Pet shop puppies are just as sweet and adorable as any other puppies, but they are merely the end product of a disturbing behind-the-scenes industry.
The breeding of dogs is a science unto itself and there are many variables that should be considered before a dog is bred: animals should have a complete health exam to be sure they harbor no genetic defects, contagious diseases, or unsoundness; they should be of correct temperment (that is, safe, predictable, and stable in nature); animals should be good representitives of their breed and conform to the standard (each breed has it's own standard of excellence that describes the ideal specimin of the breed - a dog that is to be bred should resemble that standard as closely as possible). Puppies should be planned for well before they are actually conceived - the breeder should be sure he can properly care for and find caring permanent homes for each and every baby that is brought into the world. A responsible breeder makes a commitment that lasts a lifetime to every dog that is produced.
The above paragraph describes how ethical breeders should go about responsible, planned breeding of dogs. Ethical breeders usually make no money off of the animals they sell--usually the money spent on preparing the breeding, caring for and raising the babies and mom soaks up all the momeny that would come in due to sales...and then some.
The dogs you see in pet shops are never products of responsible breeding. Rather, these animals were brought into this world through careless, unplanned, irresponsible breeding. These puppies were bred by people who didn't care whether or not the parents were of sound body and mind, nor whether they were good examples of their breed. These animals came from parents who were bred as soon as they were physically able to reproduce, which is well before maturity and before an animal should be bred. The animals are bred many, many times and become worn out and die early deaths. Often, the conditions the animals are housed in are deplorable. Puppies produced by breeders who sell their animals to pet shops (where the unsuspecting public fall in love with and purchase them) are many times sickly and unsound both physically and mentally, and are almost always poor examples of their breed conformation-wise. Pet shops purchase the puppies from people who can rightfully be called animal abusers. By purchasing a dog or anything from a shop that sells dogs, you are supporting the irresponsible, inhumane breeders and puppymills.
Why don't responsible breeders sell pet shops their dogs? One of the main reasons is because responsible breeders want to make sure each baby ends up in the right home. Responsible breeders visit prospective buyers' homes to make sure the atmosphere is okey for a new per and offer advice and help to new owners. They are very selective with who they allow to purchase one of their animals. There is so much animal abuse and so many unwanted animals that responsible breeders want to make sure they do not contribute to the problem. Irresponsible breeders and the pet shops that buy their animals do not care about the welfare of the dogs and are in it for profit only.
What should you do when searcing for a new puppy? There are many lovely cross- and mixed-bred puppies and even purebreds available at your local humane society. If you have your heart set on a purebred, you can contact the American Kennel Club for information on BREED RESCUE organizations. Most breeds have rescue organizations that usually have dogs available for adoption for a minimal fee. Or you can contact the AKC for information on responsible breeders in your area.
Although dogs from pet shops can and often do make lovely companions (and for most people, that is all that is desired of an animal), it is important to look at the entire picture: think of the poor dogs/cats in the puppymills, and the downright inhumane conditions they are kept in. Also, there is a large chance that the animal you purchase from a may already have or develop a health problem that, many times can be life-threatening. And temperment-wise, many pet shop puppies are less than ideal, some even with dangerous aggressiveness.
No, it is never nice to think about abuse inflicted upon animals. But many times it is necessary to be aware of the problems in order to help end the suffering: in this case, if you do not support pet shops that sell dogs, you do not support the irresponsible breeders and their inhumane practices.