This page is about when it is alright to breed, and when it is irresponsible, and how to tell the difference. For potential puppy buyers, I hope it will help you select a breeder who will turn into a friend

In my opinion, the important distinction to make between different breeders has nothing to do with the number of Bull Terriers they own, and everything to do with their motivation and their methods.

A "backyard breeder" used to be someone who had a dog or two, and bred a litter or two (in the dogs' lives, not every year), who showed infrequently if at all, and who was primarily interested in their dogs as pets and family companions. This isn't a bad thing, but the connotation of "Backyard Breeder" has changed enormously. Remember, even 20 years ago, most 'real breeders' had big kennel buildings and kennel help. I don't like the idea of dogs parked in kennels to spend their lives, and I actually think that the dogs might've been a lot happier with a "backyard breeder" back then. As far as the distinctions go, though, "backyard" has come to mean "indifferent", as opposed to "small-scale". I'm a small scale breeder; I own two breedable bitches and one dog who live in my house and my back-yard... but (and this is the important part) I breed to produce healthier, closer-to-the-Standard Bull Terriers that can win in the show ring and share peoples' homes. In 20 years, I've bred about twenty litters, so that certainly does not make me a "big breeder"; hopefully, however, I am still a "real breeder".
As far as dog shows are concerned, being a competitive exhibitor is NOT a bad thing; wanting to win in the ring keeps our eyes focused on what a Bull Terrier is supposed to look like. That's the issue of TYPE; the thing that makes a dog a Bull Terrier instead of a Chow-Chow. Sharing your house with the dogs is what keeps you focused on what they're supposed to behave like and the health issues. When those aspects of your dog aren't right, and you share your life with a Bullie, you get your heart broken. I believe that both of these aspects of being a small-scale breeder and exhibitor help to keep you honest, with yourself as well as with potential puppy buyers.

If someone has one bitch and breeds one litter they may be fine, as long as they can honestly and positively answer these questions:

1. "Is my bitch a good representative of the breed physically? Does she conform to the Standard of the Bull Terrier? Is she mature enough, physically and mentally, to get through a pregnancy and whelping, then raise a litter and remain healthy herself?"
2. "Have I tested this bitch for every one of the health problems that she can be tested for? Is she BAER-normal bilaterally? Does she have normal patellae, or is there a suspicion of laxity? Has a veterinarian with enough experience to recognize a potential problem listened to her heart? If there is ANY question, has she had an echocardiogram with color Doppler to rule out Aortic Stenosis, Mitral Dysplasia or any other problem? Has she had a Urine-Protein/Urine Creatinine Ratio done in the last six months with a result of .4 or less? Am I confident that her temperament is sane, and that she is safe to have around people, both children and adults?"
3. "Have I selected her mate based on both his physical and genetic type so that I have avoided doubling up on potential health problems and conformation faults? Have I asked for, and received, copies of the stud dog’s health tests, and are those test results within the acceptable ranges?"
4. "Do I have appropriate homes for every single one of her puppies, even if she has TWELVE of 'em?" If not, "Am I willing to keep every single one of the pups I can't find GOOD homes for until they die of old age?"
5. "Am I willing to take back any puppy that doesn't work out in its new home for any reason, at any time?"

Nathalie and her best friend, Samantha, socializing Carrie's puppies to small children... it's a tough job, but someone has to do it.

If you don't know enough about physical type to answer #1, enough about the health problems in the breed to answer #2, or enough about pedigrees to answer #3, than you need to back up and do some studying before you breed your Bull Terrier... or, if it's a male, before you allow any one else to breed to it!
Specialty Bull Terrier Shows are a VERY good place to do some serious learning about this breed. At Silverwood each year there is an Education Seminar, free of charge, and at other Specialties there are often informal discussions or Committee Meetings that address the issues that the Bull Terrier Club of America is working on.
In the US, most reputable breeders charge about $1000-1500.00, for a show quality puppy, with a contract. If the puppy is pet quality, it will be sold with a "Limited Registration" and the contract will specify that it be spayed or neutered before a certain age. The puppy mills, backyard breeders and Pet Stores are getting $2000-$5000 for their puppies. Remember, most of them are doing it strictly to make money, and they KNOW what the latest "fad breed" is worth to the general public. While you won’t have to worry about a contract, that’s a lot of money to pay so that you won't have anyone "checking up" on you & your dog. And keep in mind that you have no one to call if you have problems, and no one to care if your dog goes into renal failure at two years old.
My puppies, as are those of all responsible breeders, are sold with a written contract. If they are affected by a lethal or crippling genetic problem such as Aortic Stenosis, Polycystic Kidney Disease, Hereditary Nephritis, Mitral Dysplasia, Crippling Patellar Luxation, or Sudden Rage Syndrome before their second birthday, I will refund the purchase price of the puppy. I think that beats the heck out of a "Puppy-LUV-Pet-Emporium-Thirty-Day-Warranty", doesn't it? The contract specifically requires that the dog not be allowed to run loose, that the buyer attends a basic obedience class with the dog, and that if there is a problem and they can’t keep the dog they let me know so I can either help or take the dog back. I do not think that those terms place an undue burden on anyone.
Just some things to think about... basically, it takes more than a sweet pet to make a worthy brood bitch or stud dog and more than good intentions to make a responsible breeder. Good breeding is about hard work and comprehensive testing and HOURS UPON HOURS of research. As a potential puppy buyer it is up to you to learn the right questions to ask so that you are able to select a breeder who knows the right answers and that you can trust. Good Luck!