To ensure a breeder isn’t a puppy mill, it’s important to do thorough research and ask the right questions. Puppy mills often prioritize profit over the health and well-being of the dogs, so it’s essential to look for signs of responsible, ethical breeding practices.

Here’s how to tell if a breeder is legitimate…

Visit the Breeder’s Facility

• In-person Visit – A reputable breeder will invite you to visit their facility or home to see the environment where the puppies are raised. Puppy mills usually operate in secret and may refuse or discourage visits.
• Clean and Spacious – The living conditions should be clean, well-lit, and spacious. Puppies should have enough room to move, play, and socialize. Puppy mills often have overcrowded, unsanitary conditions.
• Socialization – Puppies should be raised in a home environment or a space where they can be exposed to human interaction, noise, and normal household activity. Puppy mills often isolate puppies in cages with little socialization.

Meet the Puppy’s Parents

• Meet the Parents – A responsible breeder will allow you to meet the puppy’s mother (and father, if possible). This gives you an idea of their temperament, health, and living conditions. In puppy mills, you might never meet the parents, or the dogs may appear unhealthy or fearful.
• Healthy and Well-Cared For – The puppy’s parents should look healthy, be friendly, and show signs of being well cared for. Puppy mills often have stressed, neglected, or poorly socialized adult dogs.

Ask About Health Testing and Screening

• Health Checks – A responsible breeder will perform genetic health testing on the breeding dogs for common breed-specific issues, like hip dysplasia, heart problems, or eye conditions. Puppy mills often skip these tests, leading to health problems in puppies.
• Health Guarantees – Reputable breeders often offer health guarantees for the puppies, ensuring they are free from genetic disorders. If the breeder is not offering a health guarantee, this is a red flag.

Limited Number of Litters

• One or Two Breeds – Ethical breeders focus on producing high-quality puppies from carefully planned breeding. They typically breed one or two breeds and may only have a few litters per year. Puppy mills tend to produce large numbers of puppies from multiple breeds, often without concern for quality or health.
• No Overbreeding – Responsible breeders will not overbreed their dogs. A puppy mill may have multiple litters per year from the same dog or may be constantly breeding dogs to maximize profit.

Ask About Socialization and Early Training

• Early Socialization – Puppies should be well-socialized from an early age. A good breeder will expose them to a variety of environments, people, and other animals to ensure they develop into well-adjusted adults. Puppies raised in puppy mills often lack socialization and may grow up fearful or aggressive.
• Basic Training – Ethical breeders will start basic training early, such as crate training or potty training, to give the puppy a good foundation for transitioning to your home.

Check for Certification and Affiliations

• Breeder Associations – Look for breeders who are affiliated with reputable breed organizations, such as the AKC (American Kennel Club) or breed-specific clubs. These organizations often have guidelines for responsible breeding practices.
• Breeder Licenses – Check if the breeder is licensed and meets local regulations for breeding. Many states require breeders to have a license to operate, and puppy mills often avoid these regulations.

Watch for Red Flags

• Too Many Puppies Available – If a breeder always seems to have multiple litters available at once, it could indicate a puppy mill. Ethical breeders often have a waiting list for puppies.
• Pressure to Buy – Be wary of breeders who push you to make a quick decision or try to sell you multiple puppies at once. A responsible breeder will want to ensure you are ready for the commitment.
• Lack of Questions – A good breeder will ask you questions about your home, lifestyle, and experience with dogs. If they’re just interested in selling without getting to know you, this is a red flag.
• Too Cheap or Too Expensive – Extremely low or unusually high prices can indicate unethical practices. Prices that are too low may mean the puppies were bred without proper care, while high prices could be an attempt to scam you.

Ask for References

• Previous Buyers – Request references from previous buyers or check for reviews and testimonials. Responsible breeders should be able to provide you with feedback from others who have purchased puppies from them.

Red Flags in the Contract

• No Return Policy – Ethical breeders typically have a return policy or will take back a puppy if issues arise. If the breeder is unwilling to offer this, it could indicate a lack of commitment to the puppy’s well-being.

To avoid buying from a puppy mill, always visit the breeder’s facility, meet the puppy’s parents, ask for health testing records, and ensure the living conditions are clean and safe. Be cautious of breeders who have too many puppies, aren’t transparent about their breeding practices, or don’t offer health guarantees and socialization. A reputable breeder should focus on the health, temperament, and well-being of the dogs, not just profit.