In an ever expanding internet market, people are using it more frequently for everyday things. Sellers are trying to extend their reach, and buyers are looking for better deals, wherever they may be in the world. Buying and selling of dogs and puppies is no exception.
Buying and selling of puppies, especially pedigreed, is becoming more and more an everyday occurrence. The seller is more than happy to sell their litter online, as long as the buyer is willing to pay the price - including shipping, testing and any extra vaccinations that may be needed. At first glance, this seems like the perfect solution for both buyers and sellers. Let's take a closer look.
Granted, there are a good many sellers online that are honorable. There are also a large number of unscrupulous sellers, dog brokers and breeders who are happy to sell something that is not what it appears to be. Even with photos, there is the possibility the pictures have been doctored or even that the puppy you will get is not the one in the photo.
The first thing to know, whether dealing off or online, is that reputable breeders with championship bloodlines do not even breed a female until they know all puppies will be sold. These kennels have long waiting lists for their puppies and they don't even advertise. They don't need to; word of mouth is all that's necessary.
A lot of the puppies for sale online are from unknown breeders who are not known in the breeding community for their pedigree. Most do not compete or show their dogs and are unfamiliar with the current standards and the current desirable traits for their particular breed. Anyone can breed dogs, and register the litters as long as both parent dogs are registered.
Be on the lookout for catch phrases such as "from championship lines" or "fully registered". Most purebreds are from championship lines, but how far back? Request specific information such as the name of the dog who won, owner information, which championships were won, and how far back in the lineage it was run. Then, check with the Kennel Club Breed Association to verify the information. If the awards were won more than two generations ago, chances are the desired traits are no longer in the bloodline.
"Fully registered" or even "registered" is also not a clear indication of quality. There are many registries out there and different types of registries as well. The International Canine Association, the Dog Registry of America and the American Canine Hybrid Club are just three that register non-purebreds and have different categories and requirements for registration. Other registries use the same initials as the well known clubs, for example, CKC. This could be either the esteemed Canadian Kennel Club, or the lesser known Canine Kennel Club, which also allows hybrids and non purebreds to register.
Sadly, whether buying online, or from an ad in the local paper, it is still very much a "buyer beware" situation. Make sure you know who you are dealing with, do your homework and research the registries and the breeder. There are many puppy mills out there, as well as unscrupulous breeders. If you are looking for a purebred, championship dog to compete, show or breed, these things will all be checked before you enter your dog. Don't be disappointed when it's already too late.
