scam-breeders

Scam Breeders alert: Ensuring your Doberman breeder is legit

by Amy Arthur  - February 22, 2024

Disclaimer: We share our opinion only and none of our content should be considered fact, lawful, legal, or medical advice. Your results are in no way guaranteed and will depend on several factors including your willingness to plan ahead, study and train.
Scam breeders are a rampant nightmare. Here's how to rise above and prevent the heartbreak that comes with a sick puppy or getting ghosted.

Avoiding the Nightmare of Scam Breeders

Above all, navigating the world of breeders can be a minefield, especially when you're on the hunt for a majestic and highly intelligent breed like the Doberman. Certainly, one must remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to a scam when looking for a good breeder. However, with the right knowledge and steps, you can ensure you find a reliable, honest breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.

The Victim of a Heartless Predator

Critically, scam breeders can come in all shapes and sizes:

  • Puppy Mills:  Here Dobermans are overbred and under-cared for. Generally, the adults will be kept in a small confinement with very little or no interaction. Their food quality is very poor and survival is a matter of usefulness. Puppies here have a high death rate, are not socialized properly and can develop behavioral and health ailments as they grow.
  • Incest Breeders: These scam breeders will couple fathers to daughters, mothers to sons, and even brothers to sisters. Such careless inbreeding is the devil's playground for mental retardation and massive health problems.
  • Fool's Gold: These dogs may look like a Doberman, but their bloodline is mixed with other breeds and you won't be told what you're actually getting. (Often times this deception reveals itself as the puppy fully matures, bringing out its true physical and mental characteristics.) 
  • Over-Bookers: While this breeder may actually have puppies available, they will take deposits for more than what were born. Much like the ghosts, instead of providing a refund or solution when maxed out, these scam breeders will keep the money and disappear on those that they cannot place puppies with.
  • Ghosts: The most rampant of scam breeders, these monsters will steal pictures from real breeders and post them as their own. They don't actually have a puppy to offer but just want to trick you into giving over your money so that they can disappear and move on the next victim. Often times they will use the good name of the breeders that they are posing as and tarnish hard-won reputations with their greedy framing.

To be honest, I cannot fathom how any of these scam breeders manage to get away with such atrocities and thrive. Nevertheless, they continue plaguing this world at an alarming rate. As a result, I've compiled a series of red flags that aspiring Doberman owners should look out for before committing to any breeder.

Have we met?

Axel_tackleberry-doberman

Hello, my name is Amy Arthur. Your Doberman breeder and guide. My goal is to help you determine compatibility and gain the confidence that you would require in order comfortably handle this unique breed.

Above all, your ability to understand the psychology behind the Doberman's needs is a crucial element for excellent ownership. My gift to you, sharing everything I know about them. Indeed, no one should have to rely on blind google searches to uncover the Doberman's secrets.

Understanding the Importance of Reputable Breeders

Avoiding Scam Breeders Through Careful Selection

Foundationally, when it comes to the continuation of a specific dog breed, such as the Doberman, reputable breeders play a pivotal role. To explain, their dedication to upholding the breed's best traits is demonstrated in their rigorous selection process for parent dogs, where factors such as health, temperament, and adherence to breed standards are considered. 

No to mention, they also contribute significantly to the breed's longevity by taking necessary precautions to prevent potential genetic disorders and health complications. As such, avoiding scam breeders is crucial to ensuring that your new companion is not only healthy but also embodies the ideal characteristics of the breed. 

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Likewise, a responsible breeder goes beyond just breeding dogs; they work tirelessly to enhance the breed and ensure its future success. Moreover, they are deeply invested in their chosen breed, making the welfare of their dogs a priority.

Similarly, as a prospective Doberman owner, it is your responsibility to support these efforts by choosing a breeder who is committed to these standards. Above all, the health and happiness of your future pet rely heavily on the actions of the breeder, making your selection process of the utmost importance.

In essence, the foundation of a dog's life begins with the breeder, and by avoiding scam breeders and choosing a reputable one, you are ensuring a positive start for your future Doberman.

Red Flags Indicating a Scam

To begin, proceed with caution when you come across certain signs that may indicate a potential scam while searching for a breeder.

For example, major warning signs are: 

  • The Breeder's prices appear suspiciously low.
  • Transparency is another key factor; breeders who are vague about the puppies' parentage, health status, or the conditions in which they are bred should be avoided.
  • If a breeder seems to have an endless supply of puppies or breeds their dogs at an unnatural frequency, this is a serious concern
  • .Be wary of breeders who seem eager to sell puppies without first properly screening potential buyers.
  •  Beware of breeders who push for immediate decisions or payments.
  •  Scam breeders are not open to you visiting and seeing the conditions where the dogs are raised.
  • Refusal to share updated pictures or provide a video call.

 Critically, a trustworthy breeder understands that a successful match between a puppy and an owner requires careful consideration and would never rush or push the process.

