Most shelters are doing the best they can with very limited resources, and no control over the huge and neverending stream of animals that get dumped on them. It wouldn't be fair to hold them to same standard in screening homes and owners, as someone who is choosing to breed dogs supposedly out of love for the particular breed. For breeders, it's fair to say, "Don't breed more than you have time to find excellent homes for". Shelters simply don't have the luxury of reducing the number of animals passing through their doors. They do more screening than pet shops, and they know that if they turn people down, most of those people will just go patronize a pet shop, thus fueling the irresponsible overbreeding industry, and increasing the flow of animals arriving at the shelters.
>For breeders, it's fair to say, "Don't breed more than you have time to find excellent homes for". <
And that statement is incorporated into every Breeders' Code of Ethics I've ever read. Most of the time, a breeder, a good one, not a shyster, only breeds if and when they have the ability to keep each and every pup, if the worst happened and the homes they had lined up ahead of time fell through.
A sample guide for breeders states thusly,
"Advertising should be factual. It should not be worded to attract undesirable buyers, nor to encourage raising dogs for profit. Young puppies should not be described as show, and/or breeding stock.
Care should be taken to evaluate individual buyers with regard to suitability of the home being offered. The well-being of the dog is of the utmost importance. Selling to dealers, or pet shops is discouraged, as it is difficult to determine the ultimate disposition of the dog. No member should buy litters or individual dogs purely for resale."
Here is another:
"3. Purchasers should be urged to spay or neuter all pets.
4. Misleading or untruthful statements must not be used in the selling or advertising of puppies. Misrepresentation of American Boxer Club awards, AKC. and/or foreign titles must be carefully avoided.
5. American Boxer Club Members will at all times strive to be accurate and honest to the best of their ability in appraising the quality of Boxers being offered for sale or placement with reference to the Standard of the Breed.
6. All contracts must be clear and complete with any and all conditions stated. A signed copy must be provided to each party involved.
7. During the life of any Boxer sold or placed, the breeder should endeavor to help the owner in every reasonable way.
8. Prospective buyers should be screened on their desire and ultimate intent for each Boxer. Their interest and ability to provide a safe, adequate and loving home should be determined. Fenced yards and crates should be recommended.
9. American Boxer Club members and member clubs will help educate the public on the Standard of the Breed and care of the Boxer in areas where they are qualified."