Puppy farms (puppy mills) produce large numbers of puppies in poor conditions for profit. Knowing how to identify and avoid puppy farm sources protects both individual buyers and the welfare of breeding dogs.
Puppy farms cause chronic suffering for breeding dogs who spend years in inadequate conditions, and create poorly socialized puppies with elevated health and behavioral risks. The economic incentive — puppies sold before behavioral problems become apparent — means that puppy farm operations are highly profitable and difficult to eradicate without strong buyer awareness. The most effective welfare action a prospective dog owner can take is to never buy from a source that will not let them see the mother in her normal living environment. "See the mum, see the pup" is the simplest rule of thumb.