My breeder is advertising on puppy find.. Should I be concerned

[Kimberly Kaindl]

I just saw that my breeder for the puppy we are getting in a couple of weeks is advertising the same litter on puppy find. We just had a terrible experience with our dog amber that passed away in December. Turned out amber was from a puppy mill. This was devastating to us and our children. I have been very careful, we went and did visit. We met the mom, and saw a couple of the pups. The couple was very nice and answered all of our questions. We could not go where they slept because they had not been vaccinated. I read so many awful things about incidents that happened through puppy find. Should I be concerned. Maybe I am just very nervous because of our past experience from getting our poodle from Petland. Any words of wisdom?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Does the breeder do genetic health testing on the breeding dogs, and did you see proof of that testing? Hips, elbows, eyes, heart? 

If not, run for the hills. 

I do not know of any reputable breeders who advertise puppies for sale on Puppy Find. In fact, most reputable breeders don't have to advertise puppies for sale at all, because their litters are spoken for well in advance. 

You may have read What to Look for in a Breeder, but if you haven't, read it now, and please take it to heart. These are the bare minimums you should require. Personally, I would require even more, lol. 

[Kimberly Kaindl]

The breeder does do this testing, I have not seen it but I did call back after we put our deposit down and said I wanted to see it for my records for the new puppy. They seemed agreeable. They have a 2 year health warranty, but only replacement. They seem to have good references. Can I request a copy of genetic testing? Thanks for your reply. I guess after my experience I would not buy a puppy via a puppy website, seeing that it would probably not be much different than a pet store. I was very surprised to see them advertise there.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

A replacement only health warranty is not acceptable. 

References mean nothing. I have seen people here recommend a known internet puppy mill broker as a great place to get a dog. 

Does the breeder have website? Most breeders are proud of the fact that they have had genetic health testing done on their breeding dogs, and usually post the dogs' testing results on the website with each dam or sire's photo. When you don;t see that, or a general statement on the website about what genetic testing is done on the breeding dogs, that's a huge red flag. 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Did you ever actually see the testing results. Remember, many breeders ( sm.case b here) are relying on you seeing the litter and falling in love, causing you to forget all about the all important paperwork.

[Kimberly Kaindl]

My fault not asking to see, but told them I wanted to see when we came to pick out our puppy.

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

I would ask to see it prior to picking out the puppy. At that time, you and your children are going to be invested emotionally and financially in that puppy and it will be harder to walk away if the proper testing hasn't been completed. 

I know it is hard, but such an important part in ensuring that the newest member of your family is safe and healthy! 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

JMHO...but by then it is too late.

[Adina P]

I had my breeder send them to me in the mail.  I think I got them AFTER my deposit, but still better than at the end.

[Sally S Miles]

The red flag list is a good one - however nothing takes the place of your gut and it sounds to me like yours is whispering in your ear.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

The replacement puppy is a deal breaker. You should get full refund (which should be a few thousand) if something should happen to your puppy.

I am fairly confident that 99% of really reputable breeders have long waiting lists and don't advertise. I know Peri's breeder hardly ever, ever has puppies that are unspoken for.  I keep up with her and know that most of the families hear about her through word of mouth and referrals only.  When we were on the list for Peri, I didn't know until after the puppies were born that I was even high enough on the list to get one and only got her because the two people in front of me didn't want a female.

My advice: take some more time and check out our recommended breeder list.  And go with your gut.  I am sorry about Amber and truly hope you find a new companion soon.

[Kimberly Kaindl]

Thanks to everyone for their response. My husband thinks I am being too paranoid. I did let the breeder know that I saw her ad on puppyfinder. She told me that the same rules apply pick of litter in order of response even though it said a female was for sale. She says site says you have to pick male or female. My husband said that there may be honest breeders who advertise there. I still have my radar up. I will get the medical certificates of the testing. I hope I am just being over cautious. It's 3 against one, kids and Husband want to pick out our puppy this weekend.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Sounds like your up against a tough crowd.
What did the breeder say when you asked her for the health certifications?