No one wants to support a facility that mistreats animals. Unfortunately, animal cruelty laws are often lax, leaving many legal gray areas. As an unregulated industry, anyone can breed and sell dogs, making the pet industry a “buyer beware” market.
Great breeders possess extensive knowledge of genetics, including concepts like recessive genes, and genuinely care about their dogs. They are meticulous when placing puppies, often grilling potential owners to ensure a good match. Don’t take it personally if you’re turned down—it might be due to a mismatch, such as wanting a family companion when the litter was bred for high-energy work, or an issue like inadequate fencing. For great breeders, money isn’t the primary motivator; ensuring a happy outcome for both the dog and owner is. Reputable rescue groups operate similarly.
Red Flags to Watch For
The pet industry has become more business-savvy, so prospective owners must be well-informed. Below are warning signs that may indicate a puppy mill. While these don’t definitively prove a mill, they warrant caution.
“Purebred” Claims: A purebred dog comes with papers from a recognized organization like the CKC, AKC, or UKC, including a pedigree. No pedigree? You’re buying a mutt.
No Breeder on Site: This is a major red flag. If you’re not dealing directly with the breeder, you can’t verify the puppies’ origins. Brokers may deny sourcing from mills, but their word is unreliable.
Kennels and Crates: Puppies need to stay with their mother and littermates until at least 7½ weeks for proper socialization. Great rescuers place early-separated pups in homes to compensate. Puppies raised in crates during this critical period often lack socialization, learning to soil their crates, which complicates house training. Great breeders prioritize quality over quantity, raising puppies in family environments to expose them to human life. Puppies from barns, kennels, or crates may act like wild dogs, not family pets. Don’t be swayed by spotless, automated facilities—dogs shouldn’t be produced like assembly-line products. Note that breeders may use x-pens or whelping areas, but these should be kept clean.
Guarantees and Contracts: These are only as good as the paper they’re written on. Legal battles are costly, so read carefully before signing and document any changes in writing.
No Interview: A lack of screening suggests indifference. Great breeders screen because they care about their dogs’ futures.
Health Issues: A chubby belly on a calm puppy may indicate worms. Mixed-breed or farm puppies can be wonderful but require the same medical attention as purebreds. Always ask for veterinary records.
Designer Dogs: Breeds like “something-a-poos” may be appealing, but they’re not purebreds—they’re crossbreeds sold at a premium. Apply the same standards as you would for any reputable breeder or rescue.
Health Checks: Responsible breeding is expensive. Some breeds require hip x-rays or genetic testing for recessive genes. Vaccinations, birthing, and facility maintenance add up. A $700 puppy from a good breeder likely reflects equivalent veterinary costs, sometimes including in-home care to avoid clinic-borne diseases. Great breeders can justify their prices.
Rescue Groups with Designer Dogs: While rare, reputable rescues may occasionally have designer dog litters, often from mill seizures or rural strays. These groups can’t confirm breed mixes, so ensure the rescue is credible.
At Least One Parent on Site: Meeting a parent allows you to assess their behavior. If they’re aggressive or unhealthy, question why they’re being bred.
The bottom line is buyer beware. Poor breeders are indifferent to creating unsocialized dogs, house-training challenges, or unhappy outcomes. Support facilities that prioritize animal welfare. If you suspect abuse, contact your local Humane Society or SPCA—there’s no excuse for animal cruelty.
