by Brenda Nelson

Created on: February 18, 2009   Last Updated: February 22, 2010

Puppy Mills are illegal in most places, however they still exist and people every day continue to support them and reward them for their cruelty. People often see a puppy, look into its eyes, fall in love with it, and buy it, unaware of any implications beyond that. In fact some people are even proud to buy "Puppy Mill" pups, because they think they are "rescuing" the pup. Before we address how to find a good breeder versus a puppy mill, lets quickly learn why it is important to know the difference.

When you buy from a reputable breeder you generally get a better quality dog. The breeder has invested time and money proving the parents worthiness as breeding animals. They have had their dogs tested for genetic defects, which often includes hip, eyes, and ears. They do not breed animals who have negative traits or who have in the past produced a low quality litter. A reputable breeder will offer a genetic health guarantee and usually will stand behind their pups for a lifetime.

When you buy a puppy mill pup, you get a pup bred for no other reason that to make profit. No attention has been given to the genetic superiority of its parents, for mental or physical traits. They are usually sold to a puppy broker who sells to the pet store, thus inflating their cost, and hiding their early beginnings, which are often in squaller. The pups are often intentionally stunted through poor nutrition, after all, small = cute, and cute sells. Typically the only guarantee you get is a ten day health guarantee from the pet store, if even that.

There is a mid-range breeder too, they are referred to as "Back Yard Breeders". These people happen to have a dog, and they let it breed. They do make a small profit from the pups because they have not taken the parents to shows to prove their worth as breeding animals. The main problem with getting a pup from a Back Yard Breeder is they offer no health guarantee. Many produce cross breed dogs, and sell them for an inflated price.

So, how do you, the consumer, know the difference?

First of all, if a pup is in a pet store, chances are it came from a puppy mill. Since puppy mills are illegal, the store will deny this, but who else would sell to a pet store? Who else would need to hide anonymously behind a store front? Occasionally stores offer dogs owned by animal shelters for adoption, but this is a rare exception. Most pups, particularly those of smaller breeds, are puppy mill pups. They might be registered, but registration does not prove

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