PUPPY MILL Index

"Responsible Breeders", a term first used by TheDogPlace.org in 1989 and subsequently appropriated by the American Kennel Club, is primarily associated with show breeders although many "back yard breeders" would qualify.  Simply put, a Responsible Breeder loves his/her dogs, takes excellent care of them, would never knowingly breed a dog with a health, temperament, or genetic defect, and sells directly to a loving home.  Dog breeders fitting this description once met well over 95% of the demand for purebred dogs.

The links below and the information contained herein is neither condemnation nor defense of the AKC.  The history of puppy mills and the industry's success was and is however, solely dependant on the AKC.  These articles will help you understand how "puppy mills" were born and more importantly, how they so successfully compete with hobby and show breeders for puppy buyers. 

The tax free, non-profit American Kennel Club branched out into product endorsements, credit cards, and many other money makers but still depends on its massive registration income from puppy mills. Citizens Against Puppy Mills did the simple math" "At $20 per dog and $25 per litter (plus $2 per puppy)..."  it amounts to well over $30 million per year in puppy mill income.

When the United Kennel Club (UKC) pioneered the use of canine DNA, AKC was virtually forced to offer DNA to verify parentage.  The Puppy Mills took exception to that so they got together and formed their own registries.  It worked because AKC had never marketed its name "brand" so the public didn't know the difference.  "Registered" was synonymous with pure bred and the pet shops had them...  So to win back the bulk of its registration income, AKC began to offer Puppy Mills special inducements, from reduced fees to free Federal Express service, to (bulk) registering dogs of questionable parentage and finally, to the Petland Contract.  AKC Delegate's were outraged but AKC just quietly went about developing the PRIME software program for pet shops. 

We invite you to explore these documents.  Originally founded in 1884 for the betterment of pure bred dogs , for the last 50 years, the American Kennel Club has been, as is so often stated, "all about the money." 

Savvy observers noted the overt changes even before the internet when TheDogPlace.org and later, TheDogPress exposed the changes at "51 Mad Ave."  Presidential Salaries and princely perks are a contradiction of the original Mission Statement. AKC must return to its chartered purpose if it is to survive as the premier purebred registry.