How To Spot Puppy Mill Breeders [Extensive Guide]

When you’re looking for a new furry family member, it’s so easy to get swept up by adorable photos and promises of the ‘perfect puppy’. But not all breeders have their dogs’ best interests at heart.

Puppy mills, often called backyard breeders or irreputable breeders, only care about making money on the backs of their dogs, who live a miserably life.

Way too many people don’t know how to recognise a puppy mill and will end up with a dog with poor health or serious behavioural issues.

Knowing the warning signs can make all the difference — not just for you but for countless animals stuck in this cycle. Here, I explain how to spot puppy mill breeders because, while it is heartbreaking to hear/read about it, it is absolutely crucial to know.

Also, I will show you just how quick and easy it is to make a sales ad for puppies and I discuss a real-life puppy mill.

TRIGGER WARNING: some images used in this blog post may be disturbing for some people!

I had an incredibly hard time looking for images to put in this blog post as it was just so hearbreaking, and mentally and emotionally draining.

I have chosen to show some pictures, as I believe it is imporant to see things with your own eyes, but I have limited the amount of images (that I would normally use to break up walls of text).

I did not want to show you too many distressing images.

Puppy Mill Statistics

You are more than welcome to share or use these graphics, but please give credits and a link to this blog post as they are created by me.

What Are Puppy Mills?

When you hear the term ‘puppy mill,’ it might conjure images of neglected dogs and overcrowded cages — sadly, that’s not far from reality; however, some puppy mills can be deceiving and can appear to be clean. This means you must learn the more covert signs of a puppy mill.

These breeders, often labelled as ‘backyard breeders’ or ‘irreputable breeders’, prioritise profit over the well-being of their animals.

The result? Puppies (and their parents) living in dire conditions, with little thought given to their health or happiness. So, let’s break it down and understand what makes a breeder irreputable, and how this impacts both pups and owners.

IMPORTANT: In the US, roughly half of all puppy mill dogs are sold through pet shops, chains, and superstores. Whatever you do, do NOT buy pets from pet shops!

They Breed for Profit

At the heart of irreputable breeding is 1 thing and 1 thing only: making money. Ethical breeders devote time, care, and resources to ensure they’re improving the breed.

For example, they always screen parent dogs for any health issues, ensuring they only breed with healthy dogs.

Irreputable breeders? They’re churning out litter after litter purely for the paycheque. There’s no focus on proper genetics or raising healthy, happy puppies.

You’ll often find them:

Selling dogs online without proper check-ups.
Offering puppies far too young to leave their mum (or they lie about the age of the puppy, making it seem that (s)he is older than (s)he actually is!).
Dodging questions about breeding practices or skipping certifications.

The Conditions Are Heartbreaking

Imagine if your entire life was spent in a cramped, filthy cage. For many dogs in puppy mills, that’s the grim reality. These breeders cut corners in every way possible: no proper housing, zero vet care, and little to no socialisation — because why spend money when profit is the goal?

This means puppies from these environments often suffer from:

Health issues due to inbreeding or untreated infections.
Behavioural problems because they weren’t socialised properly.
Emotional distress from being torn away too early from their mother.

It is just so heartbreaking to imagine all this!

Zero Focus on Breed Standards or Genetic Health

A reputable breeder will invest in genetic testing to avoid passing down diseases. Irreputable breeders? They skip this entirely. Why? Because it costs money and takes time — two things they’re unwilling to sacrifice.

Puppies from these breeders can inherit countless health problems, from hip dysplasia to heart conditions, making life harder not just for the dog but for you as their owner.

While pretty much every dog breed in the world has the potential of health issues, reputable breeders will minimise the risks by screening and breeding with healthy parent dogs.

🚩Here’s a red flag: they downplay potential health problems or claim a “one-size-fits-all” approach with their litters. If they act clueless about the breed’s specific needs, don’t just walk, RUN! And report them!

Communication? Forget About It

Trying to get answers from an irreputable breeder is like pulling teeth. They’ll dodge your questions, offer vague promises, or even give you the silent treatment after the sale.

