[Luvmypupster]

IMO a mill is a setting in which a large quantity of breeding stock (usually more than one breed) is on the site to mass-produce litters. Animals may be in cages or allowed to free roam (free roaming results in mixed breeds that are sometimes passed off to the consumer as purebreds). Little or no thought into the breeding as far as the health and long term affects for the "breeding stock" or the offspring & not breeding within the standard. Many facilities are unclean, animals may have improper health care, inadequate water and food and one of the saddest parts to me is that they lack human contact, love and companionship. IMHO the "red flags" or warning signs are producing large quantities of litters, breeding several different breeds, the acceptance of credit cards, paypal, using pet shops or brokers to sell their stock. Many also sell direct through internet sites. Backyard breeders operate on a very small scale and while you may find a rare backyard breeder with enough knowledge and experience to breed it's a gamble buying from them as well. Make sure whomever you buy from knows their line, knows the medical history and possibility of any health or genetic problems that could surface. A good breeder is not going to continue to breed any dog that may produce future problems...mills don't care, backyard breeders may not care or even know what potential problems their dogs could produce. Good breeders are trying to improve the breed. Bad breeders don't care. I know there has been talk about "the standard" and I just want to explain why IMO the standard is important. People are usually first attracted to a breed because of its appearance and size. When a breeder deviates from breeding within the standard they may produce dogs that are not going to end up being what attracted some people to the breed in the first place. That is important to some people but not to others. A 15 lb yorkie is adorable but if you had your heart set on a 5 lb yorkie you could be a little disappointed in the size or appearance. So if you have your minds eye set a specific “look or size” the “standard” may be important to you.