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My Position on Puppy Mills, Backyard Breeds, and "Designer Dogs" It isn't always easy to find quality dogs. One of the biggest problems that faces the would be buyer
is the endless supply of K-9 junk. Many folks claim to be "breeders" but when you start asking questions about hips,
health, or basic genetics, they go stupid FAST! I've seen many working dogs that were not bred to the
standard; they had endless health problems, poor temperament, or would not or could not work. Too often puppy mills and backyard breeders are producing mixed breed animals as a way to "fluff
up" their income. Others breed to do it for the purpose of showing their kids how "nature works."
Then there are those who are mixing several breeds together and calling them "Designer Dogs." I have seen many of
these "Designer Dogs" and some can't work, look unhealthy, and are priced higher than prue bred animals. The
truth is...the SPCA carries many of the same "designer pets" and at a fraction of the cost of the K-9 Pimps! Our Breeding Goal My
breeding goal is simple, when I breed it's for a purpose. There must be a reason behing the process other than money.
You will find very few litters produced here. Gaines Farm and Kennels provides a training outlet for herding
and working dogs. I have never had a Border Collie returned to me and then was told, "This thing doesn't herd,
it won't play, and it's in poor health." The dog is a tool and it should serve the handler well! Our newest herding breed used on the farm is the Bouvier des Flandres, this is a Belgium Cattle
Dog. While not common in our area, it has been used for herding, police and security work, carting, K-9 personal protection,
and in the K-9 sports of Schutzhund and French Ring. I'm excited about the breed and the things we are doing with it
on the farm. Working dogs should be willing to please the owner, they should have the drives to tackle new challenges,
and be a pleasure to own. I think we are doing this with our Border Collies and Bouvier des Flandres
litters. Notice: We are a licensed kennel, inspected by the Kent
County S.P.C.A. and licensed by the State of Delaware.
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