Red Flags in Dog Breeders
Red Flags in Dog Breeders and Puppy Listings
How to Avoid Scams, Puppy Mills, and Heartbreak
💡 Why Red Flags in Dog Breeders matters
Choosing a puppy should be exciting—but in today’s online world of flashy ads and low prices, scammers and unethical breeders are everywhere. Recognizing the signs of poor or dangerous breeding practices protects you, your family, and the dog.
This guide will help you spot red flags in breeder listings, social media posts, and conversations.
⚠️ 1. They Avoid or Dismiss Health Testing
Responsible breeders proudly discuss OFA results, genetic screening, and veterinary care. If a breeder says:
- “We’ve never had a problem.”
- “That’s not needed for our breed.”
- “They’re just pets, not show dogs.”
👉 Walk away. This is a sign of cut corners and lack of care.
🧬 Learn why health testing matters: Understanding Responsible Breeding
⚠️ 2. Puppies Are Ready to Go Now at 6–7 Weeks
Puppies should never leave their mother before 8 weeks, ideally 9–10. Early separation impacts health, behavior, and confidence.
If they’re pushing for quick pickup? 🚨 That’s a breeder putting profits over wellbeing.
⚠️ 3. They Offer “Designer Mixes” Without Genetic Accountability
Breeds like Pomskies, Labradoodles, and “Mini” versions are often bred for novelty, not health or structure. If no testing, vetting, or documentation is provided—this is a red flag.
Mixed breeds aren’t inherently bad—but intentional, untracked breeding is unethical.
⚠️ 4. No Contract, No Guarantees
Reputable breeders use clear contracts with:
- Health guarantees
- Return-to-breeder clauses
- Spay/neuter guidance
- Puppy care instructions
No contract? No go. A contract protects both you and the puppy.
⚠️ 5. No Questions for You
If a breeder doesn’t ask about your lifestyle, experience, or home environment, they’re not being responsible. Ethical breeders will screen buyers just as much as buyers screen them.
⚠️ 6. Prices Are Too Good to Be True
A healthy, responsibly bred dog in Canada usually costs $2,000–$4,000+ depending on breed. Lowball pricing (especially on Facebook or Kijiji) often signals:
- No vetting or vaccines
- Backyard or volume breeding
- Imported puppies from mills
- Fraud or bait-and-switch scams
⚠️ 7. They Won’t Let You Visit or Video Chat
In-person visits or live video calls help confirm puppies are real, healthy, and raised ethically. If they only offer photos and won’t FaceTime or Zoom—🚫 it may be a scam.
⚠️ 8. They List on Kijiji, Craigslist, or Unverified Marketplaces
While not every Kijiji ad is unethical, many irresponsible breeders rely on these platforms because they don’t require standards or verification.
✅ Choose verified breeders through Responsible Breeders of Canada or the Paw Privileges Program
⚠️ 9. They Say “First Come, First Served”
Reputable breeders match puppies to homes, not the other way around. If they’re pushing urgency or offering cash deals for fast pick-up, they’re treating puppies like product—not lives.
⚠️ 10. There’s No Proof of Registration or Lineage
If they claim to be a CKC breeder but don’t provide documentation or registration numbers, be cautious. Ask for:
- CKC registration numbers
- Pedigree information
- References or social proof
🐾 Choosing Right Is Choosing Love
By learning to spot red flags, you can avoid heartache, support ethical breeding, and bring home a puppy with the best chance at a healthy, happy life.
Responsible Breeders of Canada
