Why backyard breeders are bad.
Copyright Charity Stoops (Charity Becker) & AlmostNakedPups.com No distribution is allowed either in print or electronically.
The whole point of AKC registration is to better the breed by tracking genetics, potential health issues, and--above all--the healthy, positive traits of the Chinese Crested. Reputable breeders work together with the AKC to breed out the bad and keep the good through constant research, careful record-keeping, and countless hours of love and care.
The problem with backyard breeders is that they often have NO idea about suggested health testing (or if their dogs are clear by default) or what kinds of problems to look for.
Backyard breeders have puppies because they're cute and cuddly or they want to teach their kids about the facts of life--or worse yet--think they'll make a lot of money doing it.
They often have NOT researched the breed, their lines, or the potential health problems. They may think their dogs are perfect but end up overlooking a bad bite, bad skin, problematic hips and joints, poor eyesight or dry-eye--which then get passed on to their puppies.
If you've already bought an un-papered Crestie, I highly suggest a very thorough vet examination including eyes and patellas. If the pup wasn't born from a researched and health-tested pairing then the chances of genetic problems are quite high. Caught early most can be managed, but if left unknown or untreated it could turn out badly for the dog and end in heartache for you.
**Do not confuse a hobby breeder with a backyard breeder! Hobby breeders tend to have a LOT more knowledge of the breed and any health issues, and will breed under the same conditions as a reputable larger breeder. Hobby breeders are NOT the same as back yard breeders! They would fall into the category of reputable, but just much smaller.