What is a Puppy Farmer?

• A Puppy Farmer generally, is everything a Responsible Breeder is not.


• A Puppy Farmer generally, has a number of different breeds at the establishment.


• A Puppy Farmer generally, cares little for the welfare of the stock, bred or reared at the establishment.


• A Puppy Farmer generally, cares little about the suitability or compatibility of the dog and bitch to be mated.


• A Puppy Farmer generally, cares little about the temperament of the puppies subsequently born.


• A Puppy Farmer generally, cannot, or will not, let you see the true parent(s) of the puppy offered for sale.


• A Puppy Farmer generally, will take, or put the puppies away from their mother, well before they are mature enough to be taken.


• A Puppy Farmer generally, will not let you see how the animals are bred, or the conditions in which the puppies live.


• A Puppy Farmer generally, may claim that the puppy is “Registered”.


• A Puppy Farmer generally, will be unable to offer full “Kennel Club Registration” -
  THE PUPPY BUYER SHOULD MAKE THEMSELVES AWARE OF THE DIFFERENCE


• A Puppy Farmer generally, will be very happy to take your money.


• A Puppy Farmer generally, will be equally unhappy, to offer advice, or take the puppy back, if there are subsequent problems with the puppy.

W.A.G says - before buying a puppy, please take the time to consider the following points -

• When seeing puppies ask to see the parents, particularly the mother.


• Make sure that the puppies immediately go to the mother. If not, this might not be the mother.


• If you are given the excuse that the mother is at the Vets or gone for a walk, call back when, or if, the mother is actually going to be there.


• Always ask for receipts.


• If you don't need a pedigree dog then go to Dog's Trust or the local dog and cat home.


• If it must be a pedigree, contact the Kennel Club or Scottish Kennel Club for a list of reputable breeders.


• If it is a pedigree dog, make sure that it has a Kennel Club registration, as genealogy can be DNA proven, others are not as accurate.


• Make sure that the puppy has had first vaccinations and ask for the record card.


• If the record card does not look genuine, note the vet's address and contact them.


• If this is not a local vet to the premises, ask why?


• Always get a diet sheet and advice on care.


• If you are unhappy or not sure about the premises you are in then walk away.


• Remember most genuine breeders will grill the purchaser to make sure that their puppy is going to a suitable home.
  Also - Reputable Breeders will have tested their stock for recognised Hereditary/Genetic Disease/Faults so ask and see the certificate!


• Make sure that the breed or puppy you are looking at is appropriate to your home and circumstances, there is no point in buying a St. Bernard to live in a small upper flat!


• If you want a puppy as a fashion accessory or to dress up, GET A STUFFED DOG OR DOLL!