If you are in the process of trying to find the right puppy, it is very important that you know how to spot ones that come from a mill. Mill puppies can introduce all sorts of problems, so you will therefore have to know what the signs are before making a final decision of any kind.
You Cannot Meet the Parents
One of the telltale signs that a puppy comes from a puppy mill is that you cannot meet the parents. If the person who is selling you the puppy will not allow you to meet the parents, there is a good chance that they did not breed the puppy in the first place. If you want to avoid accidentally getting a mill puppy, it is important to keep this in mind. Before you decide on a certain dog, you will definitely have to take a look at the parents.
You Aren’t Allowed to Visit the Kennel
Another sign that a puppy you are interested in getting is from a mill is that the breeder will not allow you to actually visit the kennel, but rather wants to arrange a meeting somewhere else, such as the parking lot of a local store. If you aren’t even allowed to see the kennel that the dog comes from, chances are they did not come from one. You will certainly want to see where the puppy was born before deciding whether or not to purchase it.
Too Many Litters
You will find that one of the best ways to tell if a dog comes from a puppy mill is if you call them up and they tell you that they have multiple litters. If they already have a few litters and more to come soon, it is most definitely a mill. Avoid any place that has lots of litters, because it means trouble.
Look For Proof of Vaccination
It’s also a good idea to get proof of the puppy’s vaccination history from the breeder you buy it from so you will know they are up to date on all of their shots. Puppy mills generally don’t get vaccinations for their dogs because it takes a significant chunk out of their profits, so you will definitely need to ask for proof of the dog’s shots before putting any money down.
Unrealistic Promises
If the breeder you are buying from promises you unrealistic things, such as the perfect temperament and characteristics, you might want to think again about completing the deal. It is important that you avoid breeders that make claims that seem strange or unrealistic to you, because it is a strong indication that they are essentially a puppy mill. Puppy mills are never good places to buy from, so you will therefore need to keep this particular tip in mind if nothing else. Any breeder who makes outrageous promises should definitely be doubted, because it’s probably too good to be true.
