Is It Okay To Buy A Pet Shop Puppy?
Dog retailers make their living from the sale of puppies that they have purchased from a puppy mill or farm. They then sell these puppies on at a profit and make a living by turning over high volumes of puppies in a short timeframe.
You’ll find dog retailers in markets and malls, and some will have their own premises or sell puppies online through a website. These places are not a good place to buy a dog, as they are supporting the unethical puppy mills.
Does AKC Registration Show You Where To Buy A Dog?
Pedigree registration with a national Kennel Club is not a protection against puppy farming. Just because a puppy is registered with a Kennel Club it does not mean that the puppy is not a puppy farm puppy.
Many puppy farms do register their pups with the Kennel Club. Especially if this increases their chances of a quick sale.
So the answer to ‘where can I buy a dog’ does not include puppy mills. But what about pet stores? You should never buy a puppy from a retailer. These puppies have their origins in puppy mills (breed enthusiasts will never sell to a retailer) and will not have had the right care and attention a small puppy needs in order to flourish.
There is no way of knowing their background or health. A recent study has shown that such puppies are more likely to be aggressive, and by purchasing them you are perpetuating the puppy mill system which causes great distress to animals.
Don’t be tempted to buy a puppy from a pet supermarket or any other kind of store, or from a market or at a show or fair.
Most pet stores and venues of this nature are supplied by puppy farms, some will be stolen, and depending on your location, others may be illegally imported. Reputable breeders do not provide puppies in this way, and no reputable dog breeder would ever sell puppies through pet shops.
Stolen puppies are also often passed on at markets and shows. You wouldn’t want to take a pup home only to find that it is already microchipped, and you need to return it to it’s rightful owner.
Where To Buy a Dog From A Reputable Breeder?
Many, if not most, well-bred puppies are booked in advance or sold by word of mouth. So, in order to get hold of one, you must first find a good breeder. Finding a reputable breeder is by far the best way to find the puppy of your dreams. For several reasons, the first and foremost of which is the health and temperament of your puppy.
A reputable breeder will be very knowledgeable about their breed. He or she will be aware of the diseases that are prevalent in the breed and will have tested their breeding stock where tests are available.
The reputable breeder will be focused on breeding puppies that will be healthy and make great companions. They are also likely to be a great support to their new puppy buyers and will take back the puppy if at any time disaster strikes your family and you can no longer keep him.
Reputable breeders have a massive amount at stake when they sell you a puppy. Their reputation is on the line with every puppy they sell.
We explain exactly how to find a reputable breeder in your area in this guide: How To Find A Breeder.
How I Got My Puppy/ How to Buy a Puppy & AVOID SCAMS!
Finding a responsible breeder you trust is your first – and most important — step to finding your new best friend. Breeders are invaluable resources: Not only are they a bridge between you and your perfect dog, you can rely on them throughout your dog’s lifetime. Think of a breeder as your own private guide to all things dogs, from choosing the right dog to caring for it forever.
As with any major decision, it is important to do your homework before making a commitment to a breeder. Here are some tips for finding — and working with — a responsible breeder:
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