A good breeder sticks around for the dog’s entire life — they’ll answer your questions, offer advice, and even take the dog back if needed. But irreputable breeders? They’re MIA once the transaction is done.

So ask yourself: if they’re not prioritising the dog’s future, do they really care about them at all? Spoiler alert: they don’t.

Identifying Characteristics of Puppy Mills

By identifying red flags early on, you can help break the troubling cycle for puppy mill dogs. Let’s dive into the tell-tale signs of irreputable breeders so you know how to recognise and steer clear of them.

Too Many Breeds & Puppies for Sale

One of the most obvious signs of a puppy mill, whether in a backyard or a pet shop, is having more than 2 breeds available. As you know by now, puppy mills want to maximise profit so the more breeds, the more puppies for sale.

A true, proper breeder usually only has 1 breed, occasionally 2, but that’s it. If you see anyone offering up more than 2 breeds, do not buy! They are a puppy mill!

If you are still in doubt, look at their website (if they have one), social media pages, or anywhere else this person advertises. Do you see they have a large number of litters each year from different breeds or the same breed? Yep, puppy mill!

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Breeding the same dog more than once or twice a year isn’t just questionable, it’s abusive.
If puppies are consistently ‘in stock’ like they’re toys on a store shelf, rethink your choice.
More than 2 breeds on offer is characteristic of puppy mills.

Lack of Breed Knowledge

Have you ever asked a breeder questions only to hit a wall of vague or clueless responses? That’s often a huge warning sign. Responsible breeders will gush about their preferred breed — they know every detail, from common health concerns to temperament quirks and even exercise routines.

An irreputable breeder, on the other hand, often lacks even a basic understanding. They may stumble over simple questions about the breed’s needs or talk in generalities rather than specifics. Suspicious, right?

What to watch for:

Unsure or inconsistent answers about the breed’s history, behaviour, or common health issues.
A breeder claiming their dogs are ‘perfect’ or ‘free of any problems’ — no one can be 100% sure!

Poor Living Conditions

Brace yourself — this one’s tough (seriously, I cannot even look at such images without my heart breaking 😢). Many irreputable breeders run puppy mills, where dogs live their entire lives in cramped and unsanitary spaces.

Think small wire crates, faeces littering the floor, and little to no access to fresh air (unless they are out in the open in the backyard) or playtime. It’s the kind of stuff that makes you want to cry (and call animal welfare immediately).

Several dogs are in a cramped cage, living in poor conditions in a puppy mill. — Dogs living in cages, with also an open floor, meaning they hurt their paws (Photo from the ASPCA)

Reputable breeders? They’ll happily let you visit and show off their clean, comfy setup — probably with wagging tails galore greeting you at the door. But if you’re met with excuses like, “Oh, I don’t give tours because of XYZ,” be wary.

Ways to spot poor conditions:

Puppies seem scared, lethargic, or improperly socialised.
The environment feels overcrowded or smells foul.

Absence of Health Screening and Documentation

What good is a dog labelled as “healthy and happy” without proof? Irreputable breeders often skip health screenings because it’s costly, leaving you in the dark about risks like inherited conditions.

Worse, these breeders rarely offer proper vet checks or vaccinations for the puppies they’re selling. If they do, it is often a quick wellness check and give a certificate for that. They are not actually checked for diseases or conditions.

So many times have I heard of people getting a dog from a puppy mill (knowingly or unknowingly) that had health issues such as the highly contagious and very deadly parvovirus. These puppies cost you an arm and a leg to nurse back to health…IF they get better at all.

Puppy mill dogs are about 41.6% more likely to develop (serious) health issues compared to dogs sold by reputable breeders. And only about 50% of puppies born in puppy mills survive past 12 weeks of age!

Reputable breeders ALWAYS have the paperwork to back things up — think health certificates, genetic test results, and vaccination records. Irreputable ones? They offer a quick sale but no documentation.

