated. I find it ironic that people who claim to care about freedom are "dictating" what this lady can do for a living. She's not asking for government handouts to raise and sell her dogs, and she's not forcing people to buy her dogs. Lets focus our self-righteous anger on the Nadia Suleman's of the world who are operating baby mills at the taxpayers expense!

What a bunch of bleeding heart sissys here! Last time I checked we live in a (somewhat) free country which promotes free enterprise. Yes you're entitled to your own opinion and I will respect that, but for those of you us that go to breeders 'disgust' you......... please get a life. Come to the realization that you can not and will not control what breed of dog I or anyone elses chooses to purchase as a pet. Why dont you go to the root of the problem and attack the dog owners that neglect their pets and allow them to bring unwanted litters into the world. Or how about the aholes that just dump unwanted puppies out in the country. The root of the problem is not the people who wish to purchase a full blood animal that has been bred for health and soundness. Get your facts straight! My $2000 english mastiff and I will be waiting to hear back . And I am a PETA member (people eating tasty animals)

Having never before owned a dog, my husband and I researched breeds and knew that we wanted a German Shepherd. And we looked at at the animal shelters for a dog for our family. One shelter would not allow us to rescue a dog because we had young children. Another shelter had very large, old, viscous sounding dogs that frightened us. A third shelter actually told us to get a puppy from a reputable breeder so that the dog would grow up with the kids. I don't care for "puppy mills", I don't think that reputable breeders are in the same league as puppy mill owners, and I'm all for rescuing dogs and cats, but not at the expense of my children. I love my dog, but when it comes right down to things, my children are ahead of him in the pack!

How silly. Just get the dog you want and tell others to mind their own business....

Hotdogs, Armour hotdogs.
What kinds of kids eat Armour hot dogs?
Fat kids, skinny kids, kids who climb on rocks.
Tough kids, sissy kids
Even kids with chicken pox
Love hotdogs, Armour hot dogs
The dogs kids love to bite!

Is this really even news? Can't we bicker about the economony or something important?
By the way, my dog is better than your dog.

To breed dogs is absolutely ridiculous. A purebred dog is an INBRED dog. There is no need for ANY breeder to be in business, anyone that breeds with millions being euthanized is an absolute idiot. BTW, to the guy that made an abortion comment earlier-how about we start worrying about the sentinent feeling beings that already exist on this earth before worrying about a mass of cells that have no feelings? If you care so much, why don't you adopt a few children that are stuck in the foster system? How about a few homless pets? Different when you actually have to do something instead of just spewing rhetoric.

I'm sorry PETA is pathetic. I used to support them, they are becoming extremists in the terrorist sense of the word. I'm sorry, but I do not feel the need to adopt an animal from a shelter because someone else was irresponsible and either bought a dog they could not afford/house or neglected to get their dog fixed! I am a compasionate person for those animals, but with kids around, I'm not taking the risk on a dog with bad temperment. Why do people feel they need to force their values on everyone!! Leave that to extremist groups and religion. German Shepard breeders develop special lines of dogs with temperments suited for special jobs such as police dogs and the guild for the blind. Try telling a blind person they have to get a dog from shelter instead of a dog bread for temperment. I consider myself fairly moderate politically, actually quite liberal, but when liberal groups try to restrict your personal freedom because they don't agree with you, it's just as tyranistic as Dick Cheney!!

I thought this was america...shouldn't a person have the right to buy what they desire...i guarantee you someone that pays $500 to $1000 for a pure bred dog has done more research on the animal they want, and is much more likely to take better care than someone who went to their local shelter just to get any puppy, and pay about $50. Not to mention you can get some medical history of the sire and dam, and know what you are getting...all of you who think its better to adopt b/c so many animals are in shelters, let me ask you this, do you have children, did you have your own or did you adopt, i'm sure there are plenty of kids that need good homes...not to mention all the abortion that takes place in this country...judge people on their actions and character, not where they get a puppy...

The reason their are so many pittbull mixes in shelters is because any dog that has terrier traits in it is called a pittbull. There is no bread of dog called pittbull. There is an American Pitt Bull Terrier(i am a proud owner of) and Staphordsire(?spelling) Terrier. Labeling an animal as a pittbull makes it much easier to justify the destruction of the animal. To all the idiots that think pittbulls are anymore dangerous than another dog check the available dog bite stats in the US and you will see the "pittbulls" at the bottom. They just get more publicity because it sells more papers to have the headline "PittBull viscousely malls little child" than it would to have "Border Collier bites child" I have 2 rabbits that are not afraid of my 85lb pittbull and they play together in the living room outside of cage, yet every person on my street is?

Look, I'm almost embarrassed to say that I got my second dog from a breeder (my first dog was from a rescue), but #1 – I wanted a puppy, #2 – I didn't want another dog with issues to move in with my rescue dog with issues (though I love her, 5 years later, our rescue dog still has issues). There are reasons to go to a breeder instead of the pound. Our breeder was just a lover of labs with wide open spaces for the dogs to run and clean kennels. She introduced us to each one of her adult labs before we got a chance to get our hands on the puppies. Puppy mills are horrible and I am 100% against them. But independent breeders are not bad people and the dogs are happy because their owners LOVE THEM.

Just think, if we didn't have breeders, we wouldn't have labs. And labs are the #1 dog in America. Must not be just the self-important liberals purchasing dogs, Tom M.

There is a huge difference between dog 'breeding' and puppy mills.
People breed a specific type of dog because they really love the breed.
Puppy mills exist because the people love money...not the animals.
There's nothing wrong with buying from a breeder, so long as you make sure the breeder doesn't breed more than one type of dog.
If the person is selling a variety of dog breeds, then you shouldn't buy from them. The pup will likely be unhealthy, and you will contribute to the misery of the dogs that are constantly being bred.

