anyone know sells online is a puppymill or backyard breeder?

Question

I see this comment frequently on here. Why do people think *every single breeder* that has a website is automatically not reputable?

I know of reputable breeders that have websites. Just because someone shows their pups online does not mean they are going to sell to anyone who throws money at them. Any reputable breeder selling a pup to someone will have a screening process and will have no problem saying "no" too someone if they don't feel comfortable with them. Also, there are things to check, such as what their pedigrees look like, if they have their animals certified (eyes, hips, patellas, etc., checked depending on your breed), what the parents look like, etc..

Granted, the vast majority of breeders who have websites out there, I wouldn't buy from; but I wouldn't buy from the 'vast majority' of breeders period.

(I could write a book about reputable breeders versus backyard breeders, but I'm out of room. Here's a website instead: http://www.wonderpuppy.net/breeding.htm ).

There's a lot of good answers here!

And hopefully the people that need to read this thread will read it. (About not buying from backyard breeders or puppymill websites. Anyone who will ship you a dog straight-out if you give them money is *not* a good breeder!)

(I'm going to let this one go to "vote" because I can't choose just one answer overall.)

Oh, and for clarity, when I title this "sells online", I meant just having pictures of the puppies on a website. (Not like having a paypal/credit card "checkout" like some people have mentioned seeing.)

I had in mind good breeders such as:
http://www.braylorspapillons.com/
http://showpaps.com/

Not places like (which I won't even grace with the term "breeder"):
http://www.affordablepup.com/

Answer 1

Just because a breeder has a website doesn't automatically make them a byb/pm....it's the content that one has to look at.
Every reputable breeder I know of has a website...the difference between a reputable one and a byb is the reputable ones will have , for instance: info on sire and dam, usually w/show pics, and health info...usually info about the breed ...

BYB sites post prices of the puppies available...and have a paypal button! They also won't bother with info on sire and dam......just click and buy and tell us where to ship!

In this day and age with byb/pm filling up the internet with badly bred dogs, I feel it's important for the responsible, ethical breeders to step up and become more "visible" to the general public that wants to add a pet to their family. A lot of people assume that we that show won't consider selling a dog to anyone that doesn't. That's simply not true.

Answer 2

I don't automatically associate a breeder with a website as being a byb or puppymill. Websites can be acquired pretty inexpensively, some starting at .99 cents a month for very basic set up.

Websites are a great way for a breeder to tell more about themselves and their breeding program. These are the types of things I would look for when looking at a breeders site. I EXPECT them to have a brag page showing their dogs accomplishments in conformation and/or trial titles. I'm even more pleased if they talk about working their dogs for what they were bred to do. Some websites, breeders will show you past litters, they sometimes will show pedigrees of the dogs in their breeding program. It's good to see them mentioning things like genetic testing, such as OFA, etc...

Having this kind of content on a breeders website can show their commitment to their breeding program and give an potential buyer a really good first impression of that breeder. A potential buyer can look over a website first, which is a nice benefit if they would need to travel a fair distance to the actual breeders kennel, get a feel for that breeder and then go on to pursue from there, if they like what they see so far.

Of course, there are dead give aways to the byb/puppymill style sites, like having a PAYPAL/BUY IT NOW option, ugh. Makes me ill to see a site like this and you just know they are not reputable in the least.

Answer 3

I personaly find a breeder with a website MORE reputable because:
1. they have to pay for the web space so they probably care.
2. they want the best people from all over to know about their pups.
The ones I've encountered simply say when a breeding will be, who the parents are, how many pups are left. Breed history and their kennels' champions, medical history and finaly contact details.

They do not actualy sell the puppies over the internet, puppies must be seen in person and then deposits payed. Breeders who have websites find their pups are booked alot faster, some even before matings.

Leerburg kennels, for example. That guy has a site and I'd trust him.

Answer 4

I bought my lab from a breeder who has a pretty extensive website, and they're reputable. Their breeding stock has all health clearances, they all have titles in conformation and/or hunting. The woman is a vet, and the man is a professional trainer. You have to fill out a questionairre and then talk to them and they really do make sure there is a good home waiting, and match you with a pup.

The website is a great tool though because they post all the pedigrees online, pictures of all parents, explanation of their practices, and they post pictures of the pups as they grow. It's not a substitute for actually going to meet the parents and see the kennel, but it is a place to post a lot of information.

Answer 5

We got our puppy off a web page and we got to know her stlady said you can not get to them them? it was only a way to meet them after that we talked all the time on the phone and in person well talked for weeks before we got our puppy and I would like to add some people have a paymet option on the web page because people buying want to pay with a credit card and paypal you can do that and alot of breeders do not have a credit card machine and to pay online don't make them a bad breeder it just offers a way to pay other then cash we for one put our puppy on a paypal payment plan we paid every week untill she was 10 weeks old

Answer 6

I have seen many reputable breeders with web sites. I think it is for the purpose of people who do live far away. If they are a good breeder and check references I see no problem with them. People want to see what they are getting and read some info, as the people who sell want to assure they are getting a good home for their dogs.

Answer 7

I will not say that a breeder with a website is automatically a BYB, as a website is nothing more than an electronic business card. It's almost impossible to have a business of any type, without one.

However, my experiences have lead me to believe that people who have allow you add a puppy to the cart, like you would a book, or an intangible item, make me question their dedications to placing their pups in good homes.

Answer 8

I agree that a lot of reputable breeders have a website, but there is a HUGE difference between *having* a website and *selling puppies online*.

The puppymillers are the ones who gladly accepts money from anyone that will give it to them and ships the dog off sight-unseen.

Answer 9

A lot of people do have websites but, most are not reputable breeders.
There are tons of byb and puppy mills.

On a website I want to see the parents, pedigrees of the sire and dam, genetic testing info/test results, and what their striving for in their breeding program.
If it doesn't have this basic information on the website I don't bother even looking any further.

Answer 10

reputable breeders have sites...and they should not be taking a depoist online just because u want a dog. i think its a good way for u get ripped off. I would want to see the parnets of the pup i want. so chances are i would be there in person.
i like the site from what i have read.