Now before I ask this question, I'm just going to stick a qualifier in here that makes it very plain that I don't want to have a go at anyone, and I'm aware that different people will have different views about what a responsible breeder is. I'm interested in what those views are, and why?

For me, it has to include the following, in no particular order:

* Must have permission from breeder to breed from their pup(s)
* Undertake health tests required/recommended for use in any breeding plan
* Take advice, preferrably follow a mentor for breeding, and read as much as possible
* Research what you've got, and where you want to go with it, ie why are you producing a litter?

** And definitely first and foremost, the health and wellbeing of your dog(s) comes first, and should you need to make difficult decisions, it will always be with the welfare of your dog(s) as a priority.

To date, I've spent over £800 health testing two bitches, and had one spayed because I didn't feel it was right to breed from her; I have yet to purchase any whelping equipment. I never expect to make a penny breeding, it might contribute towards their upkeep a little, but it won't and I wouldn't expect it to, even cover that. I have very small plans for keeping on pups to carry on with, and hopefully compete/work in the future. And to be honest, I hope my girl Tau, has a small litter (possibly two), just large enough for me to choose a pup or two to run on, and I'd be delighted to find what I consider the best of homes for any remaining pups. I love my dogs for what they are, and would never want to loose sight of that, I appreciate their strengths, and know their weaknesses, and the decision to breed isn't taken at all lightly.

So what do you consider to be responsible when it comes to breeding?

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not flogging this poor old worn out donkey again!!! must be a million threads like this,all end up the same way

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A+P Fabrications,quality stabling/Round pens/ stocks/gates/kennels,puppy pens and catteries.Also ornamental/estate fencing,gates and railings.

For me it would be someone who had gotten a good mentor before they even began, got the breeders permission, health tested the bitch and gotten the health test results for the father, they should both be proven examples of the breed either through working trials or conformation shows. They should make sure they're compatible and that they're breeding to further the breed and be willing to hand rear the puppies and take them back if necessary. Wow that sounds like a lot.

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Owned by Buster cairn terrier/australian cattle dog mix, Silas rough collie/alaskan malamute mix, Sophie Goldendoodle, Max Bouvier de Flandres, Damien moggie, Leo bunny, Thea syrian hamster and a tropical aquarium

Agree with all this, though i don't breed, when we looked into breeders when we got Viz pup, we made sure the parents were good examples, confirmation wise and relevant health tests were done, and also being most important temperament.
The breeder was experienced and wasn't breeding for profit and churning litters out.

The exact opposite of this Help with my Akita !

A responsible breeder should also take the pup back at any stage of its life and only breed from parents with good temperaments.

Yes definitely

I'd hope the take a pup back, temperaments etc, would come under the mentorship and knowing what you have/where you're going, but worth noting separately. Apols if it is flogging a dead horse, but there are obviously very different views about responsible breeding, and what it means to people.

I have no problem with those who breed without having proven their dogs at show or working, in some cases its not possible to prove working ability for dogs, possibly even illegal, depending on the breed! I don't think there is any reason why those who breed purely to produce pets, that are good examples of the breed, can't be classed as responsible.

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Well said!

Agree 100% with you

You didn't add - has homes for the expected number of puppies before they breed

but I do agree with the OP's list

I too have been surprised with the number of unintentional/poor matings that seem to happen, in this day and age and in view of ALL the bad publicity there is really no excuse for it.

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Love your dogs