Differences Between a Reputable Bernedoodle or Cavapoo Breeder and a Puppy Mill
April 2, 2025 by Naomi Miller
To distinguish a reputable breeder from a puppy mill, look for a breeder who prioritizes the well-being of their dogs, conducts health testing, and provides a supportive environment, while puppy mills prioritize profit and often neglect animal welfare.
Here's a breakdown of key differences:
How to Recognize Reputable Cavapoo or Mini Bernedoodle Breeder:
#1 Licensed, Certified, Website
A reputable breeder will be licensed with their state and USDA and will have at least a few certifications.
They will usually have their own website with enough information on it that you get to know the breeder and their family. Check them out online, especially reading their reviews.
#2 Meet and Greet
They will offer FaceTime with the puppies if you are not able to visit their facility.
They will allow you to visit their facility and meet the puppies.
#3 Biosecurity
Although you can see the parents, you will usually not be allowed to interact with the parents and go directly into the kennel because of biosecurity requirements.
A reputable breeder will be very cautious to protect their dogs and puppies from any disease or illness that can be carried into their facilities.
They will willingly show you the dogs living quarters through a window.
#4 Prioritizes Animal Welfare:
Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: A reputable breeder will ensure their dogs live in clean, spacious, and comfortable environments.
#5 Health Testing:
They will conduct genetic health tests on their breeding dogs and can provide proof of these tests.
#6 Socialization:
Puppies are desensitized from day 3-21 and socialized on a daily basis, ensuring they are well-adjusted and confident.
#7 Responsible Breeding Practices:
They avoid inbreeding and breed dogs of appropriate ages, typically not before 1 1/2 years old, some breeds older.
#8 Breeding for Health and Temperament:
Reputable breeders focus on breeding for the health and temperament of the breed, not just for profit.
#9 Knowledgeable and Supportive:
They are knowledgeable about the breed, answer questions thoroughly, and provide ongoing support to puppy owners.
#10 Contract and Guarantees:
They provide a written contract outlining the rights and responsibilities of both the breeder and the buyer, including health guarantees
#11 Ask about your lifestyle:
A reputable breeder will ask questions about your lifestyle, experience, and why you want a puppy of that breed, and the personality you are looking for to ensure a good match.
#12 Questions
They will be willing to answer any questions you may have patiently and thoroughly. No question is a dumb question. A reputable breeder will be willing to take the time to answer all your questions to ensure a positive adoption experience and a perfect match.
How to Recognize a Puppy Mill:
#1 They Prioritizes Profit:
Poor Living Conditions: Dogs are often kept in cramped, unsanitary cages with little to no socialization.
#2 FaceTime and Visits
They will usually not allow you to visit or even FaceTime with the puppies.
#3 Lack of Health Testing:
They may not conduct health tests or provide proof of them.
#4 Inbreeding:
They may breed related dogs (parents with offspring, siblings) to increase the number of puppies produced.
#5 Breeding Too Young:
They may breed dogs too young, before they are physically mature, which can lead to health problems in the offspring.
#6 Little to No Socialization:
Puppies are often not desensitized and socialized, leading to behavioral problems.
#7 Lack of Transparency and Biosecurity:
They may be reluctant to allow potential buyers to visit the facility or see the parents, and are not concerned about carrying diseases into their facilities if a visit is allowed.
#8 Minimal Paperwork:
They may not provide health records, contracts, or guarantees.
#9 Pressure Sales Tactics:
They may pressure buyers to purchase a puppy quickly, without providing adequate information or allowing time for questions.
#10 Puppies Available Too Young:
They may sell puppies at an age younger than 8 weeks, when they are not yet weaned from their mother.
#11 Unclean or Unhealthy Puppies:
Puppies may appear malnourished, scruffy, or have signs of illness.
#12 Unwilling to Answer Questions:
They may be evasive or avoid answering questions about their breeding practices.
#13 Not Interested in Finding the Right Home:
They are more focused on making a sale than finding a good match for the puppy.
At Skyline Puppies we are proud to be reputable breeders that love our dogs & puppies.
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