Breeders vs. Puppy Mills

Same? NO!

There are a lot of people going around saying “adopt don’t shop”. That statement is true to a point.

Lets first start with the puppy mills or those who breed their pets just for pure PROFIT. Did you know that the female pups are held in a cage for every time they go into heat they are breed? Did you know that doesn’t necessarily mean they are breed with other dogs…could be even a brother! Makes you sick right? Now that’s where the statement of “Don’t shop adopt” will come in! Please be very careful when purchasing a pup or kitty in a store or (carefully look) a home! Do your homework please!! Check if they are a real Breeder or belong to the kennel club. Get references…anything!!! I know in Canada many have been shut down and the owners jailed!! If ever you suspect there are puppy mills around call police or ASPCA!!

Now there are the breeders. Breeders usually breed within the same breed. Like my Rocky who is a pure Manchester terrier. (Did you know that the English Setter is almost extinct because not many breeders left?). If you are looking for a specific pure breed then this is the place to go.
Breeders or at least the LEGAL ones are approved by the American/Canadian/English Kennel Clubs. They have specific rules to go by! Each dog must have a pedigree along with them so you know exactly where the pup came from and who its parents are. They raise healthy dogs, in a home, within the family of the breeder and at times even with your pup’s mums and granddads like Rocky did!  Breeders must have everything you need to know about your new pup. Plus the Breeders must have all their dogs registered to show they are pure and healthy and have followed all guide lines provided by the Club.

With my Rocky…I was able to meet personally with the breeder (she was in New York and refused to ship him on a plane) and I met Rocky’s mum too! I had a contract that stated that Rocky had all his needles, was chipped and that he must be neutered AND if something happened to us and we can’t care for our pup we MUST give him back to the Breeder so they can find another loving home. All breeders take their pups back.

So when someone says ‘adopt don’t shop’ I agree with that because you are saving the life of the little innocent animal who humans abandoned but don’t feel bad if you have your heart set on a pure breed…you’re not breaking any laws.