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Questions & Answers with the National Alliance for Dog Breeding Reform

Breeding Business is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Published on
Sunday 31 May 2015
Last updated on
Tuesday 9 May 2023
Interview with the National Alliance for Dog Breeding Reform
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A very special interview today as we are not interviewing a dog breeder but an organization trying to reform dog breeding: the National Alliance for Dog Breeding Reform, founded by Ron Sturgeon.

This organization is still a young puppy, but they have an interesting mission. We do like their fair-play: the NADBR is not trying to enforce morally good rules, they simply want dogs to be treated with respect, care, and love, whether it is for profit, or not.

We’ve asked their team some thought-provoking questions and clarification on what they are here for. Hue Grant, the president, and Ron Sturgeon, the founder of the National Alliance for Dog Breeding Reform approved and contributed to this interview.

National Alliance for Dog Breeding Reform Logo
Their goal is a world in which every dog bred for profit is treated humanely, shown kindness, and bred using only medically sound practices.

Please introduce yourself and the mission of the National Alliance for Dog Breeding Reform (NADBR).

NADBR is a not-for-profit, all-volunteer organization that advocates protection for dogs in breeding facilities. Humane treatment and medically sound breeding practices are NADBR’s primary goals.

Do you only focus on the United States and North America or is your reform effort global? Does it include Europe and the UK?

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Our focus is on the United States, but we will be studying breeding policies around the world.

How would the NADBR define responsible and ethical dog breeding?

Our goal is a world in which every dog bred for profit is treated humanely, shown kindness, and bred using only medically sound practices. We believe all dogs should be properly socialized, stimulated, receive proper medical care, and live comfortably.

What have been the actions taken by the NADBR in the past, and what results/consequences streamed down from these?

NADBR is a newly formed organization with a leadership composed of professionals and entrepreneurs from 14 industries and 17 states. Our first steps have been to set up a strong and effective social media network and a Breeders Advisory Board.

Where should authorities draw the line between responsible dog breeding and irresponsible dog breeding? Many say dogs should be kept at home. Others will say limits should be set on the number of litters a bitch should have, etc. It is hard to define a clear red line. On the other hand, it is easy to say dogs should be given care and attention.

We will be researching the industry, consulting with the veterinary community, and listening to our Breeders Advisory Board. Our goal is to consider the perspectives of all stakeholders and to be fair in defining the best practices that breeders should follow to maintain the health and ensure the well-being of their dogs.

2.04 Million — the estimated number of puppies sold annually who originate from puppy mills.

Do you think national Kennel Clubs around the world should require breed-specific health checks to register each dog? Such a program would definitely improve overall dog health, but it would also greatly increase costs and might increase the number of puppy farming operations. What are your thoughts?

I don’t know. That’s really a question for the kennel clubs. We are more interested in helping to establish standards for dog breeding than trying to tell kennel clubs what they should require to register a dog.

Isn’t it sad and concerning that many puppy mills are also Kennel Club registered, but still don’t follow best practices to ensure the health of puppies and parents? Is the Kennel Club just a business after all, rather than a real actor fighting for a dog’s health and welfare?

We would rather talk about the merits of NADBR’s program than rehash criticisms of other organizations. Our effort brings together responsible breeders, business people, and rescue activists to find a way to make breeding better for the dogs.

Dogs at a farm owned by an AKC "Breeder of Merit" were allegedly suffering from numerous health problems, overcrowding, and unsanitary conditions. After being reported to the USDA for selling online without the required license, and to local animal control for allegedly substandard conditions, the breeder decided to go out of business. The USDA gave permission for the breeder to sell all the dogs at auction to the highest bidder. Rescue groups who purchased the dogs reported that they suffered from numerous severe health conditions, including blindness, infections, giardia and parasites. Credits: affectmagazine
Dogs at a farm owned by an AKC “Breeder of Merit” were allegedly suffering from numerous health problems, overcrowding, and unsanitary conditions. After being reported to the USDA for selling online without the required license, and to local animal control for allegedly substandard conditions, the breeder decided to go out of business. The USDA gave permission for the breeder to sell all the dogs at auction to the highest bidder. Rescue groups who purchased the dogs reported that they suffered from numerous severe health conditions, including blindness, infections, giardia, and parasites.

Most campaigns by animal rights activists warn, if not deter future buyers from buying dogs online. Do you agree? Don’t you think that responsible breeders, especially in these days and age, also promote their amazing work and dogs online to reach more people and grow their activity?

