I understand that about 50% of puppy mill sales now are done via the internet. I recently ran into a puppy mill in OH that was masquerading on petfinder as a "small dog rescue" with litters of labradoodles, newfoundlands( since when are they small dogs), boxers, boston terriers, maltese, ALL 8weeks old!!!! I can't even verbalize how much I despise those PMs and BYBs. And as I take more traumatized dogs ("rejected or downsizing stock") from BYBs and PMs my blood just boils. Next weekend, if anyone is interested, there is a national puppymill awareness weekend in Lancaster, PA. I will be attending with some of my rescue friends. VIctoria Stillwell (who fosters herself for shelter dogs) will be one of the guest speakers, and a parade of owners and puppymill survivors. And don't forget, NEVER purchase a puppy unless you meet the breeder and parents of the dog, as well as see the breeding facility/ kennel.
The only ones who should be breeding are professionals who are motivated to better the health of the breed, and take genetics and parental health, as well as temperament into consideration. It's not just about having a "good looking dog"......and then, it's about making a lifetime commitment to that animal as part of your family.
