Matching a dog to your life and choosing where to get one without supporting cruelty: breed and lifestyle fit (with a note on Singapore’s climate), adopt vs ethical breeder vs pet shop, and the red flags of a puppy mill.

A litter of puppies being socialised outdoors in a clean, spacious environment at a reputable breeder

Adopt vs ethical breeder vs pet shop — and 10 puppy-mill red flags

Where you get your dog matters as much as which dog you get. The difference between a reputable breeder and a puppy mill is not always obvious — but the welfare and health consequences last the dog's entire life.

11 min readDogs

More Own a Dog topics

Thinking of getting a dogWhat it really costsAdoption & rescueLicensing, laws & housingBringing your dog homeLife stages & admin