Dog Breeder or a Puppy
Mill…how do I know?
Producing a litter of puppies is easy. Producing a quality litter of pups with high probability of a long healthy life and correct temperament takes thought, time and care. Did you know you will pay about the same for a breeder’s expertise and your quality pet, as you will pay the puppy mill or backyard breeder? Did you know that you encourage “puppy mills” when you accept less…and you may pay more? Did you know that puppy mill operators do you a disservice by driving up prices of legitimate breeders?
We need to stop encouraging the “backyard breeder.”
She/he is making lots of easy money at your expense and at the expense of dogs
in general. She/he depends on impulse buyers and it is not difficult to
figure out where those puppies end up. It is a huge, sad picture. A
backyard breeder chooses an easy breed, produces possibly10 pups in a litter
that may never see a vet, then sells her pups for top
dollar to uninformed consumers. Do the math to see why
4-5 litters from each dog in one year.
A legitimate Breeder will provide you a written guarantee regarding your pups.
A legitimate Breeder will want you to see his kennel
and/or home environment. He may even want to see yours! He cares
more about your pup than profit-making!
He/she will insist on keeping the pups 8-10 weeks for the sake of the puppies.
He/she will have given all shots, wormers, vaccinations, remove dewclaws on most breeds, dock tails on certain breeds, and will provide you veterinarian records proving that all was done by a medical professional. He will provide breed papers from AKC or CKC (or comparable) at time of delivery of pup (or written proof that he has applied for same) and a copy of your dog’s pedigree. Beware of promised papers that never come!
A knowledgeable breeder will offer you thorough, breed specific advice about care and feeding for the best possible growth start for your pup. He shows or has shown his dogs, at least periodically.
ASK YOUR BREEDER how many litters his dogs have produced this year.
A backyard breeder/puppy mill dealer will offer to meet you somewhere to show you the puppy. He might even sell his puppies in a parking lot. This way you won’t see the condition of the litter’s environment, and the seller makes quick money on impulse buyers. After all, all puppies are cute!
How do I find a legitimate breeder? Check dog magazines, research on the internet, contact AKC for dog clubs, and contact its members. Attend a dog show and listen. These people will gladly give you guidance and probably have upcoming litters planned.
Whatever you do, avoid impulse buying. Ask questions, check out the “breeder,” call his/her vet, and ask more questions! Choose a legitimate breeder for a healthy dog with a correct temperament. You’ll enjoy your pet for his deservedly long lifetime!
Respectfully submitted,
Sally Mass