| Originally posted by my2rotties:
"I'll make this short and sweet...
What is a breeder's definition of a puppy mill?"
I would put motive high on the list, if not at the top = $$. Some puppy mill breeders genuinely like dogs, some couldn't care less. But the bottom line is how much money they can make off the dogs.
"Is it the poor conditions that most people relate to a puppy mill?"
I think this is a common misconception. Clean, impressive kennels don't always mean a good breeder. Big commercial operations quite often have very impressive kennel setups. The most newsworthy, of course, are the ones with terrible conditions.
"How many litters does a "breeder" have to breed in a period of one year, to be considered a puppy mill?"
This is a matter of personal opinion but I don't see how anyone could have more than two litters a year and adequately socialize and train them, as well as keeping any that aren't sold and keeping them socialized and trained. I'm talking about 2+ litters a year consistently.
"How many litters are acceptable in five years?"
For me, personally, it would be 5, absolute maximum. (That's for me as the breeder.) Other people with more time and money could most likely do a good job raising 10 - assuming they have good homes for 50+ puppies or can keep, and keep well, any unsold puppies.
"Are the dogs usually poor or show quality? Is it normal for these dogs to have their titles and be imported from Germany?"
There are what I call "high class puppy mills" that show, do obedience, etc., and might also have import dogs. However, they produce 2 or more litters a year and are not particularly discriminating as to who they sell puppies to or what bitches they breed their stud/s to.
"How can one tell or believe by the word of mouth, if in fact, a breeder is a puppy mill?"
Research. Talk to people who have bought from the breeder, try to find out how many litters they've produced, what became of the puppies, how knowledgeable are they about health problems, what sort of guarantees do they offer, do they sell pet quality puppies with AKC limited registration and spay/neuter agreements.
"How can one find out if these claims are true or not?"
Again, research - seek out people who've bought from them before. My personal opinion is that vets aren't always a good source of information on these breeders as it's going to be difficult for any professional to "bad mouth" a client. And, of course, a few will only care that they make a good deal of money from these clients.
Nancy
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von Dorow Rottweilers
doggo1@apex2000.net
[This message has been edited by Nancy Estes (edited April 07, 2000).]  |