Finding a responsible breeder can feel overwhelming, especially with the rise of scams, unethical breeding practices, and misleading online listings. While there are many ethical breeders dedicated to producing healthy, well-socialized puppies, there are also scammers and backyard breeders who take advantage of buyers who don’t know what to look for.
One of the biggest misconceptions in the puppy-buying process is the idea that deposits to get on a waitlist are a scam—when in reality, for ethical breeders, deposits are a standard practice. However, there are real scams to watch out for, and it’s important to know the difference.
This guide will help you navigate breeder interviews, ask the right questions, and spot red flags to ensure you find a reputable breeder and avoid getting scammed.
- Why Reputable Breeders Require Deposits—And Why It’s NOT a Scam
Many first-time buyers worry that paying a deposit to get on a breeder’s waitlist is a scam. However, with responsible breeders, this is a completely normal practice that ensures a serious commitment from buyers before a litter is born.
✔️ Why Deposits Are Standard for Ethical Breeders:
✅ Breeders carefully plan their litters, and demand often exceeds availability.
✅ A deposit secures your spot on the waitlist, preventing impulse buyers.
✅ Breeding is expensive—deposits help cover costs like health testing, vet care, and proper puppy raising.
✅ It discourages people who back out last minute, which can leave puppies without homes.
✅ Responsible breeders often have long waiting lists, and deposits help prioritize serious buyers.
🚨 When Deposits Might Be a Scam:
🚫 The breeder pressures you to pay immediately before answering questions.
🚫 They request payment through untraceable methods (like gift cards, Venmo, or Western Union).
🚫 There is no signed contract explaining deposit terms and refund policies.
🚫 The breeder always has “available” puppies despite claiming to have a waitlist.
🚫 They refuse to video chat or show proof that the puppies exist.
📌 Tip: A reputable breeder will always provide a clear deposit policy and be willing to answer questions before asking for payment. If a breeder refuses to explain their process, walk away.
- How to Interview a Breeder: Questions That Reveal the Truth
Interviewing a breeder is just as important as them interviewing you. A responsible breeder will welcome your questions and be transparent about their practices.
✔️ Essential Questions to Ask a Breeder:
🩺 Health & Genetic Testing:
✔️ What health tests do you perform on the parents? Can I see proof of results?
✔️ Do you provide a health guarantee for your puppies?
🐶 Puppy Rearing & Socialization:
✔️ How do you socialize your puppies? Are they exposed to different environments, sounds, and people?
✔️ What kind of early training do you do (e.g., crate training, potty training, handling exercises)?
📄 Contracts & Buyer Policies:
✔️ Do you have a contract? Can I review it before placing a deposit?
✔️ What is your policy if I can no longer keep my dog? (A reputable breeder will take the dog back at any time).
✔️ Do you require a spay/neuter contract for pet homes?
🐕 Breed Knowledge & Ethics:
✔️ How does your breeding program improve the breed?
✔️ Can I meet the puppy’s parents or at least the mother?
✔️ Do you participate in dog shows, sports, or working events with your dogs?
🚨 Red Flags During a Breeder Interview:
🚫 Avoids or dodges health testing questions.
🚫 Says things like “My dogs are just naturally healthy” instead of providing proof.
🚫 Has no structured socialization process—puppies are raised in isolation.
🚫 Won’t let you see the parents (or offers excuses).
🚫 Rushed sales process—pushing deposits without discussion.
📌 Tip: A good breeder should have no problem answering these questions. If they get defensive or impatient, they may not be reputable.
- How to Spot a Puppy Scam Online
With more people searching for puppies online, scammers have become more sophisticated. They create fake websites, steal photos from real breeders, and trick buyers into sending money for non-existent puppies.
🚨 Common Signs of a Puppy Scam:
🚫 Stock Photos & Fake Testimonials – Scammers steal pictures from legitimate breeders or social media.
🚫 Unrealistic Prices – If the price is too good to be true, it’s a scam.
🚫 No Phone Calls or Video Chats – Scammers avoid direct contact and refuse to show puppies live.
🚫 Pushy Payment Requests – If they demand full payment upfront via wire transfer, it’s likely a scam.
🚫 No Social Media Presence – Most reputable breeders have active social media pages showing their dogs and puppy updates.
✔️ How to Verify a Legitimate Breeder Online:
✅ Search the breeder’s name + “scam” to check for complaints.
✅ Ask for recent video proof of the puppies with today’s date.
✅ Look for consistent social media updates showing their program.
✅ Use reverse image search to see if their puppy pictures were stolen.
📌 Tip: If a breeder has zero history, refuses phone calls, and asks for money upfront, it’s likely a scam.
- How to Identify a Backyard Breeder Pretending to Be Reputable
Some breeders aren’t scammers but still practice poor breeding ethics while pretending to be responsible. These are often backyard breeders or high-volume breeders (not quite puppy mills, but still unethical).
🚨 Signs of an Unethical Breeder:
🚫 Breeds dogs without health testing or proof of genetic screenings.
🚫 Always has multiple litters available at any given time.
🚫 Doesn’t screen buyers—sells to anyone with cash.
🚫 Won’t take a puppy back if you can’t keep it.
🚫 Doesn’t participate in dog sports, showing, or working events.
🚫 Uses marketing tricks like “rare colors,” “teacup size,” or “exotic bloodlines.”
✔️ What a Responsible Breeder Does Instead:
✅ Breeds selectively with health-tested dogs.
✅ Has limited litters per year, focusing on quality over quantity.
✅ Requires an application and screens potential owners.
✅ Stays involved with owners for the dog’s lifetime.
✅ Works to better the breed through health, temperament, and structure.
📌 Tip: Always research a breeder beyond their website. Ask for health testing proof, visit in person if possible, and verify their background in breed clubs or events.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Breeder Takes Research
The best way to avoid scams and unethical breeders is to do your homework and ask the right questions. A responsible breeder will be transparent, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in their dogs’ welfare.
✔️ How to Find a Reputable Breeder:
✅ Ask detailed questions and expect thorough answers.
✅ Be prepared to wait—good breeders don’t always have puppies available.
✅ Verify health testing and breeder involvement in the breed.
✅ Read contracts and policies carefully before placing a deposit.
By taking the time to interview breeders carefully, you can ensure that you’re getting a healthy, well-bred puppy from an ethical source—not falling for a scam or supporting unethical breeding practices.
🐶 A well-bred puppy is worth the wait, the research, and the investment. Choose wisely!
