Buying From Pet Stores
Pet stores often source their puppies from puppy mills, which are commercial dog breeding facilities that prioritize profit over the well-being of the dogs. Puppy mills engage in unethical breeding practices and house dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions without adequate veterinary care (Source). As a result, puppies from pet stores are more likely to have health and behavioral issues.
One major problem is that breeding dogs at puppy mills can spread severe illnesses to their puppies, which then get sold in pet stores. These illnesses are dangerous for both the puppies and public health (Source). Common illnesses seen in pet store puppies from puppy mills include respiratory infections, giardia, campylobacteriosis, and canine distemper. The conditions at puppy mills also cause long-term emotional damage and problematic behaviors in puppies like fear, anxiety, and aggression.
Responsible dog breeders do not sell to pet stores and take great care to breed healthy, well-socialized puppies. Buying a puppy from a pet store supports the cruel puppy mill industry and makes it difficult to avoid health and behavior issues down the line. It’s best to purchase dogs directly from an ethical, humane breeder.
No Breeding Facility Access
Responsible breeders are transparent and want buyers to see the dogs and meet the parents. According to the ASPCA, ethical breeders encourage visits to where the dogs are bred and raised.
Good breeders have nothing to hide and allow buyers to visit their facility to meet the puppy’s parents and see the conditions the dogs are raised in. This gives the buyer confidence about the breeder’s practices.
Some breeders may restrict visits due to biosecurity concerns, especially amid a pandemic. But responsible breeders still find ways for buyers to see the care and environment, whether through photos, videos or virtual tours.
A breeder refusing any facility access is a major red flag. It likely signals the dogs are kept in poor conditions that the breeder wants to hide. Responsible breeders have no reason to deny buyers from seeing the dogs and breeding facility.
No Health Testing
Reputable breeders will screen their dogs for genetic diseases common to the breed and provide documentation, such as from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) [1]. This helps ensure the puppies will be healthy. According to the AKC, responsible breeders test for issues like hip dysplasia, eye disease, and heart problems [2]. They also maintain detailed veterinary records. A lack of health testing or records may indicate the breeder is more focused on profits than the dogs’ wellbeing. Reputable breeders invest in health testing because they care about improving the breed.
Too Many Litters
Responsible breeders limit the number of litters a female dog can have to protect her health. Professional organizations recommend breeding a female dog no more than 2-3 times in her lifetime and no more than once per year [1]. Reputable breeders follow these guidelines and retire their females after a few litters.
Breeders who routinely breed dogs every heat cycle or produce litters year-after-year show a disregard for the female’s well-being. Excessive breeding suggests greed rather than a caring commitment to bettering the breed. It can also lead to genetic issues in puppies. Look for breeders who thoughtfully limit litters to promote healthy mothers and puppies.
Sources:
[1] https://www.cpvets.net/articles/finding-a-reputable-breeder.html
No Registration Papers
Reputable breeders will provide American Kennel Club (AKC) registration papers for purebred puppies. Having AKC papers shows the puppy’s ancestry has been documented for several generations and the breeder is accountable for their breeding practices. Registration verifies the puppy is a purebred from a purebred lineage and not mixed with other breeds. Without papers, there’s no proof of the puppy’s background or lineage. AKC registration also allows owners to participate in various dog sports and competitions.
Some breeders may claim AKC papers are pending, but buyers should be wary of excuses. Legitimate breeders complete the AKC registration process before selling puppies. If AKC papers aren’t provided, ask to see the sire and dam’s registration to verify purebred status. No papers at all is a red flag the breeder is not reputable.
Aggressive Sales Tactics
One major red flag when looking for a dog breeder is pushy or aggressive sales tactics. Responsible breeders want the best homes for their puppies and will take time to ensure a good match. They often have screening processes, interviews, contracts, and follow-ups to find suitable buyers. However, disreputable breeders use high-pressure sales tactics to make quick sales and maximize profits. They may try to convince or manipulate buyers into making an impulse purchase.
