In one of our previous articles The owner of Balihara Ranch also trades Norfolk Terriers on a large scale, we discussed the topic of her Norfolk Terrier breeding. We mentioned that Swiss Mountain Dogs are not the only dogs she has made a profitable business out of breeding. She also chose to breed Norfolk Terriers as a “great” addition to her portfolio. Based on the studbooks published by the Slovak Terrier Breeders Club, we found that she owns or has owned numerous breeding females and bred many litters from this breed.
On the Slovak Terrier Breeders Club website, studbooks from 2009 to 2023 (with 2010 missing) reveal that the owner of Balihara Ranch has bred 44 litters with a total of 152 puppies in those years alone. At first glance, these numbers may not seem alarming. Responsible breeders often breed 1–3 litters per year without financial gain. However, this average can be misleading. For instance, in 2017, 2019, and 2021, she bred 6 Norfolk litters each year. These numbers are even more alarming when considering her breeding of Swiss Mountain Dogs, with up to 25 litters per year and over 2500 puppies produced to date.
Another issue to highlight is the excessive breeding of individual females. For example, the female named ARCHIE Sunny Hillside has 6 litters recorded, while DAFFY Bohemia Enjoy, ISDERA COMMENDATORE Lamonterra, and EXY ETOILE of Mara’s Home each have 5 litters. Records before 2009 are unavailable, so the actual numbers could be higher.
Professional articles indicate that a typical Norfolk Terrier litter consists of 3–4 puppies, often delivered by cesarean section. The aforementioned Norfolk female, ARCHIE Sunny Hillside, is a record holder, having bred 24 puppies, which is an enormous number for this small breed. Another unethical practice is the short intervals between litters. The Balihara Ranch owner’s females are often mated at the first possible heat after a litter, without the recommended recovery period. This lack of recovery time is detrimental to the health of females.
From our perspective, this is a clear abuse of animals for financial gain. The business activities of the owner of Balihara Ranch are condemnable and should not be associated with the FCI, which explicitly prohibits commercial breeding. Such practices are not only unethical but also unacceptable, and they highlight the need for stricter regulations and enforcement in the breeding industry.
Breeding should prioritize the health and well-being of the animals, not profit. The case of the breeder serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of prioritizing financial gain over ethical breeding practices. It is crucial for potential pet owners to be aware of these issues and support responsible breeders who adhere to ethical standards.
Disclaimer: This article is based on freely available information or verified information provided to us that we can prove and do not intend to accuse or defame any individual or organization. It is always recommended to do thorough research before purchasing a puppy from any breeder.