By Sophie Shih
I feel it's essential to have an honest conversation about choosing a breeder. This decision will affect not just your family's happiness, but also your future puppy's well-being for years to come. As a breeder who deeply cares about our dogs, I want to share some guidance that could help you make this important choice. Avoiding Puppy Mills!!! Check out the Humane Society of the United States releases their list of the 100 worst puppy mills in the country. For the latest list, visit the Horrible Hundred page.
What is a puppy mill?
A puppy mill is a commercial breeding facility where dogs are treated as products rather than living beings, often housing hundreds of dogs in cramped, filthy conditions without proper veterinary care. Despite USDA inspections documenting severe neglect and abuse, many of these facilities continue to operate by hiding their true conditions from potential buyers.
What makes a responsible breeder?
The First Contact
A caring breeder will want to know about you and your family. The breeder will ask questions about your lifestyle, experience with dogs, and what you're looking for in a puppy. If someone seems more interested in your payment than your family, that's a red flag.
Transparency is Everything
You should be invited to visit and see/FaceTime where the puppies live.
Health testing documentation should be readily available.
The Ongoing Relationship
Real breeders stay connected. We're here for questions, concerns, and celebration of milestones. Your puppy's journey doesn't end when they leave our care. it's just beginning.
How to find a responsible breeder?
When searching for your future family member, watch out for these concerning signs:
Health & Access
No health testing documentation
Won't allow you to meet or FaceTime with the puppy
Questionable vaccination records (missing vaccines or using vaccines meant for other animals)
Parasitic infections (common in facilities where multiple animal species are housed together)
Multiple Breeds & Litters
The breeder offers too many different dog breeds
"Ready to go" puppies are always in stock.
Pricing
Significantly lower prices than other great breeders
Unwilling to answer questions from the beginning
No interest in learning about your family
No microchip registration or missing breeder information in the registry
Remember: A good breeder treats their dogs as family, not inventory. We welcome your questions and want to ensure each puppy finds their perfect home.
If you're unsure about a breeder you're considering, please reach out. I'm happy to help you evaluate them, even if you don't end up choosing one of our puppies. What matters most is that every puppy finds their perfect family through a responsible breeder. Be mindful that some regions known for high-volume breeding operations - including parts of Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania - may require additional due diligence during your search。
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