According to the ASPCA, "Puppy mills are large-scale commercial dog-breeding operations where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs. Unlike responsible breeders, who place the utmost importance on producing the healthiest puppies possible, puppy mill owners disregard genetic quality. This often results in generations of dogs with hereditary defects, including dental abnormalities, eye problems and limb deformities. Legitimate breeders also put a lot of effort into giving puppies a good start in life by providing proper nutrition, veterinary attention and thorough socialization. Unfortunately, puppy mill dogs aren’t so lucky. Puppy mills usually house dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, without adequate veterinary care, food, water or socialization. The dogs don’t get to experience treats, toys, exercise or basic grooming. To minimize waste cleanup, they’re often kept in cages with wire flooring that injures their paws and legs—and it’s not unusual for cages to be stacked in tall columns. Dogs used for breeding often spend their entire lives outdoors, exposed to the elements, or indoors, crammed inside filthy structures where they never get the chance to feel the sun or a gust of fresh air on their faces."
Responsible breeders do not sell their puppies to pet shops, period. EVERY puppy you see in a pet shop came from a puppy mill, regardless of what the pet shop owners will tell you. In addition to health problems, many of these puppies have behavior problems resulting from inbreeding, poor early crate training, removal from their litters at too young an age, and lack of appropriate early socialization.
Some FAQs:
Q) But if the puppy has already arrived at my local pet shop, why not buy one and give the puppy a chance at life in a family?
A) It all comes down to supply and demand. The reason that puppy mills exist at all is that people buy them. If no one bought them, the puppy mills could not stay in operation. Buying a dog from a pet shop supports the puppy mill industry.
Q) My friend bought a puppy from a pet shop, and it lived a long healthy life and had none of the behavior problems you mentioned.
A) If you buy a puppy from a pet shop, it is theoretically possible that you might get a healthy one, but the odds of having one of the above problems is much greater than buying from a responsible breeder.
Q) Ok, you've convinced me to stay away from pet shops, but how can I tell if a "breeder" I find on the Internet is a "responsible breeder?"
A) Check with local rescues - they know who's who in that area. Also, prices are very low for puppy mill dogs compared to dogs purchased from legitimate breeders. Here is some good advice from the AKC:
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To find a responsible breeder, go to a dog show or access the AKC Matketplace.
The breeder referral officer for the parent club is the best contact.
Local all-breed kennel clubs in your neighborhood are also a good option
to find reputable breeders. Find an AKC club in your area by using this
directory: http://www.akc.org/clubs/search/index.cfm
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Don't be put off if a breeder isn't immediately responsive. Hobby
breeders often have full-time jobs and they don't always have available
puppies. Be selective. Find a breeder who is knowledgeable and make sure
you're comfortable with them.
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Visit the breeder's home or kennel and ask to see at least one of
the puppy's parents. Get an idea of what the future holds for your dog
in terms of temperament and appearance.
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Observe the premises. Is the house/kennel clean? Odor-free? Dogs and
puppies should be clean, well fed, lively and friendly. Look for signs
of malnutrition such as protruding rib cages or illness such as runny
nose/eyes, coughing, lethargy and skin sores.
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Pay attention to how the dogs and puppies interact with their
breeder. Does the breeder appear to genuinely care for the puppies and
their adult dogs? Both dogs and puppies should not shy away from the
breeder and should be outgoing with strangers.
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Find out about the health of your puppy and its parents. Breeders
should be honest about the breed's strengths and weaknesses and
knowledgeable about the genetic diseases that can affect their breed -
including what's being done to avoid them. Breeders should be willing to
share proof of health screenings such as OFA and CERF certificates with
potential buyers.
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Establish a good rapport with the breeder. He/she will be an
excellent resource and breed mentor for you throughout the life of your
puppy. You should be encouraged to call the breeder if your dog has a
crisis at any stage of its life.
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A responsible breeder may ask you to sign a contract indicating that
if specified conditions of care are not met or you become unable to
keep the puppy, he/she will reclaim it.
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Don't expect to bring home the puppy until its eight to 12 weeks of age. Puppies need ample time to mature and socialize with its mother and littermates.
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Breeders should be willing to answer any questions you have and
should ask many of you as well. Breeders will want to make sure their
puppies are going to good homes, with people who know what to expect and
have made all the necessary preparations.
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Don't leave the premises without the appropriate documentation of
the dog's pedigree, a.k.a. "papers." The words "American Kennel Club" as
well as the AKC logo should be clearly visible. You'll need to send in
this application form to register your dog with the AKC. Be wary of a
breeder who refuses/hesitates to give you papers, wants to charge you
more for AKC papers, offers papers from a registry other than the AKC,
or tells you he/she will mail them to you at a later date.
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While the AKC does not have penal or regulatory authority, AKC
conducts thousands of its own inspections each year. Breeders who have
major kennel deficiencies may lose AKC privileges (ability to register
dogs or compete in events). In some cases, fines will be imposed, AKC
privileges may be suspended indefinitely and appropriate law enforcement
authorities are contacted. If you would like to ensure that the breeder
you are dealing with is in good standing with the AKC, contact AKC
Customer Service at 919-233-9767 or Info@akc.org .
