How to Find a Puppy and Avoid Puppy Mills

“Dogs bred in puppy mills are typically sold at pet stores, through classified advertisements and over the Internet.” (UAN Journal Fall 2009 print edition. Some UAN Journal issues are on the United Animal Nations website) Many puppy mills cover their conditions by having “sample dogs” customers are allowed to see.

Don't support puppy mills. Get your puppy from a reputable source.

So, how can you find a puppy that doesn’t come from a puppy mill?

Where is the best place to buy a puppy?

Who are the best breeders?

When looking for your puppy, there are several places a person might go – a pet store, newspaper or Craiglist ads, a Google search – but these aren’t necessarily the best choices. Before making your final choice, do your research on the breeder, humane society, or other organization to find your puppy or dog.

In this five part series on finding a puppy, I provide guidance and links to help you locate a reputable organization for your new family member.

Getting a dog is a life-long commitment and relationship you shouldn’t enter into lightly. Do your research on the breed to make sure it is a good match for your lifestyle – don’t get a Portuguese Water dog just because the Obama family has one, or a Chihuahua because of the movie. Research the breed first. Find out about the care and training of a puppy – like human children, they need to chew, learn, and grow – and you’ll need to guide your puppy appropriately. Learn about the organization from which you are getting the puppy to ensure a healthy addition to your family that supports proper breeding practices, or maybe even saves a life.

Factors to consider when choosing a puppy…

• Breed - different breeds have different activity levels and personalities. Working breeds NEED a job and may not be good with children. Research breeds before starting your search.
• Health – you want to avoid illness, genetic disorders, and behavioral problems. Look for places that provide guarantees or certifications for medical conditions common to the breed.
• Services – look for groups who provide vaccinations, spay or neuter, training, and education about the breed. Ask about their re-homing policy in case you discover you can’t keep the dog.
• Certifications – ask for registration** papers, titles, health clearances from veterinarians, and behavior certifications on parent dogs. Know what genetic disorders are common to that breed and ask about their experience with these diseases.
• Price - prices range from $30 to $1,000 and may include things like vaccinations, transportation, registry, etc. Find out what you get for your money.
• Location – if you choose an out of state breeder or rescue group, find out how they will deliver the puppy or dog.

Take this list with you when looking for your puppy.

**Note on AKC registry – any purebred dog can be registered and have papers with AKC. The papers do not guarantee quality, health, or behavior.

In this series:

• Evaluating Breeders
• Looking at Pet Stores
• Through Private Advertisements
• Adopting from Rescue Groups

Breed Resources

AKC’s Puppy Buyer Information page links to all of their services to help you buy a puppy.

Wikipedia articles on specific breeds often refer to health issues. Some link to helpful organizations.

Browse the list of AKC Recognized Breeds

Read the United Kennel Club Breed Information

Health Resources

AKC provides a Canine Good Citizen program designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community.

Canine Inherited Disorders Database at HandicappedPets.com lists breeds with information on common health issues. See also Canine Inherited Disorders Database.

You can look up parent dogs in the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA registry and check for the number of clearances in a pedigree.

CHIC Canine Health Information Center provides a resource for breeders and owners of purebred dogs to research and maintain information on the health issues prevalent in specific breeds.

Articles to Help You Use Health Registries

The OFA and the Role of Canine Health Databases by Eddie Dziuk is a great article discussing breeder responsibility.

Starboard Newfoundlands has a helpful article on How to Check for Health Clearances

The article, Health Clearances; Parent Club Databases and CHIC by Margaret Pough has detailed information on checking for health.

adoption, breeder, dogs, pet store, Puppies, puppy mill, rescue, shelter