Puppy Mills only
exist because people continue to buy from them.
The decision to adopt a puppy into your family is a big one.
The initial cost of the puppy or dog is only a fraction of the total cost of dog
ownership. On top of the financial obligation, the commitment of time is significant.
It is heartbreaking to hear of people who purchase a puppy from a "Puppy
Mill" and only to find behavior issues, genetic problems, poor health,
and poor socialization. The
best ways to reduce the possibility of problems with your new puppy is to make
sure you purchase your puppy from a responsible breeder. Picking a
good
breeder is much more important than selecting an individual puppy. More
than once I have let the breeder select the puppy for me after I have
decided on a particular breeding. I have
never been disappointed at what I received.
What is a Puppy Mill?
The definition of a Puppy Mill has been hotly debated
and there are a variety of conditions that make a kennel a "Puppy Mill". A
good breeding facility puts the health and
welfare of their breeding stock first and the betterment of the breed
second. A Puppy Mill will put the
financial gain for themselves first, second, and last. The health
and welfare of their animals may be a consideration only as long as it
contributes to their financial gain. The betterment of the breed
is not considered by a Puppy Mill.
How can you tell a puppy mill?
Since there is no one definition of
what a Puppy Mill is, it is obvious that there is no one test to tell
which kennel facilities are indeed a Puppy mill. A good rule
of thumb is that when you see one you know it - and you will know it when you smell it. The following are some good tips.
1. A puppy mill often has a very large number of dogs for the
facility and often has many breeds.
2. A puppy mill often advertises that they always have puppies
available.
3. A puppy mill will not want to show you the kennel facility
for their adults or for their puppies. Dirty kennels, unclean water and food, adults in
poor body condition are not good sales tools and they will not want you
to see them.
4. A puppy mill will not provide a written
health guarantee for the puppy.
How can you tell a responsible breeder?
1. A responsible breeder has a manageable number of dogs for
the facility. Dogs are housed in a clean kennel facility with
sufficient room for each dog, clean water, clean food, and shelter from
the elements.
2. A responsible breeder does not have puppies available all
the time. Expect to wait for the breeding that you want. It
will be well worth the wait.
3. A responsible breeder uses both their own studs and outside
stud service. The decision to breed is to produce quality animals
- not just to produce a litter.
4. A responsible breeder is happy to show you the adult dogs
and the kennel facility. The adult dogs are social and well
adjusted animals in good body condition living in clean conditions.
5. A responsible breeder provides a written
health guarantee for all dogs that they sell. A responsible
breeder knows that his or her responsibility for each puppy does not end
at the sale. Expect the breeder to ask questions about you and
your family.
6. A responsible breeder is usually involved in clubs promoting
their breeds or dogs in general. They participate in competition events with their dogs, or
they use the dog for the work they were bred to perform.