Tell-tale signs of a lack of health screening:

No evidence the puppy has seen a vet.
No details about lineage or potential inherited conditions.
They dismiss or outright ignore questions about (false) health guarantees.

I must make a note about an exception to the rule: sometimes, someone will have an ‘oopsie’ litter. Think, Fido next door escaped and had a rendez-vous with Bella from across the street.

Now, while I hope these people will have the pups checked over by a vet, there might not be any documentation about lineage, inherited conditions, etc.

When you go for a puppy in such a situation, you still need to err on the side of caution because you don’t know anything about the parents (the owners may not even know about any health conditions).

Nonsensical Guarantees of Quality

“You’ll never have a problem with this dog, it’s flawless!” (Yes, often the term “it” will be used instead of “him/her”) Sounds tempting, right? But let’s be honest: no living being is perfect, whether it’s a golden retriever or your grandma’s prized tomato plants.

Irreputable breeders often slap on these wild claims to sell dogs quickly, but they hold no weight — God, they remind me of those terrible Tell-Sell commercials! *shivers*.

Any breeder saying they can absolutely guarantee zero health or behavioural issues is simply lying — remember: if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is! Ethical breeders are open about challenges and encourage you to be prepared as a responsible dog owner. Empty promises? They’re a sign of trouble.

Here’s what to avoid:

Breeders guaranteeing a dog of champion quality for unrealistically low prices.
Claims of a “totally hassle-free” dog (puppies, by nature, are full of antics!).
Vague, verbal-only guarantees without written contracts.

Unwillingness to Allow Visits

Picture asking to visit a restaurant’s kitchen only to be told, “Oh, it’s really messy, no need to see it!” Would you feel confident eating the food? I certainly won’t because it sounds fishy! The same logic applies to breeders. If they refuse to let you visit their facility, that’s a massive red flag 🚩.

Ethical breeders take pride in their setup. They want you to see the clean, safe, and enriching environment where the puppies are raised. On the flip side, irreputable breeders might give excuses like “we want to limit outside germs” or “it’s a private space.” Sounds plausible, right? But in reality, they’re likely hiding poor conditions.

What to watch for:

Refusing visits but insisting you pick up the puppy somewhere “neutral.”
Offering only video calls as proof their setup is fine.

Any ethical breeder would rather give you peace of mind than hide behind excuses.

Be aware: some puppy mills will have a fake ‘homely’ setup to fool you!

When your Spidey-senses are tingling, listen! Look for ‘hidden’ signs, like how are the dogs (both parents and pups) behaving in the owner’s presence (scared, happy to go to the owner, etc.).

See if you can peek out into the backyard or ask to see where the dogs can go outside. If you are being held back here, it might be a good indication they are hiding something!

Sketchy Meeting Spots

If you are still fooled into thinking you bought a pup from an ethical breeder, you might be ask to go to a sketchy and/or neutral meeting spot for the sale. Like with the denied visits, this is so that you don’t see the horrible conditions the dogs live in nor where this breeder lives. Sometimes, puppies are even couriered to you.

No References

An ethical breeder is more than happy to provide you with testimonials and even contact information from previous buyers (should these buyers be okay with that). Giving no references or testimonials is a red flag 🚩!

Not Asking YOU Anything

Any reputable breeder WANTS to know where his/her puppy ends up. They will ask you about any research you may have done into the breed (to gauge if you know what you are up against), what you have done to prepare, etc. They truly care about their dogs and want the best for them. When the seller is not asking you anything, they do not care.

Unprofessional Interaction

Every conversation with a breeder tells a story. Trusted ones? They’re responsive, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about answering your questions. Irreputable breeders? Not so much.

If someone evades your questions or dismisses your concerns like you’re asking too much, that’s a problem. Communication is the foundation of trust — don’t let vague or defensive answers slide.

Breeders who act cagey may be trying to conceal something, like lack of knowledge, poor practices, or hidden health issues in the pups.

