Dog Breeder Selection - How to Avoid Puppy Mills and Back Yard Breeders

By Jon L Martin

First of all, you should never buy your dog from a puppy mill. Puppy mills are a mass dog breeding operations. These kennels have been around for decades. The dogs, in a puppy miil, are housed in horrible conditions with often have no air conditioning or heat. These dogs have little or no human companionship. All these dog are used for is breeding, and when they can no longer breed they are often discarded or euthanized.

Often these dogs are found in pet shops, flea markets, and directly off the internet. So, you should never buy a dog from either of the above places.

So, what should you look for when buying a dog for a breeder. The following are, non-exhaustive, guidelines for choosing your new family member from a breeder.

1. Do not buy a dog without seeing where it was born. This means you should not buy a dog over the internet, pet store or a flea market.

2. Are the dogs kept are being part of the family or are they kept in a small cage? A dog that is kept as a family member is more likely to be better socialized.

3. Do the dogs seem to be happy and well-adjusted when meeting new people. Or do they shy away from contact? The friendlier the dog is the better.

4. Does the breeder allow you to see where the dogs are kept at? If so, look and see if the dogs Kennel is clean and well kept.

5. Does the breeder want you to spend time getting to know the puppy's parents? At the absolute minimum get to know the puppy's parents. Examine the health of the parents and see if they are sociable and look good.

6. Do not buy from a breeder who breeds numerous types of dogs. Also, the breeder should have direct knowledge about the various standards of the breeds. Quiz the breeder and see if he understands the various standards and qualifications of the breed.

7. Does the breeder provide references from other buyers? If so, check those references out.

8. Does you breeder have a full list of vaccinations? Be sure to check out and make sure that your puppy was properly vaccinated.

9. Does the breeder try to hard-sell you? or does the breeder encourage you to take your time.

10. Does the breeder provide guidance before and after the sale?

11. Does the breeder provide a reference from the vet? If so, check it out.

Above all, use common sense. If you have a bad feeling that feeling is probably justified. The only way to stop puppy mills and backyard breeders is to not buy from them. Remember, puppy mills and back yard breeders motive is money when they do not make money they will cease to exist.

The Author, Jon Martin is a dog owner and enthusiast who wants to encourage responsible dog adopting and dog breeding. This site will describe dogs breeds from a to Z and give advice on training and general dog adopting.