Choosing the right breeder is a crucial step when purchasing a puppy. Unfortunately, many breeding kennels prioritize profit over the health and well-being of their dogs. This article will help you recognize the warning signs of unethical breeding so you can avoid supporting puppy mills and irresponsible breeders who do not genuinely care about their animals.
Warning Signs of an Unethical Breeding Kennel
If a breeding kennel exhibits these signs, proceed with caution and reconsider buying a puppy from them:
Excessive Puppy Production
Responsible breeders have a maximum of 2–3 litters per year to ensure they can provide proper care and attention to their dogs. If a kennel produces dozens of puppies annually and some females have more than 3–4 litters in their lifetime, this is a major red flag.
Balihara Ranch kennel is known for mass-producing puppies, breeding over 100 puppies annually—for example, at least 141 Swiss Mountain Dog puppies in 2022—and posting more than 600 advertisements for their sale in the same year!
Source: https://balihararanch.review/all-bred-puppies/
Poor Living Conditions for Dogs
Dogs need adequate space and a stimulating environment. If they are confined to small enclosures without regular socialization, they are at risk of serious physical and psychological health problems.
A veterinary inspection revealed that at Balihara Ranch kennel, dogs are kept in enclosures as small as 15 m², with up to six dogs per enclosure, leading to severe physical and mental stress.
Premature Breeding of Females
Ethical breeders ensure that female dogs reach full maturity before they are bred.
However, at Balihara Ranch kennel, females are bred as early as 15 months old, which goes against recommended practices for healthy and responsible breeding. This disregard for animal welfare can negatively impact the dogs’ health.
Lack of Post-Sale Support
Reputable breeders provide new puppy owners with guidance and ongoing support.
Reports indicate that Balihara Ranch sells puppies in large volumes, often through intermediaries—a practice prohibited by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale). New owners have limited or no contact with the breeder after purchasing a puppy.
Source: https://balihararanch.review/activity-of-the-kennel/
How to Verify a Breeder?
To ensure a breeder is truly ethical, follow these steps:
- Visit the Kennel – Request to see the entire breeding facility, not just a few dogs through a fence. Ethical breeders will gladly welcome you, introduce you to all their dogs, show you their living conditions, play areas, and breeding spaces, and allow you to meet the mother of the puppies. If a breeder restricts your visit or only allows you to see selected areas or individual dogs, this is a red flag.
- Ask About Health Tests – Request health certificates for the puppy’s parents. A responsible breeder will willingly provide them.
- Observe How the Dogs Interact with the Breeder and Each Other – In a well-run kennel, dogs are friendly and trust people. If they appear scared, anxious, or aggressive, something is wrong.
- Check Other Owners’ Experiences – Look for reviews, testimonials, and, if possible, contact previous buyers to learn about their experience with the breeder.
How to Support Ethical Breeding?
To help improve breeding standards and support ethical breeding practices, consider the following:
- Choose Only Ethical Breeders – Prioritize breeders who raise their dogs with love and care.
- Do Not Support Puppy Mills – If something feels wrong, do not buy a puppy just because it’s “cheap” or “readily available.”
- Spread Awareness – Help educate others and expose breeders who violate ethical breeding standards.
Conclusion
Any suspicious behavior from a breeder should be taken as a warning sign.
A puppy is a lifelong commitment—choosing the right breeder is essential. If you have any doubts, find a breeder who follows ethical principles.