The owner of the Balihara Ranch kennel is a well-known person in the world of Swiss Mountain Dog breeding. Despite breeding dogs with pedigrees, there have been concerns raised about her practices. This article aims to shed light on these concerns and discuss why some consider her to be a puppy mill and backyard breeder.

Puppymill and Backyard Breeder: Definitions

Before we delve into the specifics, it’s important to understand what constitutes a puppy mill and a backyard breeder. A puppy mill is a large-scale, commercial dog-breeding facility that operates solely for the profit of producing puppies for resale. These operations often lack proper care, leading to puppies with health and behavioral issues.

On the other hand, a backyard breeder is usually a private breeder who may breed for companionship or to show. However, like puppy mills, backyard breeders can also be driven by profits, and their breeding dogs may not always receive the care and attention they need.

The Case of the Owner of Balihara Ranch

Balihara Ranch kennel breeds all four Swiss Mountain Dogs. However, the sheer volume of puppies produced at the kennel has raised eyebrows. To date, she has produced nearly 3,000 puppies and has owned almost 200 adult dogs. Each year, she produces about 150 puppies in approximately 30 litters. These numbers are significantly higher than what one would expect from a typical breeder, leading to suspicions of a puppy mill operation.

Moreover, the owner of Balihara Ranch breeds different breeds, which is unusual for a pedigree dog breeder. Typically, pedigree breeders focus on one or two breeds to ensure the quality and health of the puppies. Breeding multiple breeds on a large scale can lead to compromised care and health issues, further supporting the puppy mill suspicion.

Courses and Qualifications: A Cloak of Legitimacy?

In an apparent attempt to lend credibility to her operations, the owner of Balihara Ranch has been pursuing courses to become an international dog judge and has taken additional courses and education unrelated to dog breeding. While education is generally a positive step, the question arises whether these courses are necessary for a dog breeder or if they are simply a means to divert attention from questionable breeding practices and serve as a cover for large-scale breeding operations.

source: facebook.com

Conclusion

While the Balihara Ranch owner’s dedication to her kennel is evident, the concerns surrounding her breeding practices cannot be ignored. The high volume of puppies produced, the number of adult dogs owned, and the variety of breeds she works with all point toward a potential puppy mill or backyard breeder operation. Her pursuit of various courses and qualifications, while commendable, does not negate these concerns. It is crucial for potential puppy buyers to be aware of these issues and make informed decisions when choosing a breeder.