Puppy Mill vs. Breeder

2 big red flags are:

*They don’t want any details about you. It varies from breeder to bbreeder about how much they will ask you, what they want to know, etc. Some arevery thorough. But all good breeders should ask you SOME questions as they want to know their pups are going to good, loving home. A Miller just cares about the money and couldn’t care less where their pups go. If they don’t ask much of anything, it doesn’t always mean they are a Puppy Mill or Backyard Breeder, they could just be new to breeding. But it’s always a signal to be cautious and dig deeper.

*They won’t let you meet the mom or see their kennels. Breeders are very proud of their dogs and facilities and should be happy to have you stop by (by app.). If they have something to hide, then it’s a good guess something isn’t right. And please remember that most breeders may not own the father, so don’t be surprised if you can’t meet him. But Momma should be fair game.

We have several suggestions to determine the credibility of a breeder.

1. Talk with the breeder and visit their facility or home. They should be able to discuss the breed of dog in depth along with behavioral issues, health concerns and you should expect to complete a puppy questionnaire as a reputable breeder will care where their pups are placed.
2. Meet the dogs; they should be healthy, happy and confident.
3. Ask to meet the sire if possible, if the sire is not on the premises, the breeder should be able to provide photographs along with the breeding pairs pedigrees. They may be able to put in you contact with the owner of the sire as well.
4. Ask what types of health screening and testing were done prior to breeding. Ask for proof of these tests.
5. How many litters has the dam had? How frequently has she been bred?
6. Does the breeder particpate in any AKC events, public education or offer grooming or training assistance to new owners?
7. Does the puppy come with a written health guarantee? Will the puppy be up to date on his/her shots when it’s ready to leave the litter? Will the puppy be registered with the AKC? Will the puppy be microchipped?
8. Is the breeder willing to take the dog back if necessary?
9. Will you receive a written contract with the puppy?
10. Does the breeder offer support for life?
12. Does the breeder belong to the national parent club for his or her breed? If not, why not? Does the breeder belong to any all breed kennel clubs? Is so, check with them to make sure they are members in good standing.
13. Ask for references, most breeders will be happy to offer references for you. Most breeders will be proud of the dogs that they have produced and homes in which they have placed them.
14. Remember the puppy will be an addition to your family, so please ask as many questions as it takes to make you feel informed and confident about the breed, their dogs and the breeder. A good breeder will not be insulted by numerous questions; rather they may be relieved that you are taking the time to make certain that this is absolutely the right dog for you.

Good luck!

AzzumA Giant Schnauzers
http://www.AzzumaGiantSchnauzers.com

Visit the breeders kennels and see for yourself how the breeder operates. You should be shown all the dogs that they own- be sceptical if they have many different breeds. Go for a pure breed where possible. Get papers with your puppy. Also make sure that all the dogs are healthy and that the kennels are clean. Puppy Mills are producing many cross breeds and they dont give their breeding bitches a break in between litters. It is cruel. It is in my opinion that all pet shops should be banned from selling puppies and kittens as this is where the majority of their animals come from. How can puppy mills know every breed as well as what a registered breeder who has been breeding that one breed for so long? There is no question GO TO THE BREEDER!!

Not all breeders are created equal, as I’m sure you know.

Here are a few things you should ask:

How often does the breeder breed the females? If it is every heat cycle, then this is a red flag.

Are they USDA licensed? If so, this is a red flag – not necessarially a puppy mill, but a huge red flag. People who sell to brokers have to be USDA licensed. I would never sell to a broker. There is a link to the USDA breeder list here: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/efoia/downloads/reports/A_cert_holders.txt

Does the breeder register with the AKC? Most reputable breeders do. There are other registries out there. They aren’t bad, per-se, but if the breeder doesn’t register with the AKC, ask them why not. This may be a red flag. Here is a list of breeders who have been suspended by the AKC: http://www.barkbytes.com/suspend/suspindx.htm#a

That’s a place to start.

Also, ask to see the kennel. If you can’t go there, ask for pictures.

This is just my own opinion as a breeder (my site is http://www.yorkiesllc.com)