Common behaviours to note:

Withholding health certificates or dodging requests for records.
Changing the topic when you ask about socialisation, the pup’s parents, or genetic testing.
Avoiding follow-up calls or suddenly ignoring you after payment.

A good breeder should make you feel supported — not like you’re pestering them. No question is one too many and there are no stupid questions in their book.

Pressure to Purchase

Ever walked into a shop and felt the salesperson hovering over you, hurrying you to make a decision? Now imagine that same pressure… with a puppy. That’s exactly what some bad breeders do. They make eager pet owners feel rushed, using emotional tactics to seal the deal.

Irreputable breeders often spin lines like, “There are others interested so decide today or you’ll miss out!” Or worse, they might guilt you into it with something like, “If you don’t take her, who knows what’ll happen…” That level of manipulation? Completely unacceptable…and shady!

A reputable breeder will always prioritise finding the right home for their pups, not the quickest sale.

Signs of high-pressure tactics include:

Pushy language like “cash only” or “puppies are selling out fast!”
Insisting you skip a visit and just send payment.
Overly emotional appeals that feel manipulative instead of genuine.

Discounted Sales

If you see puppies being advertised for a low price or the ad uses words like ‘sale’, this should get your Spidey-senses tingling! Dogs bought at reputable breeders are usually not cheap — an exception might be a random person who got an ‘oopsie-litter’. That said, the rest of the red flags should still be kept in mind!

A good breeder wants a forever home, not a rushed decision. Remember, you’re choosing a beloved companion, not buying the last loaf of bread at Tesco (Note: a large UK supermarket chain, for the non-UK readers).

Red Flags Online

With the internet, and social media in particular, selling puppy mill dogs has never been easier! As you have seen in the statistics at the beginning of this post, in the UK, 1/3 of all dogs are bought through social media.

It is so easy these days to set up an ad and make it look real. Don’t believe me? Here are 2 ads I created in under 10 minutes with Canva!

a fake ad for a new litter of cocker spaniels, created by me in Canva

If you were to see these ads, you might think they are legit. However, let’s have a closer look and debunk this.

First, look at the price. Now, the prices for Cocker Spaniels (the breed in the images) do vary but they are usually anywhere between $1,000 and $2,000 in the US (I checked the UK and for a proper breeder, you are looking at roughly £1,500 on average). That is quite a difference with the $600/£500 I ‘advertise’!

Secondly, I use buzzwords like ‘happy’, ‘guaranteed 100% healthy’, etc. These are just words. Remember, earlier I said there is no such thing as guaranteed 100% healthy! You might get a vet-signed health certificate but this often just a ‘wellness’ check by a vet without any actual testing/screening done — heck sometimes they haven’t even seen the dog🫢!

When you are in the US, you may see ads with ‘USDA approved’ (or similar), which means absolutely nothing! USDA approved breerders do not exist. (Note: USDA stands for United States Department of Agriculture)

Breeders can be USDA licenced, but that too means absolutely nothing. Puppy mills can be USDA licensed! You see, a USDA licences simply requires the bare minimum of survival standards. This means that breeders are allowed to keep dogs in kennels until they die, never being able to be a real dog, just a breeding machine!

“But what I about the pictures?” I hear you ask…they do look legit, don’t they. Guess again! They are stock pictures I found within Canva, that anyone can use! There are plenty of websites with free-to-use stock photos.

Do Your Checks

If you are looking online for a puppy, do the following:

Google any contact details — if you see the same details on many different ads (for many different breeds) you are dealing with a puppy mill breeder.

Use Google Maps with ‘street view’ with an address — If an address is available, Google Street View can show you what the address looks like. Now, a real, normal looking house is not a guarantee that it is not a puppy mill, but seeing some dilapidated building, empty plot, etc. you are dealing with a puppy mill breeder.

Check the images used in the ad — You can see from my example that it is so easy to use stock images. You can use Google’s ‘reverse image search‘ to see if duplicate images show up or if they are labled as stock images.

