What kind of dog breeding practices do you support?

The question is what kind of breeder are you? Whatever your motives for wanting a litter of puppies I'll bet that you really want to be a "responsible breeder", someone who has the love of dogs at heart.

Just because someone has a reputation for winning lots of shows, and having beautiful winning dogs does not make them a responsible breeder.

Wondering what makes a "responsible breeder"? Well I have my own opinion, but perhaps you will get a better idea if you look at some samples from the codes of ethics of various breed clubs. I think some are terrific, I think some are worthless, and there are a few that are so pitiful I would not include them at all.

 A Code of Ethics is a slippery concept. Try reading "Breeders' Ethics, Myths and Legends" for some cautions. I also include links to sites that specifically discuss responsible breeding, or how to identify a responsible breeder . Below I will provide a description of the most important points of what I think makes a responsible breeder.
And if you, like me, are willing to take the increased risk of problems of the untested dog, and the carelessly bred dog, check out the Mixed Breed Dog (since most don't come from responsible breeders I take them up on another page). Both my dogs are mixed breeds of undetermined heritage. One came from the street, one from the pound. With all those dogs losing their lives in shelters across the USA no one should breed a dog unless the breeder is willing to make every effort to avoid adding to that sad population. Loving a dog, and loving a breed, is reflected in what you do to benefit and protect the dog and the breed.