I call myself a hobby breeder, but what does that really mean?
A hobby breeder is someone who breeds dogs (or other animals) on a small, personal scale, mostly because they love the breed, not because they want to run a commercial business. If you’ve ever visited a true hobby breeder, you’ll notice something immediately:
The dogs are not just “breeding stock”—they’re beloved family members with names, quirks, beds, routines, and personalities. In many ways, the term hobby breeder almost sounds too small for what they actually do. Because for most of us, it is far more than a hobby. It’s a lifestyle, a passion, and often a lifelong commitment to one very special breed: the White Swiss Shepherd.
Here’s what typically defines a hobby breeder:
Breeding Because We Love the Breed—Not Because We Need To
Behind that adorable photo of newborn puppies lies a mountain of commitment:
• Health testing: HD, ED, MDR1, DM, ECVO eye exams, genetic panels
• Stud selection: temperament, structure, pedigree compatibility, diversity
• Whelping preparation: equipment, emergency plans, sleepless nights
• Socialization: ENS, sounds, surfaces, household chaos, tiny training moments
• Emotional investment: because yes, we fall in love with every single puppy
The White Swiss Shepherd isn’t a breed you can raise casually. Their sensitivity means they need thoughtful early experiences. Their intelligence means they need mental stimulation. Their emotional depth means they notice everything.
A hobby breeder knows this—and they build their program around it.
The Dogs Come First—Always
In a hobby home, the adult dogs live inside the house, often on the couch or snuggled next to someone’s feet. They go hiking, they travel, they play, they train, and they sleep in comfortable places—not kennels.
They’re not just numbers in a breeding plan. They’re part of the pack. Puppies grow up in the middle of our daily lives, surrounded by children, cats, vacuum cleaners, doorbells, music, and all the things they’ll need to face confidently in the big world.
Why Our Puppies Cost More (And Why They Should)
People often wonder why hobby-bred White Swiss Shepherd puppies aren’t “cheap.” But the truth is simple: when breeding is done right, the breeder rarely makes a profit.
The cost reflects: specialist reproductive care, health testing, feeding high-quality food, enrichment, and early training, showing or working their dogs, registration, micro chipping, and vet care, long nights during whelping and the first weeks and a lifetime of breeder support for the family who takes the puppy home.
You’re not buying “a puppy.” You’re investing in ethical breeding, responsible husbandry, and a dog raised with heart.
A Relationship That Doesn’t End at Puppy Pickup
For most hobby breeders, the moment you take your puppy home isn’t the end—it’s the beginning. We love updates, photos, questions, and stories. We celebrate your dog’s achievements, offer advice when needed, and step in if life changes and the dog ever needs to return.
Because once we bring a puppy into the world, we stay connected for life.
The Truth About Hobby Breeders
A hobby breeder isn’t someone who breeds “just for fun.” They are the quiet guardians of the breed—protecting health, character, temperament, and beauty one thoughtful litter at a time.
They breed because they believe in the White Swiss Shepherd. Because they respect its history and its potential. Because they love the breed enough to do things the right way—even when it’s the harder, slower way.
And maybe most importantly: Because every puppy deserves a breeder who truly cares. I truly believe in this!
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I am here to help! On the right are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Still curious?
(434) 210-0964 or email us and we’ll be happy to assist you!
A hobby breeder is someone who breeds dogs on a small, personal scale out of passion for the breed. It is not their full-time job, and profit is not the main goal. Their focus is on raising healthy,ell-socialized puppies and improving the breed.
Usually one or a few litters per year. Hobby breeders plan litters carefully, often only when they want to keep a puppy themselves or to continue a specific bloodline.
Hobby breeders keep their dogs as family members, invest heavily in health testing, and prioritize quality over quantity. Commercial breeders typically produce more litters and treat breeding more like a business.
Yes, responsible hobby breeders always perform health testing such as hip/elbow scoring, genetic testing, eye exams, and temperament evaluations. They can show proof of these tests.
No. Backyard breeders breed without proper knowledge, health testing, or long-term goals. Hobby breeders study genetics, pedigrees, and breed standards, and invest in quality care.
Because the costs of health testing, food, training, showing, equipment, pregnancy care, whelping, and raising puppies often exceed what they earn. Prices reflect quality and care, not profit.
In the home — not in kennels. Puppies are raised with family life, socialization, and enrichment (sounds, surfaces, early handling, beginning training).
They screen buyers carefully. They want the best match between puppy and home, and usually stay in touch for the puppy’s lifetime.
Yes. Most provide:A sale contractHealth guaranteesLifetime supportA take-back clause if the owner can no longer care for the dog
Often yes. Many compete in:Conformation showsObedienceHerdingAgilityIGP / protection sportsTrackingThis helps them evaluate their dogs’ temperament and structure.
Almost never. When done correctly, the breeder usually loses money after all expenses. It truly is a passion project.
To preserve and improve the breed while raising confident, healthy, well-socialized dogs.
+1 (434) 210 - 0964
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