Commercial puppy breeding operations often prioritise profit over welfare, causing suffering to both breeding dogs and the puppies they produce.
Breeding dogs in puppy mills endure chronic confinement, frequent pregnancies, poor veterinary care, and minimal human interaction. Puppies removed too early from mothers have lifelong behavioural and health vulnerabilities. Buyers often receive sick puppies whose treatment costs vastly exceed purchase price. The commercial demand for specific breeds drives continued exploitation of breeding animals.