PetSave - Dog Breeding

In this episode of Love the North, we sit down with Jill from PetSave Sudbury to talk about one of the most misunderstood topics in the dog world — breeding.

From “designer dogs” like doodles to backyard breeders and puppy mills, we break down what’s really happening behind the scenes — and why it’s creating serious challenges for shelters across Northern Ontario.

We dive into:

The rise of “designer breeds” and why many are just rebranded mixed dogs
The reality of backyard breeders vs responsible breeders
Why some dogs are ending up in shelters in record numbers
The truth about purebred vs mixed breed health and lifespan
Red flags when buying a puppy (parking lot meetups, online scams, no questions asked)
Why rescues are overwhelmed — and how breeding plays a role

👉 One of the biggest takeaways:
Many breeders are producing dogs for profit — not for the love of the breed — and when those dogs can’t be sold, they often end up surrendered to shelters.

We also talk about:

The importance of choosing the right breed for your lifestyle
Why high-energy dogs (like huskies and Pyrenees) often end up in the wrong homes
The hidden cost of ownership, including vet bills and long-term care
How overbreeding during COVID is still impacting shelters today

👉 If you’re thinking about getting a dog — or already have one — this is a must-watch episode.