I tried to read all the posts - but some are very long - but great input guys - and I wanted to say this.
A DEAR Friend has a pet store puppy - sure he came from a 'so called' breeder - he could be from a mill because what ETHICAL breeder would ever sell to a pet store ?? There is really no way of knowing.
He won't see his 3rd birthday.
I really hate seeing people say "sure I'll buy that pet shop puppy" because we aren't thinking of the MOMS back at the mill being bred. IF SALES DROPPED AT PET STORES - maybe they'd STOP selling puppies. Better yet - they need to BAN the sale of dogs in Pet Stores and stick to selling supplies.
At least with an ethical and CARING breeder - you have a chance of seeing the parents and knowing the dogs lineage AND health issues if the breeder is up front with you.
but if you all like paying 4-6 times the actual cost of dogs - go for it - cause that's all the PET STORES AND BROKERS do -
they buy low - sell high and don't give one hoot about the puppies - it's all about the CASH.