What IS a puppy mill? First of all, this of course has to do with THE DEFINITION GAME. There will be almost as many definitions for this phrase (as with any other) as there are people who will try to convince you their idea is right and yours is wrong!

I do believe that this term has been OVER-USED to the point that its full meaning, and therefore, effect, has been lessened.

I tend to give everyone 'the benefit of the doubt'. I try to learn,  who they really are, and what their intentions are, instead of blindly accepting the opinions and prejudices of others as fact.

Blindly following 'experts' and preaching their righteous theories hardly makes you anything but another parrot.  Hiding behind the facade of 'protecting and improving the breed', one has to admit that they are only protecting themselves by bowing to political pressures. 

Let's not take rules and ethics from other countries and try to apply them here in Singapore where it is not practical, not to mention viable.

So, what IS a puppy mill or puppy farm? I can only give you my definition. I feel it has more to do with the treatment of the dogs, guarantees, and general behavior of the breeder. ETHICS. 

I shall enumerate, below, what I believe a REPUTABLE breeder IS. Anything else, then, IS NOT, and may very well deserve the term "puppy mill." (or irresponsible, unethical handler, groomer, breeder, etc....whatever shoe fits.)

1. Are the dogs cared for properly? Whether the number of dogs be 1 or 100, dogs should be properly cared for, given necessary veterinary treatment, food, human attention, grooming, etc. THIS MEANS THROUGHOUT THE DOG'S ENTIRE LIFETIME -- from birth until death. This includes the proper placement of adult dogs in loving 'retirement' homes. This also means doing one's best to ensure that all puppies are placed with much care as to what kind of home they will have.

2. Are puppies sold with guarantee that puts forward the best interest of the pup that includes refund and/or replacement for the puppy's entire lifetime? Does the replacement clause make the buyer surrender their first choice (if so, I don't believe it is a true guarantee. Good pet owners become emotionally attached to their pet and SHOULD NOT be asked, much less required, to part with their dog in order for the guarantee to be fulfilled.)  While I believe the breeder should let the buyer know that if, for any reason, the buyer decides he can no longer keep the dog, that the breeder would be willing to take it back,  I DO NOT BELIEVE in "buy-back"  (or "give-back") contracts. A good pet owner, should be the one who chooses where to place his beloved animal if circumstances dictate. A sales contract should not be a unilateral noose tied around the new owner's neck for benefit of the breeder.

3. How does the breeder (stud owner, handler, groomer) conduct himself? In a proper, business like manner? Does he/she treat his/her customers fairly and act in good faith?

4. What is the breeder's own, personal, set of beliefs regarding dogs and breeding/showing in general? Whatever it is, does the breeder hold everyone to the same 'gold standard'; or are certain behaviors "OKAY" if done by show participants and "NOT OKAY" if done by those breeders who do not show?

It is a misconception in our local scene that prices of puppies are dictated by pet shops and puppy farms. On the contrary, home breeders provide more care and attention to the puppies.  Bitches are well cared for and properly nutritioned to nurse the growing pups.

The above is only MY personal definition.  You are strongly urged to make your own definitions and decide who you will call 'puppymills'.

It is a grave error in any pursuit when one gives his own mind or will over to the opinions and beliefs of OTHERS.

Other terms in relation to Puppy Mills with emphasis on USA scene.