Signs of a responsible breeder

-Puts the best interest of his breed and individual dogs first and foremost
-Is passionate about his breed and will share detailed breed information
-Is dedicated to breeding quality dogs and will only sell to approved buyers
-Is willing to answer any questions about his breed and breeding program
-Has a breeding program "mission"
-Breeds for himself first, aiming to contribute to the improvement of the breed and only after careful 
 consideration of qualities/faults in   conformation, temperament, pedigree and only after 
 health/genetic testing
-Questions and interviews potential buyers thoroughly
-Tests all breeding stock
-Explains genetic defects in the breed
-Breeds to improve the genetic pool of their breed
-Is willing to let you meet the dam and if possible, the stud ( studs can be in other provinces or 
 even countries )
-Will not breed dogs under the age of 2
-Premises are clean and sanitary, dogs are very well cared for
-Supplies shot records, pedigrees, proof of health testing
-Shares information on education and training, development, nutrition and health
-Expects potential buyers to ask a lot of questions
-Is honest about the best and worst of their breed
-Will steer you in another direction if they think their breed is not right for you
-Will steer you in the directions of a reputable rescue if they think a puppy is not a good choice 
 for you
-Are not motivated by profit but by the love of their breed
-Are active in conformation/obedience/agility etc...
-Belong to national, regional and/or local dog clubs
-Will want to keep in contact with new buyers for the entire life of the dog and will follow-up on 
 him regularly
-Requires in a contract that puppies destined as pets be spayed or neutered
-Will always take back a dog no matter what the reason, and will insist on it in their contract
-Does not advertise in the newspaper
-Prices will be at the high end of the local range and will not reflect all that is invested in the pups

Signs of puppy mill operators/backyard breeders

-Usually sell multiple breeds and sells solely for profit ( may say motives for breeding are that it's
 fun or good for the kids )
-Will sell to anyone ( no screening of potential buyers )
-Will sell to wholesalers/brokers ( ie. pet stores get their dogs from puppy mills )
-Breeds any female that they can breed with no regards to anything else
-Do not do health checks on parents
-Do not care about temperament, health, genetics, conformation etc. and often do not understand 
 these
-Operate as cheaply as possible so as to maximize profits ( veterinary care or vaccinations are 
 usually avoided )
-Will not let you see their facilities as they are usually unsanitary ( some will let you see but it will 
 be evident that the facilities are unsanitary and inappropriate )
-May be unwilling to show buyer the entire litter or the dam; will not be able to compare or critique 
 pups or their ancestors
-Dogs show little or no socialization
-Has little knowledge of breed history, the CKC or AKC standard, or their national breed club
-No concern for the future of the pups or the breed as a whole
-Pedigrees are not available
-Offer no health guarantee beyond proof of shots, if that; in the rare places where health guarantees 
 are given, they are usually fraudulent
-Some may have registration papers available but nothing else
-Does not use a spay/neuter contract or CKC non-breeding agreement
-Usually will avoid any calls or emails made after dog has been purchased
-Will not be taking back any pups if you cannot keep it and will not care where the dog ends up once 
 he's left their premises
-Advertises in the local newspaper classifieds or on pet store public boards
-Prices are at the low range of the local range