I consider a puppy mill to be a commercial breeder who is breeding for profit and not for health or betterment of the breed. It has nothing to do with advertising or how they market their dogs. The main component is that kennel conditions are substandard and don't meet state laws or barely meet minimum. Breeding dogs are breed to death and little or no vet care and no grooming care. Grooming might sound frivolous, but without grooming dogs can become so matted that they can no longer walk and this happens at many mills. A back yard breeder is someone who breeds for profit, takes no real interest in the breed or the health problems, doesn't study the lines, does no health testing, doesn't know or understand what the "standard" is and why it's important, breeds pets, not dogs specifically meant for breeding. She doesn't abuse the dog the way some millers do, but her lack of knowledge in breeding can have abusive effects on her breeding dogs, and on the puppies she produces. By the way, reputable breeders do not market their dogs, so breeding for "off colors" or teacups is not a component of the breeding programs. They are breeding to preserve and improve the breed, and they try to find suitable homes for the offspring that won't by used in their breeding programs. They do occasionally have smaller than average dogs, but they don't market them as "special" and worth more. They look for homes that can give the special care these tinies sometimes need. |