There is just nothing like a puppy. And there is certainly nothing like a pup from the Petosphere. We offer puppies for adoption from licensed and ethical breeders that we develop a relationship with, who consign their puppies to the Petosphere, knowing that we will uphold their contracts, and find only the best homes for these babies. We do NOT sell puppies to just anyone who comes in with the money. We also do not sell puppies to people who want them to breed. We encourage those people to find a breeder and work closely with them directly. The puppies in our care are our first and only concern. Always. The conditions and care the pups receive in their early months is beyond reproach.
To ensure the puppies are well adjusted, they are left with their mothers for as long as possible. The mothers and their pups are not kept locked up in small kennels. They have large runs or are raised with the breeder's family in their homes.
Once the pups reach the Petosphere they continue to get lots of love and care. They are monitored for developement, health, and personality traits. Perhaps most importantly they get to be puppies and go nuts with each other all day.
There are many different sources for new puppies. Our breeders are, no pun intended, rare breeds. Other stores take a less reputable route and we think it is important that you know the difference. Here is a list of sources and a short definition for each to help you understand the terms.
A kennel or cattery that has a current, valid business license, is inspected by the state as well as by local Humane Society Organizations, and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture. These kennels or catteries are held to a very high standard and must submit extensive paperwork, keep immaculate facilities and adhere to stringent guidelines regarding the health and practices of breeding dogs or cats.
A person or company that is the "middle man" between breeders and outside sources that sell puppies or kittens. Brokers do not necessarily deal with ethical, or licensed kennels or catteries.
A person or persons who breed on a large scale solely for profit. Rarely, if ever, are genetics or bloodlines considered. Inbreeding, cruelty and neglect MAY also be apparent. Usually these puppies or kittens are sold to brokers or sold via the local newspapers or online classifieds. These individuals are not licensed or inspected in any way by any agency or state organization. Very rarely will you find a large breed puppy mill, simply because the cost would not be beneficial to the bottom line of the mill. The same is true for hard to breed puppies, such as english bulldogs, or hard to raise breeds, such as wolfhounds. These breeds tend to be raised by a hobby breeder, or a show breeder. However, the instances of larger breed mills are increasing due to the large amounts of consumer demand. PLEASE, if you want a large breed dog, work directly with a reputable breeder who breeds for health and type, not quantity and profit! You may pay less in the beginning, however down the line, health problems and the inevitable stress and heart break don't make it worth while.
A person who breeds a small to medium amount of puppies or kittens without regard to breed standards, do not show their animals and are not licensed by any state organization or agency. They breed just to breed, and usually sell to anybody with the money to buy.
A person or persons who may show their animals, and breed for the betterment of the breed they choose to campaign. They are registered with the appropriate registry. Usually these breeders breed to develop their own lines, and to have dogs or cats available to campaign for the show seasons. They normally do not sell to brokers, and usually have strict contracts to control where and to whom their puppies or kittens end up. Sometimes they even will refuse to sell breeding animals at all, except to other reputable breeders.