Question:
This is something I've asked myself constantly... Is breeding right? Are we breeders doing the right thing breeding? Is there one species that its ok to breed, and others that aren't ok? What do you guys think?

What do you think about breeding :Cats? Dogs? Rabbits? Guinea Pigs? Chinchilla's? Rats?


Answer:
This is something I constantly do wonder about. I guess, in a way- I fall between both sides... I support some breeding, and oppose a lot of breeding. I don't like: Breeding Dogs, Cats, Guinea Pigs to name a few...because there are just way too many in shelters for my liking. THerea re 800+ guinea pigs on petfinder alone, over 100,000 dogs listed on petfinder and over 80,000 cats listed. That's petfinder alone..not including shelters and pets that people don't want and aren't listed on there.

I just feel thats way to much..and wonder why so many people breed these animals? I'm starting to feel more and more badly about breeding chinchilla's, because there are so many needingh omes now. I've been toying with the idea of not breeding at all...even though I have animals who will improve each other... Once rescuing hits home, I'm done breeding chins completly. I already took in one rescue this year..and if I start getting more calls, I can't be part of the problem... I can't be responsible for causing the over population we see with other species...

Instead, I'll help to fix my problem... Lets face it...no matter what, us breeders do cause the over population problem seen in animals..and I dob eleive it's OUR job to take back what we put in...by doing rescue work...


Answer:
Well put, Megs. I know that good breeders (of any species) are trying to improve the breed. Just this last week, the Westminster Dog Show was on. Whenever I see those dogs, I wonder about the rest of their relations who didn't make it to the top. They are probably being used as breeder for another program, or sold as pets. If everyone of those people who bought a breeder dog went to their local shelter and rescued a dog, could you imagine the difference that could be made?

I think it's easy for breeders who haven't seen the sad side of shelters, euthanizing perfectly healthy animals because they have no home.


Answer:
my thoughts on breeding are yes its suppose to be to better the breed, but at least have common respect for the animal you are breeding and be responsible for what you create. most responsible breeders are also active in rescue and would help find homes. but good breeders are not responsible for the overpopulation!!!!!!!!!!!!! stupid people are the people who dont consider what it takes to get a new pet, the people who think its great to have a litter or two before spaying or to teach their kids the lesson of life. its the irresponsible people who are responsible for over population. also the animal mills that supply the petstores.



Answer:
oops sorry for large letters


Answer:
I feel any breeder is responsible for the over population. Over population is caused by too many animals being produced, and not enough homes. Therefore, even the "good breeders" are still supplying babies, and thus there is still not enough homes for those animals sitting in shelters...therefore, in my opinion- we are the cause of the over population too.... If there were NO breeders at all, there would be no over population problem. If there were only good breeders, there would still be animals being produced that people just don't want .


Answer:
I breed to improve my chinchilla line. I do not breed anything that isn't worth breeding - there are enough crappy chins out there already. I am responsible and honest about my chins.

If it weren't for breeders, the wild chinchilla would be extinct right now. Ranchers worked long and hard to take the almost extinct chin, breed it in captivity, and greatly improve the species.

I am a strong advocate of spaying/neutering dogs and cats, as there are way too many out there that can't find a good home.

I don't know what I would do if suddenly chinchillas flooded the humane societies like cats and dogs do. I do think I would stop breeding. Something to think about....


Answer:
Originally Posted by Megan
I feel any breeder is responsible for the over population. Over population is caused by too many animals being produced, and not enough homes. Therefore, even the "good breeders" are still supplying babies, and thus there is still not enough homes for those animals sitting in shelters....
I guess this could apply to dogs and cats but what about chinchillas? I know I didn't want to buy any chins from petstores or find them at shelters b/c you have no idea what kind of can of worms you are opening? What kind of genetic health problems are you in for?

I am not saying that adopting or rescuing is not a good thing b/c its wonderful for animals to know a home where they are loved and taken well care of. However, I think we all need to admit that there will always be those that breed just for money, and those that don't care about the pet population. And even if all the "good" breeders stopped breeding to help with the population, then pet stores and mills would get an upper hand. People are not going to stop buying pets and don't the responsible owners deserve a healthy pet that will live out its life span?


Answer:
They do, but at the same time--not all animals in shelters are unhealthy, and filled with genetic defects. I bet some of the 14 chins listed on petfinder are from "good breeders" who sold an animal, and the animal then ended up in a shelter...happens with dogs and cats all the time, why not chins?

Right now there isn't a problem with chins.... but soon enough I'm sure there will be... Look at all the new breeders popping out... All the people with 100+ breeding females that DONT pelt.... It's bound to happen...

If i start taking more chins and it gets to the point that I rehome them, the rescues will be rehomed before and babies I bred are placed into new homes..


Answer:
I breed my dachshunds to improve the breed-That is why you should breed ANY animal. I breed chinchillas as well, and I look for the best animals I can.

BTW I do not beleive it is responsible breeders who contribute to all the dogs in shelters. I feel it is all the puppymills, and uneducated buyers who decide they can't keep a dog because of something common to a breed, or the fad buyers