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| MOTC Thinking of getting a new puppy? Looking for a new puppy to bring into the household can be an exciting experience. While MOTC certainly encourages dog ownership we also recognize that unfortunately humans do not always do their best for our canine friends. When searching for that special canine to share your life we encourage you to check out breed rescue groups and your local animal shelter. Many breeds have their own rescue groups and websites. If you choose to buy a puppy research your source well. A registered or registerable puppy does not mean it is healthy or comes from good breeding stock. AKC registration only certifies that the puppy's parents were listed with AKC. It does not certify that both parents did not develop cancer, eye problems, hip problems,epilepsy, or were well tempered and good with children. We recommend that if you choose to buy a puppy you ask lots of questions to verify that your puppy comes from a reputable breeder and not a puppy mill. A "puppy mill" breeds popular breeds as a commodity for profit with little if any regard for quality of the puppies or the quality of life given to dogs and puppies. Females are breed often with little rest and may never leave their crate. Males may be removed from crates only for breeding. When dogs cannot be bred no more, they are "disposed of." Conditions are generally dirty, unsanitary, and dogs receive little if any human contact including grooming. Certainly not the kind of environment you want your canine companion in! puppy mill puppies are often sold to pet shops and when breeds go "out of fashion" old breeding stock is exterminated and is replaced by new, often from animal shelters or dog nappers. If you suspect a puppy mill, please contact your local animal control officer. If you've thought of purchasing a puppy in a pet store, please give consideration to where many of these animals come from. SIGNS OF A puppy mill Females have several litters yearly Breeding stock is chosen purely on popularity or easy availability Breeding stock receives only legally required shots Breeding stock fed cheapest food possible to keep costs down Breeding stock receives little exercise, grooming, and social contact with humans and/or other dogs Puppies are sold to highest bidder Puppies receive little (if any) care and socialization Breeding is done purely to make a profit on puppy sales SIGNS OF A RESPONSIBLE BREEDER Females have only one litter yearly Breeding stock is chosen for its strengths and adherence to the breed club standard Breeding stock receives shots required for good health Breeding stock fed quality food for good health Breeding stock receives proper exercise, grooming, and social contact with humans and dogs Prospective puppy buyers are screened for a good match Puppies receive socialization and their health is monitored Breeding is done for love of the breed and is often done at a loss or "break even" point |