It’s important to acknowledge that there are diverse viewpoints on what constitutes ethical dog breeding. While some may prioritize factors like health testing and showing, others may have different priorities or concerns like working ability. It’s crucial to remember that your perspective is not the word of God, is very likely not the most informed from the most viewpoints and knowledge, etc. You don’t have the right to force your viewpoint on others, harass them for it, etc. If no animals are being harmed, let people have their own opinion.

For some, no ethical breeders exist, but for others, there are loads of them. For most, it’s somewhere in between. Some believe purpose bred mixes are permissible while others believe there’s no such thing as ethical crossbreeding.

Ethical vs. Reputable Breeders:

• Ethical breeders prioritize the well-being of their dogs above all else. This includes things like proper care and doing appropriate health testing and titling that is applicable (this is where it gets sticky). Some may feel breeding with appearance in mind is unacceptable, but you may find those same people will rule out otherwise amazing dogs for having harmless genes (still prioritizing color or coat type).
• Reputable breeders may follow some ethical practices but may not prioritize all aspects of ethical breeding to the same degree. They may focus on breed standards, showing, and/or producing quality puppies, but their breeding practices may not be entirely transparent or prioritize health and well-being above all else. “Reputable” simply means people like them, not that they’re doing right by the animals or their puppy buyers.
  My Personal Thoughts on Purpose-Bred Mixes:
• Mixing breeds can be ethical if done responsibly with the aim of improving health, temperament, or other desired traits. However, it’s crucial to avoid breeding for purely aesthetic reasons or perpetuating unhealthy breed traits. Mixing should improve things, not be a downgrade.
• “Companionship” is a perfectly valid reason to breed dogs, as long as the breeder prioritizes the health and well-being of the dogs and avoids contributing needlessly to overpopulation.

The fact is, dog folks love to say “NO ETHICAL BREEDER WOULD…” when that’s just not true in most cases, and especially when the ethics involved are subjective and contextual. “No ethical breeder would breed without conformation titles!” Well, actually, a sled dog kennel might because the chosen “breed” for most teams is not purebred. A livestock guardian breeder might, because the dog is busy doing its real job which is more important. A service dog training program may breed mixed breeds because they’re better suited for what the program needs. Etc.

Everyone has their own view of what’s ethical and what isn’t. As long as no one is promoting the harm of animals, it’s really only your own opinion that’s relevant to you.