And what is the guarantee?All money back,or you return the pup and get a replacement from same litter or same lines that would have same problems?Nobody can guarantee against hd,and most want the dog back or will send a 'replacement',who can afford another dog with one with health issues already?

Here is one of the best and most detailed sites I've seen on good/bad breeders!
[url]http://members.tripod.com/antique_fcr/goodbreeder.html[/url]

Arg. A lot of the links on that page don't work for me... I still think she doesn't fall into the category of a BYB. Other than having two breeds, I don't see it. I mean if she had one breed, she'd have around 4 dogs with about 5 puppies. Where is the harm in that? I really don't see it. I would like to figure this out, because if you consider her a BYB, I [B]really [/B] wouldn't be able to tell a BYB from a reputable breeder to save my life.

Most people cant.Are you involved with rescues of those breeds?They may know.
[QUOTE=Prin]I would like to figure this out, because if you consider her a BYB, I [B]really [/B] wouldn't be able to tell a BYB from a reputable breeder to save my life.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Jackie467]How do they keep the dogs from breeding every time the females come into heat?[/QUOTE]

This at times depends on the breed.With my breeder,the Sires were not there.They Sires came from another Ch/Titled breeder.Her dogs were not crated.They were a part of the family even though they were show/working dogs.

As for some breeders having 2 different breeds,I really wouldn't say it was a red flag.But then again,that depends.I know of a few breeders who do have 2 different breeds that they show/title.They also belong to the club of their breed.They do not breed more then once or twice a year.Sometimes they will even skip a year.The breeders I know only breed to better the breed.Not to pump out puppies.I also know of some breeders who don't even breed.

Also,a very good reputable breeder knows exactly when their Dam is about to come in heat.

Any breeder that I have known or met have the dogs as pets aswell. They are in their homes and the pups are kept in the homes, so that they get the interaction with people and children as well. I wouldn't buy a puppy from someone that keeps them caged or pened all the time.

[QUOTE=mona_b]I also know of some breeders who don't even breed.
[/QUOTE]

What do you mean by this? That they don't breed to sell? Or that they don't breed at all? Are they still breeders if they don't breed the dogs?

I'm just learning about all of this as I follow this thread. It seems so complicated!

[QUOTE=Prin]I would like to figure this out, because if you consider her a BYB, I [B]really [/B] wouldn't be able to tell a BYB from a reputable breeder to save my life.[/QUOTE]

Same here Prin, and I'm not involved in rescues or know anyone involved in rescues, just a regular pet owner who cares about the well-being of the animals.

LL1, could you post your extensive list of criteria differentiating reputable breeders from BYBs?

Please, LL1, can you post your criteria? I'm so lost now. It's actually kind of frustrating. :D What is the difference between a BYB and a reputable breeder?

Here is a very simple chart, comparing bybers to responsible breeders.

[url]http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Fair/1901/chart.html[/url]

Thanks, LR. The thing is, from that chart, she still seems reputable. SHe seems to pass all the "tests", but you all think there is still a doubt because she has 2 breeds?

I have known two rep. breeders that have been breeding two types of dogs at one time. Ihave heard of others that do as well, and I have met some that devote themself to one breed only.

I agree with Prin here...if this breeder honestly puts this much time and energy into her min pins and shelties, wonderful. We can't question everything about her just because she has more than one breed. I used to show and breed horses. I had hanoverians and arabs (a funny looking herd to anyone who knows horse breeds :crazy: ) because I appreciated each breeds' individual strengths and beauty. It was a lot of money and hard work, but it was also very rewarding.

There are tons of schutzhund kennels in the US and europe that breed and train Shepherds, Dobes, and Rotts because each breed has different strong points.

Just because she shows and breeds more than one breed does not mean she's doing it for money. If she's really putting all of this time and money into raising healthy pups for pet and show, I think that she's doing a great service to the breeds.
I see no reason to question her ethics. I mean, I think that she really loves this dogs that much that she shows them, gets them vetted and certified, cares for them responsibly, and finds good homes for them. Her husband is bringing home the money and doesn't mind that its spent on the dogs...I think she deserves kudos and not judgement.