Signs that a puppy is from a Puppy Mill
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#1 – Pet Store You should stay away from pet stores when buying a puppy. Any reputable breeder would never sell a puppy to a pet store. |
#2 – No Parents
If the breeder cannot let you meet the parents, you should walk away. Not meeting the parents is like
buying a car without knowing the make. Don’t do it. For all you know, these people did not even
breed the puppy, but are selling him secondhand for unknown reasons.
If the breeder cannot let you meet the parents, you should walk away. Not meeting the parents is like
buying a car without knowing the make. Don’t do it. For all you know, these people did not even
breed the puppy, but are selling him secondhand for unknown reasons.
#3 – Let’s Meet
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If you call a breeder and they say “let’s meet somewhere” when you ask to visit their kennel,
it’s a puppy mill. Usually they will try to get you to meet in a store parking lot or a park. Unless there are extreme circumstances, there is no reason why should not see where your puppy was born. |
#4 – Several Breeds
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Reputable breeders focus on one breed,
maybe two, MAX. If you find a site offering five different breeds (and their mixes!), it’s a puppy mill. |
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#5 – Multiple Litters
When you call the breeder and ask if they have puppies, do they respond with “I have one litter coming,
but there is already a waiting list” or “oh yes, I have 3 litters on the ground and 2 more on the way”?
If the breeder has 30 puppies, that is definitely a puppy mill.
but there is already a waiting list” or “oh yes, I have 3 litters on the ground and 2 more on the way”?
If the breeder has 30 puppies, that is definitely a puppy mill.
#6 – Vaccinations
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Puppy mills don’t like to spend money, it deters from profits. So the parents may not be vaccinated (you should ask!) and the puppies probably are not.
Or, conversely, they have so many puppies they lost track and your pup got vaccinated twice. |
#7 – Extreme Promises
Dr. Kathryn Primm DVM, owner and chief veterinarian of Applebrook Animal Hospital, says to be
wary about the breeder promising a certain size, temperament, or characteristic that seems extreme.
For example, a dog came into her clinic that was supposed to be a Pomeranian and Husky mix that
the breeder had promised would never grow lover than 7 pounds. She was 42 pounds.
wary about the breeder promising a certain size, temperament, or characteristic that seems extreme.
For example, a dog came into her clinic that was supposed to be a Pomeranian and Husky mix that
the breeder had promised would never grow lover than 7 pounds. She was 42 pounds.
#8 – Cleanliness
This goes for the dog and the breeder’s home or kennel. Dr. Primm says puppies from
puppy mills are more likely to smell like a kennel and have poor coat quality.
puppy mills are more likely to smell like a kennel and have poor coat quality.
#9 – Contract
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Your breeder should care enough about
what happens to the puppy that she has a contract protecting both you and her. Reputable breeders have a spay/neuter agreement, breed papers, health contract, and a request that you return the dog to them if it doesn’t work out (rather than dumping him at the shelter). |
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#10 – Too Young
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Another way they can cut their costs is by giving you the puppy early, because they do not have to feed them, give them shots, etc.
Question any breeder wanting to give you the puppy before they are at least eight weeks old. This is the minimum age you should be taking a puppy from their mother and litter-mates. |
We believe in placing a pup in a home when they are ready, not before.
For more information why we keep them past 8 weeks check out:
Eight weeks or twelve weeks?
Article found at: http://theilovedogssite.com/10-signs-that-puppy-is-from-a-puppy-mill/#Rvtp2sClf4ExG1Ul.99