Why You Should Avoid Puppy Mills

Puppy mills can be a danger for families that want to adopt a new dog. A puppy mill is a breeding facility with the sole purpose of churning out the most dogs for the least money - and to make the most profit. Substandard breeding conditions and inbreeding can lead to disastrous results:

Genetic Health Problems - Because many puppy mills do not take the proper precautions when breeding dogs, genetic diseases that could be identified during professional medical screenings are often missed and passed down to future generations. Many issues caused by these conditions don't show up until later in life, and can result in costly veterinary bills.

Behavioral Issues - Temperament selection is not taken into account at a puppy mill. Puppies are often separated from their the mother too soon, resulting in development and socialization difficulties and serious behavioral problems later in life.

Contributing to Pet Overpopulation and Euthanasia - When a parent at a puppy mill is no longer able to produce, the dog many be given to the nearest shelter, abandoned, or even destroyed. Also, because the puppies produced in puppy mills do not have safe and healthy homes selected for them ahead of time, if they are not purchased by the time they hit a certain age, they may suffer the same fate.

Since the 1980s, the Humane Society of the United States has been fighting to shut down these facilities. You can do your part by making sure to research before you adopt and by keeping yourself informed!

For more tips on finding a responsible breeder, check out the HSUS.org guide.

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Sat, 03/13/2010 - 1:51pm — RoseMcCarthy

Puppy Mills

Caeser is touring the UK and will be in Ireland on March 17, we have puppy farms(puppy mills) here in Ireland and our government is too slow in investigating this problem. These pups are being exported to the UK and the US. We were looking for a German Shepherd pup and were warned of a puppy farm within 100 miles from here that have 700 bitchs producing pups. Can Caeser use his profile to ask the difficult questions of both the UK Kennel Club and the Irish Kennel Club as to why these practices are allowed and can the law be tightened on the cowboys abuseing these dogs. There are good people breeding,showing and selling their dogs but, if allowed, in time these good, respected breeders will be swallowed up by the supermarket puppy breeders with more of these poor infirm, inbred pups being put to sleep. Take a look at the thouroughbred horse in Ireland,UK,US,Europe,Mid East and Australia and see what could be done for the pure bred dog if the laws were in place.

Wed, 03/03/2010 - 7:12pm — Kelley Denz

Advantages of Getting an Adult Dog

Besides all the Puppy Mill problems mentioned above: There are already too many unwanted dogs. Puppys are wonderful but, there are some serious advantages to getting an adult dog. Here's a link to find out more about the Top Ten Advantages of Getting an Adult Dog. When searching for your new best friend be sure to include stops at your local animal shelters.

Wed, 03/03/2010 - 7:14am — GWPRescue

Finding a reputable Rescue Organization

Checking community resources, vets, and getting other references from organizations that specialize in all breed and breed specific rescue organizations is a good way to help find that special friend.

We run a breed specific organization that thanks to grants and supporters can provide medical care and socialization skills to pups coming out of back yard breeder or small time mills. Reputable Breed specific organizations know their breed well, and many have had hundreds of dogs and years of experience. As we rehome dogs from many reputable breeders, they often times feel we can and will spend one on one time with their relinquished dog, finding a perfect home as they do not have room to take them back.

If you are looking for a purebred puppy or dog...Please check Petfinder.com and adopt!