WHAT IS?

a)  ....A PUPPY  FARMER?   
They run an establishment which concentrates on the mass breeding of all the popular breeds. They do this on a shoestring budget, spending as little as possible on food, bedding, vet bills, and nothing at all on health testing, while reaping as much profit in the bank as possible. When breeding stock are 'surplus to requirements' they are disposed of. There is no love of the breeding animal, they are purely there to put money in the puppy farmer's bank.

b)   .....A BACKYARD BREEDER?
Is someone who breeds for 'pin money' from KC (un-endorsed) registered  animals bought from puppy farms or pet shops. They are ignorant of health issues, have no equipment, but very often will purchase a couple of pet females and one male to 'serve' them.... which they do on a very frequent basis.  They breed with no restrictions, and sell with either no KC Papers, or with no breeding restrictions on the puppy, so buyers can also breed from the pet they buy. Sometimes these people work in groups so they can use each others' 'stud dogs' cheaply, they ruin breeds and have no interest in being educated because they are quite happy to sell untypical, sickly puppies to the unsuspecting public who think they are getting a bargain.

c)  .......A COMMERCIAL BREEDER?
Can be a reputable breeder who tests for everything and cares deeply about the breed they own. The difference is they live from the profit of what they breed,  and from stud fees.... Breeding and selling puppies IS their day job that pays the mortgage. They breed frequently, and have many puppies to chose from and are sometimes very successful in the show ring. Several commercial breeders are also respected judges and can belong to breed clubs. Very few commercial breeders have dogs on their sofas, and hardly ever keep their old retired dogs because old dogs cost money, and they are on a budget.... So they find a pet home for them to live out the rest of their lives in comfort.

  d) ......A HOBBY BREEDER?
These are the breeders who have their dogs around them in the home, on the sofas, armchairs, and in the bed. They are the ones who spend top dollar on the best food they can get, and buy new comfy dog bedding at every opportunity. These breeders health test, many judge and belong to Breed Clubs. They very often show,  and will travel anywhere to use the best stud dog to produce their next healthy litter,  while hoping for something to be good enough to show. The rest of the litter is placed in carefully vetted pet homes. They are surrounded by their beloved oldies, and are bereft when they pass.... They forever have their hand in their pocket,  and don't make a buttered bean in the way of profit....