We live in a time when many dog owners are not as educated as they should be, or are being misled by outdated or incorrect information online. Potential new dog owners often turn to websites filled with misleading advice or facts that were accurate decades ago but no longer hold true. Amidst this confusion, scammers prey on unsuspecting buyers, stealing their hard-earned money.
Recently, I joined a group dedicated to breeders. As I was scrolling through the posts, I saw a new breeder complaining about how difficult it is to sell his puppies, asking if other breeders were facing the same issues. The responses were enlightening: experienced breeders, those who’ve been in the business for over a decade, said that they still sell the same number of puppies as before. They noted that customers today can be rude and demanding, but they remain patient, knowing that finding the right family sometimes takes time.
On the other hand, newer breeders expressed frustration over not selling their puppies as quickly as they’d like. They spoke of having to lower prices just to make sales. Many of these breeders entered the market during the pandemic, hoping to make extra money. They bought a couple of adult dogs with the sole purpose of breeding them. Prioritizing profit over the dogs’ welfare, they sold puppies to anyone willing to pay, no questions asked. If the puppies weren’t sold by two months, they dropped the price even more. Now that life has returned to normal and people have less free time, many of these dogs are being abandoned, leading to an increase in purebred dogs at shelters. Some breeders even jump from one popular breed to another, chasing trends without regard for the animals’ well-being. Breeds like French Bulldogs, Exotic Bullies, and American Bullies are particularly affected. With the media labeling American Bullies as dangerous and new laws being passed, these breeders are quick to switch to another high-demand breed.
These so-called breeders will do anything to make a sale. They offer discounts, accept low deposits, and are willing to spend hours discussing puppies just to close a deal. This has led potential buyers to believe that this is normal behavior for breeders—asking for discounts and expecting the price to drop as the puppy gets older. However, reputable breeders do not reduce prices based on age. They prioritize their existing customers over potential buyers and understand that genuine dog lovers appreciate their dedication to finding the right home.
Reflecting on the past, I remember a time when buying a dog was much simpler. There were fewer photos and videos, and communication with breeders was minimal. I once bought a Presa Canario from the Canary Islands based solely on trust and a couple of photos. The breeder had a website with pictures, an email address, and a phone number. There was no detailed information about the dogs’ temperament or breeding practices. After a short phone call, I decided to get a puppy from him. I sent the deposit and waited over three months to hear about a new litter. When I asked for more information and photos to choose a puppy, the breeder simply asked whether I wanted a male or female and if it was for show, pet, or working purposes. He would then select the puppy for me and send a couple of photos. I paid 3500 euros for a puppy I had only seen in a few pictures. It was the most I had ever spent on a dog, yet I trusted the breeder because of his reputation.
Even today, when looking to add a new dog to our breeding project, I don’t demand numerous photos and videos. I rely on trusted breeders to find the right puppy, based on their expertise. I know times have changed, but the essence remains: if someone truly trusts a breeder, they will buy the dog regardless of the number of photos or videos provided. A breeder who doesn’t spend all day taking pictures isn’t lazy; they simply understand that genuine buyers value their time and expertise.
Lastly, a word of caution about scammers. I’ve seen many posts warning about fraudulent profiles. These scammers lure buyers with low prices and then disappear after receiving a deposit. The signs are often obvious—unrealistically low prices, recent profile creation, lack of photos, and no verifiable customer experiences. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Would you send a deposit if someone told you they were selling a Lamborghini for the price of a Ford? Of course not, and the same goes for dogs. A breeder offering a puppy at half the typical price should raise red flags.
For those considering adding a purebred dog to their family but find reputable breeders’ prices too high, remember: you can either save up for a future litter or adopt from a shelter. Never support backyard breeders, as doing so perpetuates their harmful practices. Support a good breeder or adopt, but never compromise on the quality and care of the life you’re bringing into your home.
Bringing a dog into your home is a lifelong commitment. Make sure you make informed decisions, trust your breeder, and prioritize the well-being of the puppy above all else.
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