I own a pure bred Pomeranian and a rescued Pom mix.

You guys should really stop this is just not right what are we becoming?

Yes, there are lots of dogs in shelters. Yes, they need good homes. But the majority of those dogs are mixed breeds that were born due to uncaring owners allowing their pets to roam the streets and not bothering to have them spayed or neutered. Then, people want to come down on responsible breeders of purebred animals, blaming them for the pet overpopulation.

The plain fact is that most people buying a purebred dog would not adopt a shelter animal anyway. They are generally looking for that specific breed, and that is all they want. Breeders are not causing the problem. Irresponsible pet owners who allow their animals to roam unaltered and then dump the litter at the shelter as soon as possible are the problem.

Instead of harassing breeders, what people need to do is push for local legislation requiring licensing, and requiring that owners pay an additional fee for any unaltered animals that they own. If the irresponsible people causing this problem were made to pay for it, we'd see a decline in the unwanted animal population a lot more quickly.

Why should someone be forced to choose an animal that they don't know anything about because people keep allowing their pets to breed indiscriminately? Why should people have to take a chance on a dog with no medical or family history to tell them what they're getting into? They have no idea what kind of home this dog came from, what kind of temperament the parents have, what kind of veterinary care the parents received, etc.

The responsibility for this problem lies not with reputable breeders, or people who prefer for whatever reason to have a purebred dog. The problem is with people who get a dog, allow it to produce litter after litter, and then pass the problem along by dumping the puppies or kittens at a shelter.

There are too many low cost and/or free spay/neuter programs out there for people to not get their animals spayed or neutered. Blaming breeders for the overpopulation in animal shelters is like blaming social drinkers for alcoholism. They are not the problem, just a distraction, so irresponsible pet owners can continue to dodge responsibility.

I'd heard bad things about this kennel BEFORE the puppy was bought. 80 dogs is a puppy mill. Absolutely NO ONE can properly care, exercise, groom and socially interact with 80 dogs. I have 9, mostly large, rescues and I can't find enough time or enough hands. I can't imagine coping with nearly 10 times that many dogs.

German shepherds do indeed mirror your soul - that's why they need to be with people. In a home. As a pet. NOT in a kennel grinding out puppies. If her dogs are treated better than children she must know the couple that's in jail for putting their kids in cages. I'm sorry to hear the charges were dismissed. I was hoping they would finally shut here and the breeders (greeders) who are like her.

Rhonda wrote:

"Reputable dog breeders spend thousands of dollars on pre- breeding test on their dogs-hips, eyes, genetics and are treated better than most children in our country.
On ANY DAY- you can catch a GREAT WELL KNOWN breeder who has been up all night delivering puppies, hasn’t had a shower for 2 days, and not everything is it’s usually bleached down normal state. Dogs from these breeders try to preserve the integrity of the breed, sell dogs with contracts that state if the dog is being mistreated- THEY can take the dog back- and they care about every puppy that is blessed on their kennel."

Only a few breeders are like that. But for some reason everyone thinks his or her breeder is one of the special few. Statistically, it's unlikely to be true - you probably do have a nasty back-yard breeder who's only in it for money, and just are telling yourself otherwise.

If you believe PETA has all animals best interest at heart please take the time to look into the reports of their animal shelters.

The number of animals PETA euthanized is staggering. Please practice what you preach or your words fall on deaf ears.

the real reason people buy a dog or cat from a breeder is because they choose to rely on the reputation of the dog or cat. They like to look and they like the temperament of the animal. That's the reason. Breeders, or most breeders check the blood line and breed only what is the best for the animal. While I think getting a dog from the pound or SPCA is ok but, you really don't have that option.

I don't know what all the fuss is about. First of all, it's really none of anyone's business what animal is gifted or chosen to be a part of the family. Be it the president or the family around the corner. What bothers me is the lack of thought behind those allowing their non pedigreed dogs and cats to breed with out a care for the responsibility of caring for the litter and just dumping them in a field to die or the pound. That's what really bothers me the most.

Many dogs in shelters may be nice and gentle, but many also just seem that way. As a person with a young child at home and in a neighborhood full of small children, I would be taking a great personal risk to my child and to others to adopt a dog that may have a hidden trigger that will cause it to snap and injure my child or others.

In our "sue them till they are broke for life" society even owning a dog seems risky, let alone one that may be a ticking time bomb that you aren't even aware of because of some event that occurred in the dog's past.

Many dog lovers would rather buy a dog that they know the entire life history of so they can begin training and socializing the dog properly early in life.

I know a breeder of show Golden Retrievers and she takes the job very seriously. She only has a few dogs at a time and if any genetic defects are found in the puppies the puppies are immediately fixed and sold (with full disclosure) as pets. She doesn't make much money, but then again, she is also not running a 100 dog puppy mill either.

I know that many dogs are euthanized daily in animal shelters, but blame the irresponsible people who bred them or bought them and then did not keep them, not people looking to own a dog who have the freedom to choose where their dog comes from.

I think the reason the state and animal group visited her so much was the fact she has 80+ dogs. Even a reputable breeder does not need that many dogs. Even with the best intentions and love of the animals that is far to many for anyone to handle. A person breeding for the love of a breed only needs 3 or 4 very outstanding dogs to breed. If you want to keep some after retirement that is fine as well however keep it to a minimum to ensure quality of life for each dog and then they should be spayed or nuetured. At the most any one kennel should not need to house any more then 10-15 dogs considering how much time it takes to feed, groom excersise and tend to each dog. When you add a couple litters of pups a year to that you have more then enough to keep you busy.