about puppy mills

Many of my customers have questions about puppy mills - what are they? what makes them different than a good breeder? How can I make sure I don't support them?

These are all good questions - and I could go on for days on these places and the people that seem to need to profit this way off of animals. 

The Human Society of the United States has a great page full of info on what these places are like for dogs and ways you can make sure you never support them. 

http://stoppuppymills.org/inside_a_puppy_mill.html

Some tips - never buy from a website or a pet store. If you are looking for a pure breed dog, research local breeders that breed and show dogs and work for the betterment of the breed. Meet them, see their kennels, and their dogs. Know where your dog comes from. If you are looking for a mixed dog - go through rescue sites and local shelters. Spend the time and the money necessary to make a good choice in your new friend. 

I think that the introduction of the designer mixes - all the doodles and oodles and poos out there have fueled the puppy mills. Real breeders do not breed these designer mutts and sell them for huge amounts of money. 

I am someone who appreciates pure breed dogs (along with all other dogs). I think we need them and want them. And good breeders are breeding strong genetic lines, slowly and cautiously. They take great care of their dogs and will not often have puppies available for public sale - you may be on a waiting list.