Buying the dream dog online, or through an intermediary?

You scroll through classified ads and see him: the perfect puppy. Big eyes, fluffy fur, 400 euros. «Available immediately», says the ad. Offers like these are often dubious.

How do I recognise dubious dog dealers online?

Dubious dealers rely on quick decisions and emotional manipulation. First warning signs can be recognised in the ad itself:

• Several breeds offered simultaneously
• Puppies «always available»
• Handover only at car parks or motorway service stations
• Price significantly below market value (often under 500 euros)
• Mobile phone photo quality for all images
• No details about parent animals or pedigree

Another alarm signal: the seller pushes for a quick decision. «Three more interested parties today» or similar pressure tactics are classic scams.

How do I check a breeder before visiting?

Reputable breeders have nothing to hide. On the contrary, they ask you more questions than you ask them. This shows in concrete points during the first contact:

• Breeder asks about your experience with dogs
• Wants to know your living situation and working hours
• Shows photos of the parent animals and the kennel
• Mentions the vet and lets you speak to them
• Is registered with the Verband für Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH)
• Breeds a maximum of two breeds

Good breeders have waiting lists. If the «perfect» puppy is available immediately, something is wrong.

What do I need to pay attention to during the visit on site?

The visit to the breeder shows whether they work seriously or just for profit. The following speaks for a responsible operation:

• You see the mother dog with the puppies
• Puppies are curious and playful, not apathetic
• Clean rooms without urine or faeces odour
• Puppies are already dewormed and vaccinated (vaccination passport available)
• Breeder knows each puppy individually
• You receive a purchase contract with right of return

Do not let yourself be pressured. A reputable breeder gives you time to think.

What risks does buying puppies online entail?

Every dubious purchase finances further animal suffering.

Puppies bred unethically often have health problems that only appear months later. Hereditary diseases, behavioural disorders or chronic conditions can cause vet costs of thousands of euros.

Behind this are often commercial puppy breeding operations under poor housing conditions, in which mother dogs are exploited as mere breeding machines. Anyone who buys from them keeps this system going.

Are there trustworthy online intermediaries?

Yes, but a closer look is worth it. Reputable animal welfare organisations work transparently and have clear standards. Identifying features are:

• Registered association with an association register number
• Transparent cost breakdown
• Protection contract with right of return
• Prior inspection in your home
• Follow-up inspection after a few months
• Health certificate from the vet

Avoid intermediaries who only communicate via WhatsApp or whose homepage is only a few months old.

Frequently asked questions about buying dogs online

Are dogs from the animal shelter a better alternative?

Yes. Animal shelters check their animals for health and behaviour. You support genuine animal welfare instead of profit-oriented breeding.

How high are realistic prices for puppies?

Ethically bred puppies cost between 800 and 2500 euros, depending on the breed. Anything below that is suspiciously cheap.

Can I cancel a puppy purchase?

In private sales, usually not. However, reputable breeders offer a right of return.

Are dogs from abroad fundamentally problematic?

Not all of them. But health checks are more difficult and the risk of diseases is higher. Local adoption is usually the better choice.

What to do if I already have a dog from an unreliable source?

Go to the vet immediately for a health check. The animal is not at fault; it still deserves a loving home.