How to Know the Difference Between a Breeder and a Puppy Mill

by becky on in Interesting Facts 43
pugs behind bars

While we are certain that puppy in the pet store window or on the ranch is as cute as can be — and you are willing to bring out the checkbook, cash, or credit card right now just to have it, you just might want to learn a few things first.

After all, not all dogs or their breeders are created equal.

Make sure any breeder you deal with:

Screens pups for genetic problems and shows you the paperwork; Answers questions with no hesitation or condescension; Takes the time to educate you and does not push the sale;
Helps you make the right decision—even if that means you do not buy a dog; and agrees to provide advice and support for the dog’s lifetime if you do buy a dog.

A good breeder will often have a puppy waiting list and always interrogates potential buyers about their ability to care for the dog.

Questions the breeder will probably ask include:

Why do you want a dog?
Who will be responsible for the dog’s care and exercise?
Do you have a fenced yard? (Some breeders may actually want to visit your home.)
If you rent your home, can I contact your landlord to make sure dogs are allowed?
What veterinarian have you used in the past so I can call for a reference?

Good breeders deserve to be compensated for the time and resources they put into producing sound pups.

Puppy Mills
Puppy mills are places where purebred or “designer” dogs are bred solely for the money they can bring in, with no regard for the dogs’ welfare. The puppies are housed in overcrowded, unsanitary cages. Puppies are taken away from their mothers too early and are not socialized with either dogs or humans. They receive minimal, if any, veterinary care, and inbreeding is common. Disease, genetic disorders, and heartworm are the norm. The breeding females produce one litter after another in cramped cages with no concern for their health.

Those of you who have rescued puppy mill dogs know the difficulties these dogs can face. In addition to health issues, most have never been housetrained; have never walked on a solid surface or with a leash; have never lived in a home with vacuum cleaners, blenders and other appliances; have never climbed stairs; have never interacted normally with other dogs or people.

Just remember that a reputable breeder will want you to visit their facility, to see how they run it and view its cleanliness. They will also encourage you to ask questions so you can assess if their puppies and eventual dog(s) are what you want.

Also, do your research on health issues and what breed is easiest to house-train, since we all know that can vary. Also, read up on what pups are naturally jittery and those who are best with kids.

There is much more to learn, and if you go over to Your Dogs Friend, they have a great deal more information for you to read about your new dog. Now you can make the right choice for his or her forever home!



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43 thoughts on “How to Know the Difference Between a Breeder and a Puppy Mill”

  5. Tori O'bryan

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    These are my two babies as you can see one is bigger then the other. The difference between puppy mill and buying from a breeder right there. The puppy mill girl is in a dress she is a rescue has a ton of Heath issue. She can not be fixed due to the fact that if she puts on any more weight she will have to have hip and knee surgery as well as some other things. My other pug has not Heath issues at all. I love my girls so much. Pugs rule!!!!

  8. Janice Therrien

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    This is so very important. Leela came from a puppy mill. She was a breeding female. When I got her from the rescue, she immediately needed an eye enucleation. She’s flat footed and has a host of other issues due to living as she had. My Vet told me she had likely never been out of a wire cage her entire 3 yr life. Luckily her spirit was not broken and she is a lively and loving girl.

  10. Brenda Manns

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    Tori O’bryan Hw cute mine was given to me she had puppies and they wanted to keep the male pup my husband misses her alot when he had 5 strokes she was by his side I would love to get him another one but to expensive he said when he’s working she pops in his head sad

  14. Janice Therrien

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    Boy is she ever lol! She has the best personality, so sweet and funny. I just hate the pain she had to endure before she got here. If we could make enough people aware of the horrors of puppy mills then maybe they would lose the profitability they have now. Unfortunately that’s probably the only thing that would get their attention.

  24. Luke Rickford

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    If it seems a little irritating how many hoops you have to jump through before they’ll let you take a puppy home, chances are good you are dealing with a responsible breeder.

  27. Melanie Thompson

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    When Dad picked up Edward as a gift for my daughter, they made the trade in a parking lot. He paid the person, she gave him the puppy and AKC paperwork. She didn’t even ask for a vet reference. I told him I was 100% sure it was a puppy mill.

  40. Barbara Brown Brough

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    I bought my pug from a pet store. He came from Missouri and would now think it may have been a puppy mill but he was the best dog. He was so good. Never chewed anything and was very easy to potty train. Had him for 15 years and no health problems until the end of his time with me. It’s been 3 years and still miss him terribly.

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