A word of advice for both apologists for Fetch and potential buyers: do not ask if the dog in question came from a puppy mill - there is a very good chance that nobody working at the store will know for sure. It is better to simply ask if the dog is AKC registered, and to see the registration papers.\r
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AKC registry is no guarantee that the dog came from a reputable breeder, but it is probably the best existing indicator that the breeder *might* be reputable.\r
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Unfortunately, Fetch and other such retail pet outlets cite a confidentiality clause that prevents them from naming the breeder of any animal. This means that no AKC paperwork (which lists the breeder) will be available. This, in turn, means that there is no guarantee that either the dog is AKC registered or the breeder is in any way reputable... and as a strict matter of business sense, no guarantee should be interpreted as just plain ""NO.""\r
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I understand that purebred dogs sold at such mercenary outfits like Fetch cost less than those sold by AKC breeders. If money is an issue, then spend a few minutes online finding a nearby rescue organization for the breed that you like, and get a dog from them - it may not cost any less, but you'll be getting an animal from an organization that is concerned with the welfare of the dog, instead of from a corporation whose first and foremost concern is making a profit.
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