Quantity of seller ads — if you can, do some digging and check if the seller has multiple ads online. If you see many ads from the same seller but with (many) different breeds, that is a puppy mill breeder.

Check wording — many ads from the same seller will use the same words in all their ads (just like I did in my 2 example above). If you see the same wording (with only a different breed name), then you are dealing with a puppy mill breeder.

Puppy Mill Example

Right, I can tell you all about puppy mills, what they look like, how they operate, etc. But for me, being neurodivergent, I really need examples. So, in case you need it too, here’s 1. It is going to be a long section, so feel free to skip to the next chapter and come back to this later.

While I am sure that, by now, you are (should be!) able to spot a puppy mill that has dirty cages and what not, I know there are a lot of ‘hidden’ puppy mills. They look legit, they seem to be responsive, and maybe even somewhat knowledgeable, but they are still puppy mills!

Now, I am not sure I am allowed to name the example I will use, so I will refrain from doing so until I have gathered some (legal) advice, but I can tell you this is one of the main puppy mills in Belgium.

They have been operating for over 30(!!) years and had several name changes over the years — 🚩🚩GIANT RED FLAG #1! A reputable breeder does not have to change names.

They ‘specialise’ in 19(!!) different breeds — 🚩🚩GIANT RED FLAG #2!

So, I did some checks (on 10 February 2024) and found the following in terms of pups for sale (or that have just sold):

8 Beagles
11 Cockapoos
22 Toy Keeshond/Pomeranians (*Note: in some parts, like Belgium, these are considered the same breed; in others, they are 2 separate breeds!)
22 English Cocker Spaniels
4 Siberian Huskies
16 Labradoodles
38 Lagotto Romagnolo
24 Shiba Inu

This is a total of 145 individual puppies for sale (this includes puppies that have been recently sold, that are reserved, and that are still available).

Let’s look at the Lagotto Romagnolo. Their pups are sold for either €2,500 (~$2,600/£2,100) or €3,000 (~$3,100/£2,500) per pup. I counted 10 pups sold for €2,500, and 16 sold for €3,000 (the rest is either reserved or still available). That is a total of €73,000 (~$75,000/£61,000) earned — and that is just 1 breed!

In fact, I just had a look at all the pups they had, that have either been sold or reserved, and adding up all the money (including the Lagotto Romagnolo mentioned above), they earned/are about to earn €189,000 (~$195,000/£157,000)!

Now, while they will have some costs in the example above, they will still have a significant amount of money leftover. And, they are already advertising litters from 8 different breeds, that are coming soon.

So, why do they look legit then? Let’s look at the image below (taken from their website) and dissect it:

100% Belgian pups —> what they mean is: they COULD be born on Belgian soil. I say ‘could’ because there really is no way to verify this. It also means that the parent dogs could easily come from other countries, mainly Eastern Bloc countries, where puppy mills are rife.

Not to mention: it doesn’t matter WHERE the pups are born, it matters HOW they are kept and treated!
100% healthy dog aim —> this is NOT possible! Remember that, under ‘Nonsensical Guarantees of Quality’ (see above), I mentioned that it is not possible to guarantee a 100% healthy pup.

A reputable breeder will show you health certificates from the parent dogs who are more often than not screened for genetic conditions. EVERY dog breed in the world has health issues they are prone to and not everything is always genetic.

*Note: I personally do not know people who bought a pup here, but I will investigate whether or not buyers get any health documentation.

BE AWARE: many puppy mills have a ‘vet’ they use for getting certain health certificates, yet they are often received without this ‘vet’ even seeing the dog or it is just a preliminary check!
Professional guarantee —> what does that even mean?! Seriously, they don’t explain what this means anywhere on their website! Weird 🤔.
24/7 post-sale service —> what sort of service? For how long after purchase? Again, what does this mean?

*Note: I will also investigate this claim and see if they actually offer up a proper after-sale service.
Pups have all necessary vaccinations —> this is a tricky one, and I cannot say with 100% certainty if they receive their vaccinations or not. However, many pups from puppy mills in general suffer (and usually die!) from parvovirus (Canine parvovirus – CPV).

