I have always heard this phrase used for unscrupulous breeders, not the location of the breeding operation. Here is a link to a good explanation of back yard breeders vs reputable breeders. It applies to boxers but the same rules can apply for any animal. Make judgments on this criteria, not on the fact that the breeding is taking place outside a breeding facility. http://www.jlhweb.net/Boxermap/reputablebreeder.html Katharine [Posted in FML 6034]