So true. We were really glad at getting an English Springer that's of the field line versus the show breed type - which while they're breeding for the coat tend to get a little heavier as well. We still had the dog checked for hips, and agreed with the vet that before he would breed we would have his eyes CERF certified, and his heart checked - the other place they may have problems. He's not as stocky as the show dogs get. But, our breeder is extremely responsible, and after their bitch had 3rd litter, she actually was hurt when some idiot ran her, and her mom Nancy, over as they were walking - on the sidewalk - crossing the street and the idiot ran a stop. Anyhow, Puckster's mommy, Shadow, was quite hurt, but recovered amazingly well, and is perfecct. However the owners decided to have her spayed rather than have her go through another pregnancy. They're very well connected with the breeders on this coast, thru PA and NY, so if we don't have a puppy thru Puckster, we'd use them to search a breeder. They also, like many others we know - seriously interviewed us before we were allowed to take a puppy and were quite insistent that if we were ever to sell the dog we should return him to them, and they would actually refund his original price. Footnote, that they wanted him back about 2 months later - especially after they babysat him for us.
Elizabeth would know better than I, but honestly, I don't think real show dogs come from the puppy mills. Those tend to be breeding for profit to the mass market. It's horrible - and has arisen when some breed becomse the latest cute ideal. Happened with cockers some years ago.
Ellice