CPV is highly contagious and is often the result of a sick parent dog, unclean environment, contact with sick dog, or any combination thereof.

I did some digging on tough-to-find review sites and I have come across a large number of people who complained their pup died from parvovirus!
Pups have been dewormed multiple times —> unfortunately, I cannot verify or contradict this, more research is needed from my end.
Microchipped and with Belgian/European passport (origin Belgium) —> as with the 1st point, this means absolutely nothing. Yes, the pups SHOULD BE born on Belgian soil (again, it is easy to fake), so that is why they get a Belgian passport. It does not mean the parent dogs are Belgian bred.

The problem with this puppy mill is that they SEEM to be legit and know what they are talking about. They have a blog about different topics, including the breeds they sell. In 1 of them, about the Beagle, they actuall say they “have a population of around 15 different adult females” … 15! And that is just 1 breed!

One thing that is difficult to dissect are reviews. They have glowing reviews of people who have a healthy dog. But as with all reviews (on whatever), you need to think critically. Many reviews are from people who just got the dog, which means that probably not enough time has passed for the dog to be ill.

It also seems that one needs to dig deeper to actually find the negative reviews and complaints!

Furthermore, as I mentioned earlier, 41.6% of puppy mill dogs are likely to develop (serious) health issues and about 50% of puppy mill puppies survive pas 12 weeks age.

Now, this is an average (and a lot depends on countries but also individual puppy mills), but this means that 58.4% will not develop serious health issues, and 50%(ish) will survive past 12 weeks. Regardless of how good those ‘good’ numbers look, the ‘bad’ numbers are still way higher than in pups from reputable breeders!

In typical AuDHD fashion, I have fallen down a rabbit hole and continued my research. They claim that the Lagotto Romagnolo has “little to no hereditary conditions”. Sounds great, right? Well guess what, (A) they DO have some genetic conditions, and (B) not every health issue is genetic, but they can be prone to it.

The Lagotto Romagnolo Foundation and the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America, give you more insight and actual information about some (SERIOUS and/or DEADLY) health conditions in this breed. Why do I mention this? They are withholding critical information and pretend it is a 100% healthy breed (remember they claim they try to strive to 100% healthy pups). It is just 1 example of not providing accurate and/or enough information for their own gain.

So, what, is there no animal welfare to adhere to? Yes, and this puppy mill, believe it or not, is licenced! However, having a licence is not always indicative of being a legit, reputable breeder.

In fact, in the US, the AKC, or American Kennel Club, is a dog registry group that often lobbies against stronger humane laws. Yet, according to the Humane Society, there are over 20 breeders (in the US; in 2024) that are linked to the AKC! If you are from the US, you can read ‘The Horrible Hundred 2024’ here.

I hope this example has helped put ‘hidden’ puppy mills into perspective. Yes, they seem legit, they tell you to ‘ask to meet the mother’ etc., but a lot of things can be faked! When in doubt: first check how many breeds one sells! If more than 2, they are a puppy mill, no matter how legit they seem!

The Impact of Irreputable Breeders on Animal Welfare

Puppy mill breeders have a wide-spread impact that many may not have though of — a ripple effect of suffering that spread across the world of animal welfare.

The effects, often hidden from public view, touch everything from overcrowded shelters to lifelong health struggles for dogs. Let’s explore just how significant this impact really is.

Quantity over Quality

Picture this: one female dog, used as a breeding machine, producing litter after litter with no rest. It’s brutal, isn’t it? Overbreeding, i.e. quantity, puts the health of these poor mums at serious risk. Think malnutrition, exhaustion, and even death. They’re treated as disposable assets, not living beings.

shih tzu before 1 — This Shih-Tzu (yes, it really is one!) was found in a ditch and is believed to have come from a nearby puppy mill in Windsor, Ontario (Canada). The dog is covered in THREE KILOGRAMS of feces! (Photo from Windsor/Essex Humane Society/Facebook via CBC News)

But it doesn’t stop there. Constant overbreeding leads to:

Puppies with genetic conditions, because the same restricted gene pool is used repeatedly — this is called ‘inbreeding’.
Female dogs whose bodies simply can’t cope, leading to unnecessary suffering.
Poorly nurtured, underdeveloped pups, often sold to new homes before they’re ready.

