Authored by:
Kate McDuffee,
DVM
Let’s face it. We’ve all been victims. You walk
past the pet shop on the way to the shoe store. Or you’re looking
for bargains at the local flea market. You’re not looking for a
puppy. You don’t really even want a puppy. But there’s just
something about those cute brown eyes, or that pitiful facial
expression, that you can’t resist. So, after dropping a few
hundred (or thousand) dollars, with assurances that this is a
“bargain” for a purebred dog, you bring home the new family member.
Sometimes it works out. But, tragically, sometimes it
doesn’t.
Have you ever wondered where all of those puppies
come from? Sadly, many of them are products of “puppy mills,” also
known as puppy farms or commercial breeders. Even the term “private
breeder” may refer to a puppy mill. Basically, a puppy mill is any
establishment that produces dogs on a large scale for profit. There
is little, or more often, no, regard as to the quality of the
puppies. Quantity is what counts. Puppy mills exist, in one form or
another, in nearly every state, but Missouri and Pennsylvania seem
to have the highest number. The puppies are shipped around the
country to brokers, pet stores, flea markets and sometimes even
auctions, much like livestock, then delivered to unsuspecting
consumers who think that they are getting a high quality puppy just
because it is “purebred."
So, what’s the big deal? Does it really matter
where your puppy comes from? You bet it does! In the old “nature
vs. nurture” argument, puppy mills consistently fall short. The
sire and dam of a puppy mill puppy are unlikely to have been
screened for genetic defects. Reputable breeders of purebred dogs
try very hard to breed dogs that are genetically sound. This means
OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certification for breeds
prone to hip dysplasia, a crippling form of arthritis in many
large-breed dogs, and CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation),
for breeds prone to heritable blindness. Reputable breeders also
strive to improve the breed by choosing only those animals that
meet the acceptable breed standards. And remember that breeders of
good quality dogs won’t have to resort to third parties to sell
their dogs. In fact, many have prospective owners lined up before
their dog is even bred.
As important as genetics are, the environment is
critical to the social development of the young puppy. Studies have
shown that puppies learn most of their social skills before they
are 10 or 12 weeks old. Puppies born and raised in a large-scale
operation are not given the interaction and training that is so
vital for them to grow up to be sociable, confident, and
well-adjusted adults. Good breeders will expose their puppies
to a variety of situations and people. These pups are much less
likely to be nervous or timid around strangers or unfamiliar
surroundings.
Another point to keep in mind is that puppies
raised in commercial operations and sold in pet stores and flea
markets are more likely to be harboring infectious diseases, which
may be expensive to treat. All veterinarians have stories about pet
store puppies with kennel cough, pneumonia, coccidian (an
intestinal parasite), parvovirus, and the like. In most states, the
only recourse a pet buyer has is getting a replacement puppy. This
usually means the sick puppy will be put to sleep. Some states have
puppy “lemon” laws, but even those limit the amount the pet stores
have to pay to reimburse vet bills.
So, how do you assure yourself that you are
getting a good quality puppy? If you are committed to getting
a purebred dog, do some research on the breeds you are considering.
The American Kennel Club (www.akc.org) has summaries and descriptions of all of the AKC recognized
breeds. Then look for a breeder. Your best bet will be to attend
some dog shows where your breed will be exhibited. Ask questions.
Most breeders love to talk about their dogs, so getting information
shouldn’t be a problem!
Some important questions to ask:
- Can I see the parents? The father may not be
onsite, but you should be able to take a look at the mother. Is she
healthy? Does she have the temperament you are looking for?
- Are the parents OFA and/or CERF registered? Be
wary of anyone who tells you that the puppies are OFA’d. The OFA
does not register dogs until 2 years old.
- Is the puppy’s health guaranteed? Be sure the
breeder will allow return of the puppy if a vet determines it is
not healthy. The sooner this is done the better, before you get too
attached.
- Can I see the pedigrees of the parents?
But how about considering a truly unique breed?
Like a Heinz 57, or Canardly (can hardly tell) dog? If you’re
intent on a purebred dog, most breeds have “rescue” groups, and are
always looking for good homes for fostering and adopting. And don’t
forget that Humane Societies often have purebred dogs
available.