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What is a puppy mill?

by Krista Mifflin
for About.com

Question: What is a puppy mill?

Answer: A puppy mill is a place that breeds dogs for profit only, without a care to health, temperament or behaviour. Puppy mill puppies are almost always poor in health, and can often be unstable of temperament. It is not unheard of for puppies to be sold as purebred dogs, but are, in reality, mixed breeds that resemble the purebred.

Owners who buy from pet stores or puppy mills, even backyard breeders often face serious illnesses requiring extensive veterinary care shortly after bringing the dog home. In some cases the dog has long-term and ongoing problems.

For more on puppy mills, please see these pages:

  • Responsible Breeders versus Pet Stores
  • What is a Puppy Mill anyway?
  • Members Describe What The Term "Puppy Mill" Means To Them
  • Pet Store Puppy Links
  • More Dogs Q&A

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