Them's Fighting Words

A few people have commented that it's "not a big deal" that Abby's owner called me a Puppy Mill, or that "that's just his opinion. I'm not sure you understand the gravity of saying something like that to ANY breeder. It's the highest insult you can possibly hurl at a breeder. Puppy mills are real and they are horrible. The abuse and mistreat dogs and every single one should be shut down. But what makes a puppy mill is not how many puppies a breeder produces. It's how they treat their dogs, as well as the quality of those dogs. So to call a breeder a puppy mill is, quite frankly, "fighting words" with any breeder.

But I am not just ANY breeder. I am a MSCA Code of Ethics breeder. I voluntarily signed a pledge to hold myself to the highest standards in the MSCA. I get a special listing on the MSCA website, with the other COE breeders. I agree to meet certain standards on all my dogs, including health testing, conformation and temperaments. I agree to use a contract and to take my puppies back at any time in their lives - forever. That means my puppies will never end up in a rescue situation because they have a home here, for life. Currently there are 21 breeders listed on the MSCA website. There are only 7 Code of Ethics breeders. I am one of seven. 

I own dogs from the best breeding programs in the USA and Italy. All of my American dogs were bred by myself or other Code of Ethics breeders. My Italian imported dog was bred by the VP of the Italian Maremma registry and one of the best kennels in Europe. All of my registered Maremmas of breeding age have had PennHip exams to screen for hip dysplasia, with scores that well exceed the MSCA Code of Ethics requirements. They have also been DNA tested to screen for genetic defects. All of my Maremma are proven working LGD's with excellent temperaments and conformation.

I am an experienced trainer of LGD's who has taken many courses on Positive Reinforcement training and dog breeding. I breed dairy goats and own a variety of livestock. I understand what makes a good LGD and how to train puppies to turn into great LGD's. All of my dogs live with and actively guard livestock 24/7 and always work with at least one other dog.

I have a climate controlled dedicated Puppy whelping facility with a puppy incubator and oxygen unit, a full sized dog grooming tub and electric grooming table and two whelping suites with indoor/outdoor access to the pasture. I also have a second, fully equipped dog grooming parlor with tub, table and all the grooming equipment. I have a mobile veterinarian on call 24/7 who visits my farm on a regular basis and works with me to keep my dogs healthy.

I hand feed every dog and puppy I own every day, spending time with them individually, training them, grooming them, petting them and giving them lots of attention. Every one of them is happy to see me and happy with their lives. I love my dogs and they love me. And they have a wonderful life. So for someone to even hint that I'm a Puppy Mill, that is the most ignorant statement anyone could possibly make. And if you believe ANYTHING else a man who said that has to say, then I have a bridge to sell you.

Click to Learn More About the MSCA Code of Ethics:

The MSCA Code of Ethics