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There is nothing worse than the sad stories of people using innocence and ignorance to make a quick buck. Unfortunately, these situations occur constantly, particularly in the arena of dog breeders. Too often, potential pet owners are taken for a lot of money and left with a dog that is not registered or, worse yet, has serious health issues. The breeder is nowhere to be found. How can you avoid letting this happen to you?
There are a number of things that you can do to avoid being a victim of dishonest breeders. The most important aspect is to go into each situation with all of the knowledge that you could acquire before hand. Know the basic facts about breeders and about the breed you have chosen. Be aware of what a good kennel looks like and what type of information should be available to you. And always ask for and check references from any breeders.
But sometimes knowledge of what to look for is not enough. Too many breeders are unknowingly scamming pet owners every day. These breeders are just breeding a few litters a year, trying to earn some extra money with the dogs they already know and love. The problem with many of these breeders is that they do not know how to breed to ensure the best quality and protection against common defects or diseases that are passive for generations. They also often sell the puppies too early, depriving it nutritionally and developmentally from all that the mother can offer.
Beware of very young puppies being sold or of puppies being sold from a garage or small back yard. These puppies probably have not been bred properly, even if their parents do both have registration to prove their line.
Other dishonest breeders are much more intentional in their actions. Avoid anyone selling dogs from anywhere mobile. You want to buy a dog from a established breeder with a location. You also want to be able to see where the dogs are being raised in the first months of their lives. Also avoid pet stores and puppy brokers. These businesses encourage mass production of dogs, like stereos, and sell them with the same type of “limited warranty.” You want a breeder that genuinely cares about the breed and the puppies in the litter. Anything less is a sign of people more interested in money than in the breeding of your new dog.
Unfortunately, con-artists surround us daily. What is more unfortunate is that they would use animals to complete their cons. However, dishonest dog “breeders” do try to take advantage of unsuspecting pet lovers. The only way to guard against it is to stay informed and be careful in your breeder choices.
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