Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and thrilling experience. To ensure a smooth and successful process, it’s essential to conduct thorough research to find a breed that aligns with your lifestyle.
While you may have already identified potential sellers, it’s crucial to understand how to determine if a private seller is reputable and not a scammer. This guide will provide you with the answers to these questions and offer valuable insights into finding a reliable private dog breeder for your furry companion.
What You Need to Know About a Private Puppy Seller
Understanding the concept of a private puppy seller is crucial before making any decisions. Private breeders can be classified into two categories – those who sell their own puppies and those who engage in puppy sales as a business.
It’s essential to note that not all private breeders may be required to have a license, making this an important consideration when choosing where to purchase your puppy.
Private breeders are defined as individuals who breed at least two litters of puppies within a 12-month period. When considering buying a puppy from a private seller, ensure they practice healthy breeding methods.
When Should You Contact and Visit a Private Puppy Seller?
To ensure that you can choose the breed that you like, you’ll have to get them from a private seller. Regardless of if you choose an unlicensed or a licensed seller, you should learn the things that you have to do when getting in touch or visiting a private puppy seller.
Getting in Touch with a Private Puppy Seller
Before seeing the puppy, you need to communicate with the breeder. The purpose of contacting them is not solely to schedule a viewing; it’s also an opportunity to gather relevant information about the breeder and their puppies.
Ask where the puppies are currently living, and if they are in a family home, it means they are likely accustomed to being around children, making them suitable for families. You can also request to see the puppies with their mother; if the breeder denies this request, consider looking for another breeder.
Visiting a Private Puppy Seller
While you can view the puppies through video calls or gather information over the phone, it’s a good idea to visit the breeder and see the puppies in person before making a decision.
During your visit, physically inspect the puppies and observe how they interact with their siblings. Their behavior will indicate whether they are a good fit for your family. Additionally, assess the surroundings for anything unusual and observe the mother’s behavior with her puppies.
Factors to Consider
Purchasing a puppy from a private seller requires careful consideration. Unfortunately, some breeders may not be as honest or transparent as they appear.
Even if you buy from a licensed breeder, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and investigation to ensure the well-being of the puppies. Licensing provides some assurance, as it involves certain checks and adherence to regulations, but it doesn’t replace the need for personal assessment and research.
Purchasing a New Puppy from a Licensed Private Puppy Seller
Even though these breeders are licensed, regular inspections still need to be performed. There are various kinds of breeders that belong in this category. For instance, puppy farmers, Kennel Club breeders, and many more. The following are some important factors to consider on each of them.
Puppy Farms
This is a huge commercial operation that produces thousands of animals yearly. Since this is on a large scale, most people are having issues regarding the ethics of these breeders. However, they must operate under the same regulations as licensed sellers.
Small Scale Professional Breeders
This is the most common category of breeders. Every year, they can only produce a few litters. Oftentimes, this is done from small kennels or from their own homes.
Kennel Club Breeders
There are lots of pedigree dogs that are registered in the Kennel Club each year. Also, you can get the chance to view their dogs during special events.
Puppy Contract
A puppy contract can provide you with protection no matter what type of breeder you’ve purchased your pet from. This can assure you that you are getting all the information that you require in writing before purchasing your puppy.
A well-respected breeder won’t be having any issues regarding using a puppy contract. So, if the seller is having issues in providing you with a puppy contract, then it’s better to walk away and find another one.
How to Check If the Breeder or Seller is Not a Scammer
Obviously, scammers and illegitimate sellers are only after your money. Hence, they will likely pressure you into purchasing the puppy right away without giving you the chance to view it. If you feel that you are being pressured by the breeder, then you should cancel the purchase.
Another indication that you are probably dealing with a scammer is that you did not get the chance to view the puppies with their mother. Most often, these scammers obtain their puppies from illegitimate puppy farms and attempt to sell them right away.
Moreover, they can’t show you the mother of the puppies. If the puppies that they are trying to sell to you are very young, then most likely they are scammers. Obviously, they are trying to go against the law since licensed breeders are not allowed to sell puppies until they are turned eight weeks old.
Where To Find a Private Dog Breeder
Are you a first-time puppy buyer, new to the neighborhood, or unfamiliar with dealing with dog breeders? Finding a reputable breeder may seem challenging, but there are plenty of private breeders with excellent reputations offering various puppy breeds.
No need to worry; you can easily find licensed breeders online. Just ensure their license is up-to-date to avoid any potential scams or issues.
At Find A Pup, we specialize in helping you find the breed you desire. Our website lists a wide variety of breeds, and we conduct thorough Breeder Background Checks to ensure healthy breeding practices. This way, you can bring home a happier and healthier furry friend.
For more information, feel free to contact us at 518-657-1114 or reach out via email at Puppyfnder@gmail.com. Let us assist you in finding the perfect puppy for your home.