Puppy Mill or Professional Dog Breeder: How to tell the difference?

If you’re in the market for a puppy, you’ve probably searched online for breeders and been dazzled by gorgeous, breeder websites and the claims they make about their puppies. Sadly, many of the websites claiming to be breeders are really puppy mills in disguise. Most consumers have no idea how to differentiate between a breeder and a puppy mill or how to validate the breeder’s claim that they are not a puppy mill. If you do not know what a Puppy Mill is, or why you don’t want a puppy mill puppy, please click the link to learn more.

People who purchase sick and emotionally damaged puppies from pet shops and online sources file thousands of consumer complaints annually. The majority of these individuals thought that their puppies came from a professional breeder.

Professional Dog Breeders

Dog breeders are professionals whose business is selecting ideal breeding parents and responsibly breeding puppies. They do not mass produce puppies, as the health and welfare of the breeding parents are never sacrificed for volume. Their business is not driven by profit, but by quality animal care and perpetuating pure, healthy breed lines.

Dog breeders pay careful attention to the temperament and health of their puppies. They provide human contact and socialization, which puppies need for physical and mental stability. They provide appropriate health care, which is required both for breeding parents and their puppies.

Dog breeders are proud of their puppys’ bloodlines and their facilities, and will always invite you to their locations. Puppy buyers should always visit a breeder location, see the litter, meet the parents and see the conditions both pup and breeding parent have lived in. We cannot stress this enough, you must visit the facility yourself to ensure that you’re dealing with a real breeder and not a puppy mill in disguise.

These professionals are very selective when selling one of their precious pups and they will go out of their way to validate the potential home and potential parent prior to selling them a puppy.

LOOKS like a professional breeder or ACTS like a professional breeder?

Unfortunately, puppy mills have ruined the reputation of the breeding industry as the mills very cleverly disguise themselves as reputable breeders. They create gorgeous websites to trick you into believing that they are professional breeders. Many of them even advertise on their websites that they are not puppy mills! Mill representatives rarely speak the truth when you ask questions and most consumers don’t know what questions to ask in the first place. This is exactly what the mills prey on. They are very clever and convincing, which makes them as dangerous to people as they are to dogs.

Consumers Beware- tips on uncovering the truth

It is up to the consumer to validate if a breeder is really a breeder or a puppy mill in disguise. Unless you’re a professional in the industry, you probably don’t have any idea where to begin. Below are some tips to help you tell the difference:

Where are you finding your puppy? Puppy mills use pet stores, the newspaper and the Internet to sell their puppies. Never, ever, purchase a dog through the Internet. If someone claiming to be a breeder is advertising online, visit his or her facility before you buy. Puppy mills and puppy brokers also pose as individuals with a puppy to sell. You’ll see this tactic frequently online and in your local newspaper. We implore you not to buy a puppy from any of these sources.
No excuses for visiting. Professional dog breeders want you to see their facilities, their litter and the breeding parents, and will never deny your request to visit. Typical mill maneuvers give you excuses not to visit, or at the last minute, call and request that you meet somewhere else. They will never let you tour their facility or see the breeding parents and often, will only show you the puppies which have been moved out of their breeding environment.
Contract not Bill of Sale. Professional breeders issue a contract, not a bill of sale. Contracts vary by breeder but typically they all include the following critera:
- If anything happens to the puppy, the breeder must be notified and if you are no longer able to care for the pet, it is returned to them.
- Neutering clause mandating that you spay or neuter the pet.
- Health and temperament guarantee which lasts for years or for the life of the pet…not days. If you are interviewing breeders, ask them to send you their contract before making any commitments.
- Typically microchip their puppies for permanent identification so that the animal is always linked to them.
- Never state that you must use their veterinarian for a health inspection of the pet.
Moving Puppies. Professional dog breeders do not like to ship dogs across state lines and will almost never allow their puppies to fly long distances if at all. Responsible breeders want you to come to the pet and drive them home.
Picking your pup. Puppies pick their people as much as people pick them. Each puppy is an individual with his or her own temperament and preferences. It’s crucial that you choose your own puppy to ensure your temperaments match.

Where can I start my research?

Assuming you have visited the breeder’s facility and have reviewed their contract, check with your state’s agricultural division. They can validate breeding licenses for the breeder in question. You may also check the facility’s dog occupancy license to see how many dogs they are allowed to have on their property.

Reputable breeders are members of professional breeder associations. Check your local listings to see if the breeder you select is there. These organizations can also help you determine if there are complaints against the breeder or if they are being investigated as a puppy mill. You can also check with the local animal rescue operation and Better Business Bureau in the town where the breeder is located.

Professional breeders are an excellent source for obtaining a healthy, well-adjusted puppy. Just be sure that you’re really dealing with a breeder as opposed to a puppy mill in disguise. It’s up to you, the consumer, to uncover the truth and to choose. Choose wisely, the quality of your life and the life of your puppy depends on it.

FOR INFORMATION ONLY

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