Does it save the breeder money? Absolutely. Does it ruin lives? 100%.

Puppies Born into Poor Health

When profit drives the decisions, health goes out the window. With irreputable breeders, there’s no investment in genetic testing or preventative measures. Why bother, right? It’s all about cutting costs. This approach leads to devastating consequences for you and the dog.

Common issues in these puppies include:

Inherited defects like hip dysplasia or heart problems — while such health problems can always happen, with proper breeding and testing, the risks are minimised.

Weakened immune systems, making them (more) susceptible to illnesses.

Behavioural problems, stemming from neglect during those vital early weeks — this can, and probably will, lead to you needing to spend a lot of time, energy, and money on dog trainers later on…IF they can be helped at all!

Sometimes, you won’t even notice these health issues until months or years later — and by then, fixing them might mean endless vet trips or heartbreakingly tough decisions.

636619046078252829 hsus photo 420660 1 — A dog with a buling eye (on the right). This dog was one of many with horrible medical problems found at a puppy mill in Missouri (US) (Image from the Humane Society via EU News Leader)

Shelter Overcrowding: A Domino Effect

Here’s where things get even more complicated. Many dogs bred irresponsibly end up in shelters. Why? Some owners can’t cope with the surprise health issues or behavioural challenges; others simply abandon them. And let’s face it, not every home is ready for a surprise £2,000/$2,000 vet bill. (Pet insurance, anyone?!)

Shelters across the country (any country!) are feeling the strain. Overcrowded facilities are forced to stretch limited resources to care for these dogs, who, through no fault of their own, have ended up unwanted. Every dog bred by an irreputable breeder adds to this problem, creating a pipeline no shelter can keep up with.

And the worst part: since these dogs have known health conditions, behavioural issues or both, they are super difficult to adopt out! Many of these dogs end up spending years in a shelter…that is: ONLY if they end up in a no-kill shelter!

Emotional Suffering: The Invisible Wounds

Let’s talk about the less obvious damage. Dogs bred under inhumane conditions often suffer emotionally too. Imagine starting life in an isolated cage, with little human interaction and no chance to play or explore. These experiences leave scars.

Puppies from these backgrounds often develop:

Anxiety disorders from lack of socialisation.
Fear-based aggression, making them harder to re-home.
Attachment issues that take years of care to overcome, if at all.

For these dogs, life doesn’t just start on the wrong foot; it starts in a deep, dark hole they must claw their way out of…if they even manage that!

Strain on the Animal Welfare System

From rescue groups struggling to find space to vets encountering more avoidable illnesses, the impact of irreputable breeders ripples far. Each poorly bred and neglected dog becomes a challenge for someone down the line, whether it’s the unsuspecting buyer, the shelter worker, or the system as a whole.

When you buy from these breeders, you’re not just funding their harmful practices. You’re contributing to a cycle that leaves innocent animals paying the ultimate price. And let’s face it, none of them deserve that.

I cannot say the following enough: if you willingly buy from a puppy mill because you feel that you “saved at least 1 puppy”, do not kid yourself!

Not only will you, more than likely, end up with an unhealthy dog (that may not even live to be a few months old!), you are also simply just making more room for a new litter — and that means another mother dog being forced to have yet another litter without any respite!

Fight the urge to “save a puppy” and report the puppy mill to your local council, Humane Society, etc.

Healthy Alternatives to Puppy Mills

Now that you have learned about the troubling truth of puppy mills, you may be left wondering, “Where do I go from here?” The good news is that there are ethical and heartwarming alternatives to finding your next furry companion.

