Pet Shops
Are the dogs you can buy in a pet shop any different than the ones you can buy from a breeder? More times than not, absolutely. A breeder takes care that they have bred two dogs who complement each other in order to breed the best possible dog that would be most emblematic of the breed standard or ideal. Responsible breeders ask you a lot of questions before they agree to sell you a puppy, and they try to match yours and their puppies' personalities.
Many pet shops get their dogs from puppy mills. These breeders produce dogs with little or no concern about breed standards, temperament, or health problems. As a result, unsuspecting buyers don't know what they're getting. These dogs are as purebred as the dogs you get from a breeder, because purebred only means that the mother and father are registered purebreds. These puppies are also as cute as the ones you'll see at a responsible breeder's, though they may lack the energy or robust appearance of the responsible breeder's pups.
Pet shops know that puppies are most appealing when they're six to eight weeks old. That means that to get them to the store by that age they are usually separated from their mother and littermates at four to six weeks of age — far too early. These pups miss the nutritional and behavioral benefits of staying in their first family for as long as they should, and their new families pay the price in health and behavior problems later in life.
Does this mean good dogs don't come from pet shops? No. And with the media attention on the plight of puppy mill pups, more of them are either not selling puppies or host adoption days where local shelters come in so people can get their dogs from the shelter. This is valuable PR for the pet shop and good business for the shelter. It also makes people feel better about the dog they're acquiring.
While some pet shops are negatively labeled, because they use breeding farms called puppy mills to supply them, many pet shops do in fact use better suppliers. Regardless of whether you buy directly from a breeder or from a pet shop, ask for as much information as possible. Also, make sure there is a return or money back policy. Many breeders will take back their dogs if you find they have any health defects in any way. Good pet shops do the same.
If you do buy a puppy from a pet store, ask the staff a lot of questions about its background and whether the store provides any guarantees on the puppy's health. Take the puppy to a veterinarian right away for a first physical, and if the vet suspects any problems, speak with the store staff immediately.
