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Old 11-08-2010, 11:38 PM   #4
FlDebra
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Location: FL
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I would want to know more about where they are raised. Not the "store" where they bring them in to clean up, give shots, and take pictures but the "ranch" where they lived with their mother. Says a large ranch -- that can easily be a puppymill. Are they in stacked cages? Any daily exercise? Do the adult dogs ever get to play and enjoy life? Just because it is family owned, does not mean it is not a mill. Is the Puppyland Store a pet shop or a place just for them to bring their pups to sell? Either way, it makes me leery -- why are they not selling directly from where they are raised? The answer to that question is usually that it is a puppymill and you would not want to do business if you saw the conditions animals are kept in. Not saying their "ranch" is like this but I am saying a flag is raised when they want to sell from a different location. I would want to see first hand this ranch where they are raising dogs.

I think from reading a few of their testimonials, that they are selling them to go to new homes at 8 weeks -- Toy dogs should stay with mom and siblings until at least 12 weeks and 2 pounds.

They also sell by size: "We have a wide range in prices from $900 to $2600. On average we sell our puppies for $1600 to $1800. The smaller the puppy will be at adult weight, the more it will cost. " I don't particularly liek that especially because even their own site explains that there is no way to guarantee the adult size. They do refrain from the teacup, micro, mini terms as a comeon.

They will do business with puppy brokers (they say they would rather not but they DO) is not a good sign.

Check out the puppy health guarantee. I had to redo my computer and have still not gotten my Microsoft Office back on so I cannot read it all. It says replacement puppy of equal or lesser value no refunds. But the big thing I look for is that you can keep the puppy and they will share or pay for vet expenses if the puppy winds up having a congenital health problem. You bond with the puppy so strongly most people do not want to "trade them in." Breeders know that and they know if they offer only a replacement, making you turn in the puppy you chose, then they will get off the hook completely 9 times out of 10. Those kind of guarantees are like no guarantee at all. My contract included an option for them to keep the puppy and I would help with vet fees up to the cost of the puppy. That way if it was something big, they basically got a free pup. I also offered the opportunity to chose another puppy. Some are not willing to go through medical issues. That is okay too but I think they should have the choice. I alos offered their money back. I did include a option for myself to have the puppy examined by my own vet. Thta was a protection clause and not one I thught I would use. I never had to use any guarantee as they have all thankfully, been 100% healthy. But I only had 2 litters. A novice who stopped early. Yo can tell a lot from the sles contract and health guarantee though. You will find out if they are in this for the money or if they truly care about the puppies. Caring breeders usually include a statement that puppies must come back to them for any rehoming. They want to know the puppy does not wind up going to a poor home or puppymill! They want the first option to find another thoroughly checked out home.

My first inclination is to stay away from any large business raising dogs. I just do not think you can do it right "en masse." They need some one on one attention, loving, exercise, play! I can't see how they can do that if they have dozens or even hundreds of dogs like so many do. But go see the place and make up your mind.
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Last edited by FlDebra; 11-08-2010 at 11:42 PM.
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