Whether it’s seeking out responsible breeders or adopting a pet in need, you’ve got options.

Remember when I said earlier to not ‘rescue’ a dog from a puppy mill? That does not apply to rescuing one from a shelter — this dog was already purchased by someone else or simply abandoned by the puppy mill.

By you getting one out of a shelter, you are not the one responsible for making room for another puppy mill dog. You are, however, making room at the shelter for another dog in desperate need.

Promoting Responsible Breeding: How to Find Ethical Breeders

Think of a responsible breeder as the polar opposite of the profit-driven, corner-cutting operations I’ve discussed. These breeders genuinely care about their dogs, not just today, but for their entire lives. But spotting a responsible breeder takes some research (and that’s okay because the outcome is worth it).

Here’s what you should look for:

Clear communication: Ethical breeders are open and encourage questions. They’ll gladly tell you all about their dogs’ health, lineage, and personality traits.

Health screenings: A responsible breeder will show you proof of genetic testing and health documents. If you’re not handed these in a heartbeat, that’s a no from me!

Socialised pups: Reputable breeders take socialisation seriously. Puppies will be raised in a home-like environment, ensuring they’re well-adjusted and ready for new adventures.

Allowable visits: They’ll let you visit their facilities and meet the pup’s parents (who’ll also look healthy and well cared for). A breeder who cares has nothing to hide.

You can also ask your vet or local breed club for recommendations, or even attend a dog show. The folks involved in these communities take their role seriously, and that’s exactly what you need when finding someone trustworthy.

The Benefits of Adoption: Why Shelters Should Top Your List

If feeling like you’ve done something good for the world appeals to you, adoption might be your next move. Shelters and rescue organisations are filled with incredible pets just waiting for a second chance, and trust me, saving a dog’s life is the best feeling in the world — no really, it is! I have owned shelter dogs myself!

Why is adoption such a win-win? Let’s break it down:

You save a life: Let’s not sugar-coat this. Many shelter pets face euthanasia due to overcrowding (unless they are in a no-kill shelter — this is all country-dependent) so adopting one literally saves their life. And yes, the gratitude you’ll see in their eyes is unbeatable.

It’s affordable: Adoption fees are a fraction of what breeders charge. Plus, shelters often include spay/neuter services, vaccinations, and microchipping in the purchase price. Financial win? Check ✅.

There’s a match for everyone: Whether you’re after a hyper lab who loves to run or a couch potato Whippet who loves to snuggle, shelters got you covered. They cater for every personality and lifestyle.

You break the cycle: Adopting instead of buying helps stop the demand for puppies bred irresponsibly. It’s a small step with a big impact on the industry.

Just keep in mind that shelter dogs, like puppies, have their pros and cons.

Key Takeaways & Call to Action

By now, you can probably see how damaging puppy mills are, not just to the puppies they produce, but to dog welfare on a much larger scale. These breeders may present themselves as friendly and approachable, but their actions tell a different story. 💔

Their priorities? Profit first, dogs second (or nowhere on the list at all). Every time a dodgy breeder cuts corners or ignores basic animal welfare needs, puppies and communities are left picking up the pieces. And that’s just not fair, to anyone.

You’ve got power in this situation, though. Choosing carefully when buying or adopting sends the message loud and clear: unethical breeders don’t deserve the spotlight or your cash.

Feel like it’s all too overwhelming? Don’t worry. Tackling this doesn’t have to be complicated. A few thoughtful steps can make a world of difference:

What You Can Do Today

Research more about responsible breeders or trusted shelters near you.
Ask thoughtful questions when dealing with potential breeders — test their knowledge and transparency.
Share this information with friends and family to keep the cycle of awareness growing.
Consider adopting. Shelters are bursting with animals just waiting for their forever home.

If you have already been looking for a dog, have you ever encountered a (suspected) puppy mill breeder? Or do you know of a family of friend who fell victim to one? If you are comfortable doing so, you are welcome to comment to share your story.

Remember to pin an image to your favourite pet board!

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