Buyer Beware: The Truth about the Doggy in the Window
Written by Susan Engel, Certified Trainer
Any store that sells pets is a “pet store”. These pups do come from breeders; however, it is important to know that there are extremes in the quality and ethics of people that call themselves breeders. Pet store pups are poorly bred, coming from commercial breeders (puppy mills) or backyard breeders. The mid-west is famous for puppy mills as well as Lancaster County Pa…the Amish. However, let’s not forget the local irresponsible breeders willing to selling their pups to pet stores.
The problems with poorly bred dogs are that they have a higher incident of temperament problems including aggression and health problems. These issues become evident as the puppy gets older. Most pups will look healthy and happy when they are very young.
High Profit
High profit is the motive for breeders and pet store to continue their relationship. These breeders do not spend the money needed to have the parents of the pups screened for important health or temperament problems as responsible, quality breeders do. The pet stores buy their purebred dogs for $100-$200 and in turn sell them for $500-$1600.
This high profit margin may also be the reason why employees do not reveal the characteristics of specifics breeds that may be cute as puppies but are very difficult dogs for the average family to owner i.e. chow, akita, am.eskimo, jack russell etc.
Not Educated
In addition, employees of the pet store do not educate the potential client of the intensive supervision and training a young puppy demands in order to join a family successfully.
It may be that the staff is holding back such information to secure the sale or it may be true that the staff is just not educated about the puppies they are selling…..either way, it is irresponsible, unethical and dangerous for stores to be selling animals to misinformed owners. Dogs from pet stores have the potential of hereditary health problems because of poor quality sires and dams. The owner has the potential of having a dog with hereditary behavior problems including aggression because the dogs are poorly bred. These behavior problems are intensified when owners are not giving crucial and accurate information.
Other Irresponsible Sources
Backyard or Irresponsible Breeders
These breeders also produce poorly bred pups. A backyard breeder is someone who owns a pet "purebred" dog, possibly purchased from a pet store or another irresponsible source. They decides to breed without a care whether their female is breeding quality; meaning that she is free of hereditary health problems, has an excellent temperament and meets the breed standards in confirmation.
These breeders also do not health test the parents, either out of ignorance or because the vet bills will cut into their profits. Most breeds should have their hips x-rayed and their eyes tested. Any breeder who does not do this is irresponsible!
Signs you might be dealing with a backyard breeder: they usually advertise in the newspaper and are selling dogs for a low price $200-$500. They do not have contracts and may not know about the NJ State law in regard to your rights as a purchaser even though they are required to give you a copy of your rights. In addition, these breeders are little to no help with housebreaking and training issues.
Pet Brokers
Brokers are the middleman between puppy mills or backyard breeders and you. They usually advertise in the newspaper. The #1 way to know if you are dealing with a broker is that they will not have the mother or father of the litter. They may say they are selling the puppy for someone else, maybe a brother in N. Dakota or a friend in Virginia. They may even offer to bring the dog to you. This is another way for people to make a high profit at the expensive of a misinformed owner. Don’t be fooled and remember the #1 rule…always see at least the mother!
Things To Know Before You Buy
Call an obedience trainer and ask about the breeds' disposition. Do not choose one known for aggressive tendencies.
In one year, we received 128 phone calls from owners whose dogs were growling, snapping or biting…91 or 71% of the dogs that were showing aggressive behavior came from pet stores or backyard breeders.
Choosing a dog can be a very emotional experience. It is all too easy to see a cute little bundle of fluff and instantly fall in love. This can lead to making an impulse decision from your heart and not your head. Making this major decision without researching the breeder or truly understanding the work involved with raising a happy puppy may result in frustration and heartache in the long run.
When people choose to have a dog in their life they imagine enjoying time with a loyal and sweet companion; a healthy dog physically and emotionally, that will become a lifelong member of the family. This is the reason why it is crucial to purchase your puppy from a responsible, quality breeder. Responsible breeders do all that can be done to produce healthy, sweet- tempered dogs.
- Did you know that the absence of proper, accurate information about caring and training for a dog can lead to aggression and other serious behavior problems?
- Did you know temperament and health are largely hereditary?
- #1 Rule: When buying a purebred puppy always meet at least the mother. Reason: unhealthy or aggressive parents produce unhealthy or aggressive puppies. Note: You may not see health or temperament problems until your pup is older.