Some common sales tactics that should raise suspicions include:
- Price discounts for buying “today only”
- Guilt trips about “rescuing” the puppy
- “Last one available” claims
- Requests for cash or upfront deposits
- No trial or return period
While enticing, these tactics are red flags. Ethical breeders do not use trickery or rush buyers. They take time to ensure their puppies go to loving homes ready for the commitment. If a breeder seems pushy, it often hides unethical motivations. Responsible buyers should be wary of any sales pressure and walk away from breeders using manipulation or urgency to make a sale.
No Interview Process
Responsible breeders always take the time to thoroughly interview potential buyers before agreeing to sell them a puppy. This helps ensure the puppies are going to good homes that suit the breed. As the AKC advises, “Responsible breeders do as much interviewing and questioning as the buyers to make sure their puppies go to the homes best suited for their breeds” (source).
An ethical breeder will ask questions about your lifestyle, family, other pets, experience with dogs, and more. They want to learn about the environment you can provide for the puppy. This interview process demonstrates that the breeder cares deeply about the welfare of their puppies. If a breeder agrees to sell you a puppy without any screening or questions, that is a major red flag.
You should also prepare questions to ask the breeder and be ready to provide information they request. Having an open discussion shows you are a serious, responsible buyer who wants the best for the puppy (source). Avoid breeders who seem eager to make a quick sale without learning more about you.
No Guarantee
Reputable breeders stand by their puppies with a contract that includes a health guarantee. This guarantees the puppy is free from genetic defects for a certain period, usually 1-2 years. According to the AKC, “A guarantee is only as good as the person who gives it.”
Breeders should provide a written contract that details the health guarantee, including what it covers and for how long. Standard coverage protects against hereditary disorders like hip dysplasia and eye disease. Some breeders offer more extensive guarantees covering any genetic defect.
Health guarantees give buyers confidence they won’t face exorbitant vet bills for issues the breed is prone to. It also indicates the breeder cares about their puppies’ wellbeing. As the AKC states, “A breeder willing to guarantee anything is a breeder who cares.”
Lack of a health guarantee is a major red flag. It likely means the breeder is not thoroughly health testing their dogs or standing behind their breeding practices. According to Misty’s Toy Aussies contract, “No guarantee, expressed or implied, exists once this puppy leaves the sellers premises.” Always ensure your contract includes at least a 1-year health guarantee.
Sources:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/everything-you-need-to-know-about-breeder-contracts/
https://www.mistystoyaussies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/MistysToyAussiesPuppyContract.pdf
Separating Too Early
Puppies need time with their mothers and littermates for proper development. According to experts, puppies should stay with their mom and littermates for 8-12 weeks. Separating a puppy earlier than 8 weeks can lead to issues.
Puppies learn many important things from their mothers and littermates in those first 8-12 weeks. Their mom teaches them proper dog etiquette and bite inhibition. Littermates allow them to practice social skills. Early separation denies them these crucial learning opportunities.
Studies show puppies removed too early are more likely to develop behavior problems like aggression and anxiety. They often lack bite inhibition and struggle to interact properly with other dogs. These puppies also frequently develop separation anxiety since their first separation was so traumatic.
While some breeders will let buyers take puppies home earlier, responsible breeders will not allow puppies to leave before 8 weeks. Studies show the longer puppies can stay with mom, the better off they will be.
No References
A reputable breeder will be happy to provide references from past puppy buyers. This allows you to get feedback on the breeder’s practices and reputation. Ask for at least 2-3 references and contact them to ask questions. Get references from recent litters in the past year. Look for feedback on the health and temperament of their puppy, the breeder’s knowledge and support, contract terms, and overall experience.
You can check for online reviews as well, but direct references are best. Posts on Google Maps or Yelp can be faked. Instead, look for buyer reviews on breed-specific forums like Poodle Forum or Golden Retriever Forum. Be wary of too-good-to-be-perfect reviews.
If a breeder refuses or is reluctant to provide references, it could be a red flag. Legitimate, responsible breeders will be happy to connect you with previous puppy buyers. No references could indicate something to hide. Always verify references to ensure the breeder is ethical and reputable.
According to Poodle Forum, most quality breeders require reference checks from potential buyers. They want to ensure their puppies are going to good homes (1). So a lack of references can indicate an irresponsible breeder just looking to make a quick sale.
Sources:
(1) https://www.poodleforum.com/threads/informal-survey-do-breeders-ask-for-references.276364/