The Problem With Puppy Mills

The problems discussed so far facing dogs within shelters are exacerbated dramatically by the pervasive presence of ‘Puppy Mills’. It is important, however, to differentiate Puppy Mills from legitimate dog breeders as there are many breeders who do follow ethical breeding practices and they deserve that recognition.

Puppy Mills do not follow ethical practices and quite simply seek to breed as many, and sell as many pure bred and ‘designer’ dogs as possible. They do this at higher prices and with little to no care for the well-being of the mother or her pups. The myth of pure breed superiority must be addressed:
-From a strictly health point of view, puppy mill bred dogs are far more likely to face health challenges due to poor living conditions and the high numbers of puppies bred increases the risk of them developing an illness.
-From outwardly recognisable physical defects seen in the hip dysplasia rife amongst German Shepherds.
-To the unseen heart conditions increasing vet visits and decreasing the life expectancy of King Charles Spaniels.

All are caused by Puppy Mills prioritising the appearance of a dog over any health or behavioural risks. Ethical breeders take their time and research the genetic backgrounds of mating dogs as this will give good indication on any potential negative traits which could be inherited.

In strictly scientific terms this can be easily recalled from a basic high school Biology class: if you limit the gene pool, you increase the risk of negative traits being inherited by your pup!

For example, look at the progression of Pugs over the 20th century…immediately you can see the progression of their shorter snouts and heavier set necks; traits which have directly impacted the quality of life and life expectancy of pugs today. These animals have breathing problems due to this which puts pressure on their hearts to simply keep them alive.

Moreover, dogs bred to these unethical and ill-researched standards are not only less healthy on average, but are prone to behavioural issues and restless temperaments. This is due to stressors prevalent in these environments such as poor living conditions and stunted or delayed socialisation with other dogs.

For profit breeding generally encourages inbreeding, and doesn’t match parents based on good temperament or behaviour, which can result in erratic behavioural issues developing down the line. All of this continues the vicious cycle of more dogs being placed into shelters.

From a purely moral stance the maths on puppy mills is clear: the more dogs being bred on an almost industrial scale means more dogs placed in shelters and, therefore, more dogs being euthanised.

And even from an entirely cynical point of view; financially speaking, dogs purchased from Puppy Mills are dramatically more expensive.
-Dogs bought from a breeder cost, on average, $2750
-Whereas, dogs adopted from a shelter cost, on average, $175

Simply put, Puppy Mills value the aesthetic of a dog over its health and temperament, and actively ignore education and research on the matter. This industry serves as a lucrative market for unethical breeders to participate in the active abuse and neglect of dogs in the service of making as much money as possible.

It doesn’t have to be this way! If you truly have your heart set on a particular canine breed then there are better options:
-Look into purebreds present in local shelters, there’s more than you think!
-Look up breed specific rescues who specialise in one particular breed for example, the Arizona Husky Rescue and the many British Rescues for Greyhounds, many who have been rescued from racetrack conditions and definitely need the help!

With so many options, we simply say research your prospective breeders, inquire with shelters, and know the difference between ethical and unethical breeding practices. And also, consider adoption! Consider saving a life rather than promoting a new life being brought into the world - there are already too many dogs we can’t take care of. Plus, mixed breed dogs are generally healthier than pure bred dogs due to the increased variety of inherited genes between a different mother and different father.

For example, my dog Obie is a mix-breed, and he is incredibly healthy! He is 50% Chihuahua, 50% mix, and has none of the negative characteristics associated with a Chihuahua such as eye and joint issues…whilst still looking like the cutest Chihuahua you could hope for!

It is our hope at What Dogs Want to give you just a little bit more insight when it comes to adopting your next canine companion, and how you can do your part to help us, and the pups, in addressing these issues in canine welfare.

Written by C.W. Swan