[jakort1]

I think this is an interesting question. I'm (definitely) no expert, but, when I think of "puppy mill" I tend to think of a person or persons that breed just for the money. No plan in place, no understanding of the parental pedigrees, no recognition of standard.

I don't think that someone who is a backyard breeder (or front yard depending on preference) is necessarily a poor judge of dogs. They may not breed for (show) conformation, but, they may breed for reason (performance).

As far as DNA profiles, there is technology on the horizon that will change the way certain people breed. Imagine knowing the EXACT complete sequence of your dam and sire? What if you could have a complete genome scan completed to know how your dog stacked up (genetically) to the last dozen champions? Think this wouldn't make a difference...there are those that would consider such things...probably not a puppy mill.