traits of a puppy mill/backyard breeder

[301pitbullpimp]

just a question, what are some of the signs of a puppy mill, and what are some of the signs of a backyard breeder, also what is something only a reputable breeder would have? how do you differentiate (sp)between the three, or are they one in the same? any help is greatly aprreciated!

[LoriAnn]

Rather than re-type my rant, there is a post from Jan. 17 I put on about puppy mill puppies.

Now, I will probably get blasted for this, but it's my opinion... A lot of show people will tell you if it's not a champion that's bred it's irresponsible breeding. I disagree. I know some show people & have considered doing it, but quite frankly I find it boring. If the breeder can show you OFA certification for hips, eyes, heart etc. (can vary by breed), they offer a health guarantee, lifetime support & screens buyers. These among other things are signs of a responsible breeders.

I am the third generation of golden retriever breeders in my family. We have always kept with the standard & never breed a ***** more than 3 times in her life. My Grandpa & father raised their goldens mainly for hunting. I don't do the hunting thing, but my dogs are into flyball. I give cash back to the new owners for obedience training certificates, AKC good citizenship, or show points. Any owner that can't take care of the dog for any reason is under contract to return it to me & it will spend the rest of it's life being spoiled at my house.

Watch out for breeders that have "rare" breeds, colors or coat variations, there are such things, but more often than not they are trying to dupe you for the cash. If you are looking for a breeder check them out & the breed you are interested in VERY carefully.

[ February 03, 2004, 06:47 PM: Message edited by: LoriAnn ]

[lou3]

beware of anyone that has more than a few litters a year. The biggest "responsible breeders" have around five litters a year significantly more than this indicates possible puppy farms.
look at the conditions the dogs are kept in many dogs in a small space indicates puppy mill.
look at how well cared for the dogs are, scruffy dogs that are never groomed and look under-exercised = bad - possible puppy mill.
look at the conformation of the dogs very carefully, anyone whose dogs arent champion quality (whether they are shown or not they should still be impeccable conformation wise) shouldnt be breeding, dont encourage them by buying their puppies.
check they have the correct certificates for eyes, hips etc, most puppy farms wont - but beware cause some do.
breeders with massive hip scores are to be avoided, some breeders go by the breed average which is silly cause a few HUGE scores pull it up. Anyone breeding from a dog with a hip/elbow score more than 10 is completely stupid in my opinion, i wouldnt buy a pup from a dog with a score more than 6 or 7.
look at what they do with the dogs, if they show, do obediance/flyball/agility/other performance (eg gundog classes) is probably a concientious breeder. One that doesnt do something with ALL their dogs is a puppy mill or at the very least irresponsible.
Make sure you see BOTH parents, never buy a puppy from anyone who cant show you mum and dad, theres usually a reason and its NEVER the one they tell you. If they give you an address for a stud dog they dont own - make sure you go and see it, temperament is 80% inherited so never buy a pup if either of the parents arent the type of dog you want in your house.

Lou

[301pitbullpimp]

thanks! a few more more questions how cautious should you be when it comes to buying a pup through the internet, im in md and i cant afford to fly to california to just check out a dog, how do you verify what your getting from that kind of purchase? or should that also be avoided if possible? now how about a breeder who breeds numerous types of dogs simultaneously (sp) ex. breeding chows, akitas, dobermans, rotts ex. what are the difficulties with that? and should that also be avoided?

[GretaJack]

If a breeder produces more than one breed I would step back and take a look at the situation. How much research have they but into the breed that you are interested in? Chances are not a whole lot. Someone that breeds that many different kind of dogs don't spend the time needed for proper socialization, looking for the proper stud for their b**ch. Most of them are in it for the money, not to better the breed.

What do you want in a puppy? Show quality or pet? I am assuming that you want a healthy dog. If I were you I would pass if you can't make it out there to see the pup before you buy it. But that is only my own opinion. Hope all works out for the best

[Dawn]

I agree with what everyone else has said. I would be very wary of anyone breeding more than one or two breeds. Three if they're similar (like different types of spaniels.) They do not have to be champion dogs, but if they were to be shown, they should be able to win. If they do show the dog and the dog hasn't won anything, I'd stay away. What kind of dog are you wanting that you'd need to get it from any distance away? Unless it's really rare, I wouldn't do it. You won't even know if you're really compatible with it. I love all dogs, but that doesn't mean I want to own all of them. Your personalities need to mesh well.

[lou3]

i agree with what the others said about numerous breeds with one breeder. Someone who breeds say labs and goldens is probably ok, or norwichs and norfolks, spaniel combinations etc someone who has one main breed and one "hobby" breed is probably alright too, My sister for example breeds mainly cairns but also has one rotweiler b.itch. - but the combination you gave is totally outrageous, that amount of different breeds screams puppy mill to me.
Definately dont buy from a breeder you cant visit, preferably three or four times, its really not advisable as you simply cant know what you are getting.
Lou

(edited for grammar)

[ February 04, 2004, 12:04 PM: Message edited by: lou3 ]