Puppy farms are like factory farms where dogs are bred purely for profit.  The dogs are normally bred too often, many are unhealthy, and often live in unbearably poor conditions.  The puppies are generally removed from their mothers far too early and sent by rail or van to ‘dealers’ or pet shops in the big cities to satisfy the public’s demands.  Many are severely traumatised by the transition, and some do not make it alive.  Do not buy a puppy or a dog from these sources, as they will have had the worst possible start in life, and are far more likely to have health and temperament problems.

Many ‘puppy farm’ puppies come with complete pedigrees, however, a pedigree in itself, is not necessarily an indication of quality.

‘Dealers’ are agents for puppy farms.  They buy puppies and sell them on, advertising them in newspapers and magazines, often masquerading as breeders.  If an advert lists more than one breed of puppy for sale, then the person placing it is probably a dealer (but not always).  Ask if you can see the mother with the puppies, and if they make an excuse about why the mother cannot be seen, do not buy a puppy from them.  Never buy a dog from the back of a van at a motorway service station or from an airport car park, such as Heathrow, as this is how many dealers operate.

Do not buy a puppy or a dog from a pet shop as it is likely to have originated from a puppy farm.  Good breeders would never sell their puppies via a pet shop, despite what you may be told.

Find a Kennel Club registered puppy by using the Kennel Club's Find a Puppy service

Problems with the dog you have purchased?

The purchase of a puppy is one of the most important decisions that a new owner may make. In the vast majority of cases both the breeder and new owner will be happy. However, what happens when things do not go as smoothly as they should and particularly where there is some doubt over a puppy’s pedigree?

The Kennel Club does not register breeders, and therefore we are not able to become involved in disputes arising from the purchase of a dog.

Your rights as a purchaser are going to be based upon the contract with the breeder. The sale of a dog is covered under the general terms of the Sales of Goods Act 1979 and as such there will be legal rights and remedies available.

However, it may be better first to approach the breeder and attempt to openly discuss any issues and to try and reach an amicable solution to any problems.

It may be that there are also statutory rights under the Trades Description Act to explore and therefore your local Trading Standards Office or Citizens Advice Bureau should be able to give you some guidance. This applies both for breeder and owner. Alternatively, advice can be sought from a solicitor, although undoubtedly it is best to resolve any problems directly with the people concerned.

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