We care that the dogs are treated humanely, with kindness, and live in a healthy environment under medically sound conditions. Whether a breeder markets dogs on the Internet is of far less concern than how he or she treats the puppies and the parents. Responsible breeders are very selective about who they will sell a dog to.

[pullquote-right]Ending dog breeding is not realistic, so we have set about to try to improve it.[/pullquote-right]

Should dog breeding be considered a hobby or a business? We, at BreedingBusiness.com, think running any kind of business does not mean being a profit-obsessed entrepreneur. What is your take on this?

Undoubtedly some people breed dogs to make money and others do it as a hobby. Both are acceptable so long as the dogs are being treated and cared for the way they should be. Responsible, for-profit breeders provide healthy well-adjusted puppies to new owners and play a vital role in making sure puppy and owner are a good match. We have no problem with breeding businesses making a profit and no problem with a breeder who provides the right care to the dogs but chooses not to breed to make a profit.

A trend that is ruining thousands of dog lives around the world is the excitement around teacup/toy dogs. They, most of the time, sell for thousands and require cruel, inhumane, and intensive selective breeding. Are you fighting on this front, too?

No. Reforming dog breeding is a substantial undertaking. Doing so successfully requires NADBR to keep a strong focus on our core mission. The controversy with toy breeds is outside our current mission, and so we will have to leave that to others.

puppy mills usa states map
Legislation on puppy mills in each state of the USA, by the ASPCA.

How do you concretely fight against puppy mills? Many states in the United States are not even considering breeding standards for animal trading. It seems to be a long and draining fight that you will have to prepare for.

We know this won’t be easy. To be clear, we are not fighting against large dog breeding operations. We believe they are a reality and here to stay, we just want higher standards for their operations. We bring to this effort a perspective that is different from that of many other reform efforts. Our leadership is composed of very successful people from the world of business. We’re realistic about the need for responsible for-profit breeders to exist and thrive. We are passionate, well-funded, and committed to the singular goal of improving dog breeding for the dogs.

Why do you want to eliminate auctions as a sales outlet for dogs, quoting your homepage: “Work on eliminating auctions as a sales outlet for dogs.”How is an auction less humane than a regular sale?

We have not proposed an end to dog auctions. You can read NADBR’s founder Ron Sturgeon’s auction reform proposal.

A lot of people unrealistically argue that dog breeding should cease because too many homeless dogs get euthanized in shelters. Should dog breeders pay the price instead of bad puppy owners?

Ending dog breeding is not realistic, so we have set about to try to improve it. We expect to be criticized by those who do not want dogs to be bred because they think there are too many. We can’t change their minds, so we don’t try very hard. We politely listen and then move on. Here’s what we have learned, though. Many people do get it and are eager to help us. We’re focused on that.

What advice would you give new dog breeders or wannabe dog breeders?

Find a responsible, established breeder and get some mentoring before you enter the business. If you decide to become a breeder, operate with a long-term orientation, and recognized that good animal husbandry and high standards of care are good business.

How can our readers, dog breeders, and dog lovers, help?

We would love to read about their experiences related to the standards we’ve discussed. Of course, your readers can visit the National Alliance for Dog Breeding website and volunteer.

3 comments on “Questions & Answers with the National Alliance for Dog Breeding Reform”

  1. mike

    It is maybe question who sound crazy but know in States happen too.

    Somebody I know has new guard dog he walk outside too.
    Result off Pointer female who was entered first from Jack Russell then Dobermann.
    Is good guard dog hear him all the time.

    But he try to protect? his owner yes attacking you.
    Must owner go to school with him or learn that dog is not pack leader.
    (no the dog may not enter any bitch else wouldn,t be good guard dog any more?)

  2. mike

    I ,m mike self but somebody told me this the owner need to learn how to solialized the dog.
    Yes like learn that dog need to walk next to him not few yards off him on long leash.

    Got another question based on too many pups and mistreatment of dogs yes puppymills most in Eastern Europa I know.

    Was on holiday somewhere in Europa and saw a guy correct his female because she was aggressive to other dogs most male!
    I found out he was fourth owner in 2 years she was a pittbull a populair breed there.
    The problem was the owners before him use her as breeding bitch yes kind off puppymill.
    I asked him if problem was that was in heat what she was but didn,t wanted no male dog or any male yes human in her neigborhood.
    My question let her spay so maybe her mood swings were over then?

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