No Health Testing Documentation
The single biggest red flag is a breeder who doesn't perform or can't produce health testing documentation. Every breed has known genetic conditions, and responsible breeders test for them. Claims like "my dogs are healthy, they don't need testing" or "we've never had problems" indicate either ignorance or dishonesty.
Health testing is different from a standard veterinary checkup. It involves specific screenings — X-rays for hip dysplasia, DNA tests for genetic mutations, cardiac evaluations, and eye examinations by board-certified specialists. Ask for OFA numbers, PennHIP scores, or DNA test results, and verify them independently through the testing organization's database.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics
Responsible breeders never pressure buyers. If a breeder tells you another family is about to claim the last puppy, demands a deposit immediately, or creates artificial urgency, walk away. Good breeders want thoughtful, prepared owners — they'd rather lose a sale than place a puppy in a hasty, ill-considered home.
Similarly, be cautious of breeders who don't ask you any questions. If they'll sell to anyone who shows up with payment, they're not screening for appropriate homes. Responsible breeders care deeply about where their puppies end up and will ask detailed questions about your lifestyle, experience, and plans.
Facility and Condition Concerns
If a breeder refuses to let you visit their facility or insists on meeting at a neutral location, that's a major red flag. They may be hiding poor living conditions, overcrowding, or the sheer number of dogs they breed. Always insist on seeing where the puppies are raised and meeting the mother in her home environment.
When you visit, look for cleanliness, adequate space, enrichment (toys, varied surfaces), and healthy-looking animals with clear eyes, clean coats, and good energy. Dogs that are fearful, aggressive toward the breeder, or show signs of neglect indicate a welfare problem regardless of what the breeder tells you.
Online and Marketplace Red Flags
Be extremely cautious when buying through online marketplaces like Kijiji or Facebook. While some legitimate breeders advertise online, these platforms are also heavily used by puppy mills and scammers. Red flags include stock photos instead of real puppy photos, requests for wire transfers or cryptocurrency, sellers located far away who offer to ship puppies, and multiple breeds advertised simultaneously.
Scammers often use photos stolen from legitimate breeders' websites. Reverse-image search any puppy photos to verify they're original. Never send money to someone you haven't met in person, and never buy a puppy sight-unseen regardless of how appealing the listing appears.
Frequently Asked Questions
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