The advice is everywhere. “Go to a registered breeder.” “Anyone else is a backyard breeder.” While well intentioned, this oversimplification can leave families unprepared for the realities behind the label. For many people, the phrase registered breeder feels reassuring. It sounds like a safeguard. A clear line between doing the right thing and making a mistake. In an already emotional and overwhelming process, it offers certainty. The reality is more nuanced. Registration is