It is a big decision to add a dog/puppy into your life. This decision should not be taken lightly because once you make that commitment you should make it for the life of the puppy/dog.

What is a "Commercial" Breeder?

A commercial breeder is a breeder who breeds puppies purely for commercial gain. Their dogs are not their family pets/companions and they do not engage in any form of dog related activity (showing, agility, obedience, working trials etc.)

Whilst commercial breeders may operate from reasonably clean conditions and register their pups with the Kennel Club, they can still be classed as "puppy farmers" as the aim is still to produce puppies for profit. Whereas the average hobby breeder will have 1 - 4 litters per year, commercial breeders will have dozens.

Caring for and rearing puppies correctly takes time, lots of time. Rearing one litter at a time with a gap between having a further litter is tiring and time-consuming for a breeder, having several litters at the same time, followed by yet more multiple litters could easily mean resources are stretched.

Rearing pups correctly is also costly, very costly; there is no 'profit' once the pups are sold! If breeders are breeding as an income generator, buyers should consider what savings have been made in order to make a profit on the sale of puppies. A responsible breeder never breeds just to sell puppies for money; a responsible breeder regards each puppy as an investment in the future of the breed.

With 'Commercial' Breeders there will be little or no health-screening for hereditary problems, puppies will usually be inadequately socialised and bitches will still be over-bred (six litters are allowed, responsible breeders would never have six litters from one bitch).

Clearly not every "commercial" breeder keeps their dogs in deplorable conditions, conditions which we associate with "puppy farmers" however, it is probable that owning a large number of dogs and rearing an excessive number of litters may mean their dogs and puppies do not receive sufficient individual attention.

Due to the large number of breeding animals involved, commercial breeders will normally keep their dogs kennelled and the dogs do not enjoy a "family" lifestyle. By contrast, “hobby” breeders/exhibitors who own either a significant number of dogs or if the dogs are a large breed will have kennels but the dogs do get the opportunity to be part of the family, they will have some time in the house and live a “normal” life.

Before buying a puppy from a "commercial" breeder, would-be owners should satisfy themselves that the quantity of puppies bred, each year doesn't equate to lack of quality care and rearing and would-be buyers should check that all dogs used for breeding have been fully health tested. Potential owners should also be aware that the pups are likely to be reared in a kennel environment and should ensure that the pup they are buying has been socialised.

Many commercial breeders do look after their dogs adequately and maintain acceptable standards of cleanliness and hygiene, however many do not provide the level of care and accommodation for their dogs/puppies that most 'ordinary' people would feel is acceptable.

There are undoubtedly commercial breeders whose standards are low and yet they are keen to be seen to be ethical, many have websites making less than truthful claims, claims which are designed to reassure would-be puppy buyers that they are dealing with a reputable breeder.

If you are planning to buy a puppy from a commercial breeder, please do your homework!

Where to buy a puppy?

The best place to buy a puppy is directly from a reputable and caring breeder. Reputable and caring breeders are committed to their dogs and their puppies health and welfare. They are also committed to the owners of their puppies and will provide life long support where needed. Sadly the majority of commercial breeders do not fall into this category.