Dog breeding is a controversial topic, often associated with negative connotations such as animal suffering and unethical practices. Many breeders strive to distance themselves from these stereotypes by presenting themselves as multifaceted individuals with diverse professional backgrounds. This article explores why breeders like owner of the kennel Balihara Ranch, often seek to portray themselves in a more favorable light to hide the fact that they run dog factories.

The Stigma of Dog Breeding

Dog breeding has long been scrutinized due to concerns about animal welfare. Issues such as overbreeding, poor living conditions, and lack of proper veterinary care have tarnished the reputation of breeders. As a result, many breeders are keen to avoid being seen solely as individuals who profit from the breeding and potential suffering of dogs.

Diversifying Professional Identities

To counteract this negative image, breeders often emphasize their involvement in other professions or hobbies. This strategy serves multiple purposes:

1. Building Credibility: By showcasing their expertise in other fields, breeders can build a more credible and respectable public image.
2. Demonstrating Responsibility: Highlighting their commitment to other professional or community activities can suggest a more responsible and ethical approach to dog breeding.
3. Attracting Clients: Potential dog owners are more likely to trust breeders who appear well-rounded and ethical, rather than those perceived as solely focused on making a profit from puppy sales.

Why Do Some Breeders Cover Up Their Activities?

1. Public Perception and Stigma:
   • The term “breeder” can evoke negative connotations, especially when associated with puppy mills or irresponsible practices.
   • Breeders who prioritize profit over animal welfare may fear being labeled as unethical or greedy.
   • By assuming other roles, they create a more favorable image in the eyes of the public.
2. Legal and Regulatory Concerns:
   • Operating a large-scale breeding operation can attract legal scrutiny. Breeders may face regulations related to animal welfare, zoning, and licensing.
   • Concealing the true scale of breeding allows them to avoid legal repercussions.
   • The owner’s multiple job titles (mediator, dog judge, Dipl.Ing., MBA title, LLM title, former breeding advisor, former president of the Slovak Swiss Mountain Dogs Club, pilot) may serve as a smokescreen to deflect attention from her breeding activities.
3. Ethical Dilemmas and Cognitive Dissonance:
   • Breeders often grapple with ethical dilemmas. They may genuinely care for the dogs they breed but also seek financial gain.
   • Covering up their breeding activities allows them to compartmentalize conflicting feelings.
   • By presenting themselves as professionals in other fields, they validate their choices and reduce cognitive dissonance.

The Case of the Owner of Balihara Ranch

The owner of Balihara Ranch is a prime example of a breeder who has taken steps to present a multifaceted professional identity. According to the Balihara Ranch website, she is involved in various activities beyond dog breeding. This approach helps her to distance herself from the negative stereotypes associated with breeding, to present a more holistic and ethical image and to cover up her unethical breeding practices and the fact that she runs probably one of the largest pedigree dog factory worldwide.

The owner of Balihara Ranch uses the following job roles to increase her credibility:

• Mediator: As a mediator, she likely interacts with clients, resolving disputes or facilitating agreements. This role provides a positive public image.
• Dog Judge, former breeding advisor, former president of the Slovak Swiss Mountain Dogs Club: Serving as a dog judge, former breeding advisor and former president of the Slovak Swiss Mountain Dogs Club enhances her credibility within the dog community. It suggests expertise and passion for the breed.
• Dipl.Ing., MBA title, LLM title: These degrees add legitimacy and diversify her identity beyond breeding. Another interesting fact is that, according to our findings, the Dipl.Ing. title that she uses does not exist in Slovakia.
• Pilot: Presenting oneself as a hobby pilot can enhance public perception and trust. Pilots are often seen as responsible, detail-oriented individuals due to the rigorous training and safety protocols associated with flying. By associating with a respected profession like piloting, the breeder may hope to gain credibility and appear more trustworthy to potential buyers.

While the owner of Balihara Ranch presents herself as a multifaceted professional on her website, it’s important to consider the practicalities of her situation. With the ownership of around 200 dogs so far, managing approximately 25-30 litters per year, resulting in over 150 + puppies annually, and maintaining approximately 70 dogs in her yard, it seems absolutely improbable that she could fully engage in the professions she claims. The same is true in reverse. This extensive dog breeding suggests that her professional portrayals is more of a pose than a reality.

Conclusion

In summary, breeders like the owner of Balihara Ranch may cover up their primary occupation of large-scale dog breeders due to public perception, legal concerns, and internal conflicts.

While responsible breeders transparently embrace their role, others may hide behind alternative professions. Her’s case highlights the need for greater scrutiny and awareness within the dog breeding community.