09/11/2023
There are a lot of posts lately giving advice about how you should avoid a breeder if they’re asking for a deposit to hold a puppy. Calling breeders that do this, scammers. I just want to say that it is perfectly normal for reputable breeders to require a deposit to hold a puppy. Deposits are the buyers way of saying I for sure want this specific puppy & it also ensures that the breeder is going to hold said puppy for the buyer. There are a lot of window shoppers and people who are not serious who will claim a puppy and then never reply again. Some people do this even after paying a deposit 🤯.
It is also normal for breeders to not allow anyone to go to their house to pick one out. Reputable breeders will gladly meet if the puppy is old enough, or offer facetime. That is for the safety of their dogs, puppies and families. There are bad people who pretend to be good people. I can name a good amount of popular breeders that have acquired parvo who also allow home visits as well. Once parvo is on your property it is very hard to be rid of and some strains affect vaccinated dogs as well. It’s just simply not worth it.
These things do not make a breeder a scammer. I do understand that there are a lot of scammers, especially for popular breeds. I’ve had a lot of people message me specifically letting me know that people are pretending to be my program. We will never message you from a page that isn’t our Facebook, Instagram, or Gooddog. We only have 1 account for each.
So how to spot a scammer:
1) If the price seems too good, it’s likely a scam.
2) Photos are of multiple puppies on differing backgrounds or differing ages.
3) They can’t offer references.
4) They decline FaceTime.
5) They don’t have photos of parents or photos of parents don’t make sense for the litter.
6) They give a cheap price for transport.
7) They’re very persistent regarding sending money.
How can you protect yourself from being scammed?
1) FaceTime! Ask to FaceTime in live time (not video!) to see that your puppy is real.
2) Ask for references. Even if a breeder is new they should have people willing to be a reference (family, friends, vet).
3) Get acquired with prices of puppies in your area (Gooddog.com is a good reference).
4) know that transport is generally costly as well (500+) so free transport/etc should be researched more.
5) If they give a kennel name or a photo has a kennel name SEARCH IT. Then message that page to make sure you’re speaking to the same person.
6) ASK QUESTIONS. There are no bad questions!
7) Ask for parents test results and ensure name and description (if there is one listed) match the dog. I give lots of advice about colors on my page.
8 ) Ask other breeders about the breeder you’re interested in.
It’s okay to want to visit a breeders home as well. There is a large amount who don’t allow it any longer, for good reasons, but if that’s a deal breaker for you just be kind and ask that breeder for a referral to a breeder who does. There are breeders who don’t live in remote areas, don’t have small children, have a separate building to allow for separation from their main areas, have kennels, etc… which allows for less risk altogether.
And remember a good breeder is willing and happy to assist with helping you feel comfortable with them. 😊
**stolen from another breeder & edited**
