Breeding Dogs Doesn’t Make you a Puppy Miller

Black dog

With media attention and public outcry focusing on disreputable dog breeders and puppy mills, all dog breeders have recently faced scrutiny, often unfairly labeled as unethical. But are these accusations justified? Are all dog breeders operating puppy mills?

The answer is a clear “no.” Breeding dogs does not inherently make someone a puppy mill operator. Most reputable dog breeders do not breed for profit. In fact, breeding a litter often costs them money rather than generating income. Despite some breeds fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars per puppy, reputable breeders prioritize animal welfare over financial gain.

Good Practices of a Reputable Dog Breeder

Dog breeding stems from a genuine love for animals. Reputable breeders are often the children who rescue injured birds or beg for new pet toys at the store. Many have housed rescue or foster pets, understanding the importance of spaying, neutering, and preventing over-breeding. They do not breed for profit or to show their children the “miracle of birth,” knowing that such practices often lead to puppies ending up in shelters or euthanized.

Reputable breeders typically start their journey through involvement in dog sports, such as conformation shows, agility, field trials, or Schutzhund. They focus on a favorite breed, learning its characteristics and lineage thoroughly. When their dog excels in competitions, others take notice, and some may request puppies from a future litter. This process, which can take years, leads to carefully planned breedings. Many dedicated dog sport enthusiasts never breed, wary of the responsibility of raising a litter that could face uncertain futures.

Traits of Responsible Breeding

A reputable breeder adheres to high standards to ensure the health and quality of their dogs. They:

  • Select breeding stock that improves the breed, choosing healthy dogs with good temperaments that exemplify breed standards.
  • Conduct health screenings on all breeding stock, and, when possible, their parents and siblings.
  • Monitor puppies for congenital ailments as they mature to prevent passing on hereditary issues.
  • Use only dogs over two years old (both male and female) to allow time for health concerns to emerge.
  • Pre-screen potential owners to ensure suitable homes.
  • Refrain from breeding a litter until most puppies have confirmed homes.
  • Raise puppies in their home, exposing them to new experiences in a controlled, healthy manner.
  • Keep puppies until they are at least seven, preferably eight, weeks old.
  • Provide contracts and health guarantees with their puppies.
  • Commit to taking back or rehoming a puppy if the owner can no longer care for it, often for the dog’s lifetime.

Puppy Mills: A Stark Contrast

In contrast, puppy mill operators follow few, if any, of these practices. They view breeding stock and puppies as profit sources, disregarding genetic health or temperament. This negligence results in dogs with issues that burden owners financially and emotionally, often leading to abandonment at shelters and contributing to high euthanasia rates.

If you’re seeking a breeder and want to ensure their legitimacy, consider these steps:

  • Request to meet both the dam and sire. A reputable breeder will show you the parents if they are local or provide proof of the sire’s location.
  • Verify registration papers, which should be provided within months of purchase without extra fees, per most kennel club rules.
  • Inspect where the puppies live, exercise, and sleep. Are these areas clean? Is there a strong smell of bleach or cleaners?
  • Inquire about the puppies’ diet and veterinary care.

Exercise caution when choosing a breeder. Your new family member may be with you for fifteen years, so ask about the parents, siblings, and the breeder’s background. If anything seems suspicious, contact the relevant kennel club for information. Finally, take the puppy to your veterinarian—not the breeder’s—for a thorough checkup within two days of purchase.

Breeding dogs does not equate to running a puppy mill. However, thorough investigation is essential. Never purchase from pet stores, which often source from puppy mills. As awareness of puppy mill conditions grows, public pressure can help shut down these inhumane operations.

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.