Andrea Rosebrock 
For those of you who don’t know, just because a breeder can claim to be USDA licensed and have AKC registered dogs, that still does not mean it’s not a puppy mill. USDA licensing requirement are bare minimum standards and and AKC registration can be secured just by sending in the required money and paperwork. Lots of puppy mills boast licensing and registration to make you think you’re getting a quality bred puppy, not true!
USDA minimum standards for housing and exercise are bare bones. The agency requirement for cage size — the primary enclosure in which breeding dogs live their lives — is just six inches taller, wider and longer than the dog inside. That is, a miniature Dachshund measuring 20 inches from nose to base of tail and standing nine inches high might be housed in a cage only 26 inches wide by 26 inches deep by 15 inches high. The USDA waives the exercise requirement of 30 minutes per day for at least five days a week if the dog is housed in a cage with twice the floor space called for by the above formula. (MSNBC)
Pretty pathetic isn’t it? What about socialization? Nope, no requirements by the USDA.
As for AKC registration, all this certifies is that the puppies were born of parents of the same breeds that were AKC registered themselves. It doesn’t have anything to do with the quality of the breed or whether it meets breed standards. The AKC even notes this on their website;
There is a widely held belief that “AKC” or “AKC papers” guarantee the quality of a dog. This is not the case. AKC is a registry body. A registration certificate identifies the dog as the offspring of a known sire and dam, born on a known date. It in no way indicates the quality or state of health of the dog. Quality in the sense of “show quality” is determined by many factors including the dog’s health, physical condition, ability to move and appearance. Breeders breeding show stock are trying to produce animals that closely resemble the description of perfection described in the breed standard. Many people breed their dogs with no concern for the qualitative demands of the breed standard. When this occurs repeatedly over several generations, the animals, while still purebred, can be of extremely low quality. Before buying a dog, you should investigate the dog’s parentage (including titles, DNA and pedigree information), the breeder’s breeding practices, the breed standard, and the genetic tests recommended by the Parent Club for the breed.
So if you’re thinking about a dog or puppy, don’t be fooled by licensing and registration claims which in the long run really don’t mean anything.
Some quick fast rules:
- DO NOT buy a puppy from a pet store – they are notorious outlets for puppy mill puppies!
- DO NOT buy a puppy on the internet – the is the latest venue for puppy millers. The often pose as reputable breeders. The internet is also rife with puppy scams. If you must insist on buying an internet puppy, at least take the time to read up on some safety tips!
- DO NOT buy a puppy from a flea market, roadside area or parking lot. If you cannot go into a breeder’s home to see the environment where the puppies were born and raised that should be a big red flag!
Now I am not saying that you cannot find reputable breeders online. Maybe excellent breeders operate websites and if you do your homework, you’ll easily be able to tell the difference. See the article on Safety Tips for some excellent information about finding reputable breeders.
Here’s a few tips on good breeders:
- Fully answers questions about the breed, including the downside of living with it
- Is honest about the breed’s potential health problems, including any seen in his or her own dogs
- Provides copies of health certifications performed by specialists on both parents of the puppies
- Raises puppies in the home, not in pens in the backyard, and doesn’t live in filthy surroundings
- Has puppies that are friendly and healthy, with bright eyes, shiny coats and no discharge from eyes or nose
- Doesn’t breed more than one or two litters per year and limits each female to no more than three litters in a lifetime
- Helps you choose the right puppy for your personality and lifestyle
- Helps you find another breeder if he or she doesn’t have what you’re looking for
- Has a sales contract that includes a minimum one-year health guarantee against life-threatening or crippling conditions caused by heritable defects
- Willing to take the dog back at any time in its life if you’re unable to keep it
Personally my first choice for finding a new canine member to add to my family would be a shelter or rescue but everyone is different. I cannot fault people for their choices as long as they are made for the right reasons and people take the time to properly educate themselves.
A dog or puppy should never be a whim, they are for life and should be be a member of the family. Take a minute to read “Do You Think You’re Ready For A Dog? Find Out!” It will ask you some questions that you really should think about and answer before you take that big step.
Who are you to say where someone should buy a dog???? I am friends with AKC breeders. I am quite sure that AKC and their members would disagree with your prejudice comments. AKC does go above and beyond the other associations to ensure their rules. To your astonishment you may like to know that they (AKC) require breeders to mirochip their adult dogs and they come to check by doing a DNA test at random intervals. When AKC comes to check these facilities they also check the conditions and health!!!! Have you checked the rules or regulations of CKC,NKC,UKC,or WKC??????? Do you know that they do not inspect at all. Nor do they check to see if the dogs are related!!!!!! Do you know that they will register a yorkie-poo?? I was just wondering if you actually did your research!!!! By the way , my pediatrician does not even give a health quarantee on my child, not even one day!!!! ARE YOU INSANE?? You should not give advice to strangers when you are only speculating a subject that you have not fully explored!!!!
@nstanley – First off, I wasn’t even going to reply to you since you’re obviously so ill-informed but thought it prudent as answer your ‘charges’.
AKC does not go ‘above and beyond’ to ensure their rules. They do some random checking when there are complaints, but with the huge number of kennels, they cannot and do not inspect them all and they do not DNA test. Even their website, which I quoted, maintains that they do not “guarantee the quality of a dog.” I have never seen anywhere that AKC requires the microchipping of adult dogs.
As for the other registries, I did not say anything about them so I have no clue why you’re even bringing them up. AKC is the most widely known and the one that most breeders claim affiliation with, whether they’re good reputable breeders, or nothing but puppy mills.
As for the subject of unscrupulous breeders, puppy mills and scam artists, I am very well informed, which you would be as well if you took the time to actually read the articles and references on my website.
Sure, I have opinions but I also state facts and figure, information from reputable sources. There are also a plethora of articles about puppy mills, many of which are USDA licensed selling AKC registered dogs.
So please, do not come to my website, with your ill-informed opinions, insult me and claim you know what you’re talking about.
I have nothing against good reputable breeders. I know that there are quite a few who read my site, receive me newsletter and agree with me. Reputable breeders follow high standards and I have great respect for them.
But trust me, just about anyone can get an AKC registration, all they need is AKC sire and damn and proof of a litter. It’s so easy, you can even do it online. No one checks.
Maybe you should take some time to fully explore your subject before you start insulting someone.
D.