Puppy farms, dealers and pet shops

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 on the Kennel Club Puppy Sales Register

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