The Significance of a Health Guarantee

Comparatively, one mark of a trustworthy Doberman breeder is the provision of a health guarantee for their puppies. Understandably, this demonstrates their confidence in the health and genetic integrity of their dogs. Furthermore, it indicates that they've taken the necessary precautions to ensure the pups are free from inherited conditions that could affect their quality of life.

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Overall, the health guarantee usually covers the cost of veterinary care for specific genetic disorders that might manifest as the puppy grows. Furthermore, if a scam breeder hesitates to offer this assurance, it could be an indication that they are not certain about the health of their breeding dogs or the puppies they produce. Likewise, this reluctance is a significant red flag that should not be overlooked in your selection process.

Furthermore, it is essential to fully understand what the health guarantee covers and its duration to avoid any misunderstandings in the future. Additionally, if the breeder provides a health guarantee, it adds an extra layer of protection for you as a buyer and underscores the breeder's commitment to their Doberman's health and longevity.

Assessing the Breeder's Knowledge and Experience

Quiz Scam Breeders

Equally important, the breeder's understanding and experience with Dobermans should not be overlooked. In particular, it is beneficial to interact with a breeder who is well-versed in the breed's characteristics, health, and care requirements. Specifically, this depth of knowledge allows them to breed high-quality, healthy Dobermans. Likewise, it gives breeders the ability to provide potential buyers with valuable advice and guidance.

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Particularly inquire about their experience with Dobermans, the health history of the sire and dam, their approach to socialization and training, and their goals for their breeding program. By asking these questions, you can ascertain the breeder's commitment to the breed and their level of expertise.

Likewise, a breeder's responses should reflect an understanding of the breed's distinct temperament, potential health issues, and care needs. Foundationally, they should also demonstrate a dedication to improving the breed's health and preserving its key traits. Furthermore, the quality and detail of their answers can give you a clearer picture of their competence and integrity.

Side Note: It's equally important to note how a potential scam breeder responds to your queries. A breeder who welcomes questions and responds honestly and in detail shows their transparency and commitment to ensuring their dogs are a good match for potential owners. On the other hand, a breeder who appears evasive or dismissive of your questions may not have the necessary knowledge or may be hiding crucial information.

Overall, by taking the time to assess the breeder's knowledge and experience, you can feel more confident in their ability to provide you with a healthy, well-adjusted Doberman.

Importance of a Written Contract

In conjunction, a comprehensive written agreement between the breeder and buyer serves as a critical tool in safeguarding both parties involved in the sale of a Doberman.

To illustrate, this contract serves as the official record of the sale, detailing all stipulations and expectations for both the buyer and breeder. Typically this includes everything from the health guarantee to the return policy, and even terms regarding any breeding rights.

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Foundationally, it's imperative to steer clear of scam breeders who either don't offer a clear-cut contract or are hesitant to expound on any aspect of the contractual agreement. Remember, a trustworthy breeder will be fully transparent and willing to discuss all terms and conditions of the agreement.

Additionally, their willingness to provide a comprehensive written contract further affirms their commitment to the breed, their dogs, and their clients. Explicitly, it reflects a level of professionalism and honesty that is necessary when dealing with the life of a living creature.

As a result, always insist on a written contract when purchasing a Doberman to ensure you and your future pet are protected from scam breeders.

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Verifying the Breeder’s References

Namely, checking out a breeder's references is another critical step in your efforts to avoid scam breeders. Foundationally, these testimonials and referrals offer an essential glimpse into the breeder's track record and integrity. In essence, authentic breeders are more than willing to provide contacts from past clients, their vet, or breed organizations they're affiliated with.

Accordingly, take the time to reach out to these contacts and engage them in a conversation about their experiences. Indeed, ask pointed questions about the health and behavior of the Doberman they acquired from the breeder, their interaction with the breeder during the buying process, and their overall satisfaction. Overall, pay close attention to their responses and look out for any inconsistencies or falsified praise.

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Moreover, references are an invaluable tool that provides a behind-the-scenes look at a breeder's operation. In conjunction, their willingness to share references speaks volumes about their transparency and confidence in their breeding practices.

Regardless, it's important to remember that an ethical breeder who takes pride in their work and genuinely cares about the breed will have no qualms about providing this information. In essence, a breeder's openness to share references is a positive indicator of their honesty and dedication to their dogs and future owners.

In a nutshell, verifying a breeder's references is a powerful tool in determining if they are worthy of your trust. It's a protective measure that ensures your prospective Doberman comes from a place of love, care, and expertise.

Something to add?

If you have had an encounter with scam breeders, please share your story in a comment below. Furthermore, all input regarding this topic is welcome. Other readers may benefit from your experiences.

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About 

Amy Arthur

I breed, train, conduct personality tests, and find homes for work and service grade purebred Doberman Pinscher canines. Preparing these dogs for life as an excellent quality family pet or service canine requires a lot of work, dedication and experience. My children, the dogs, and my farm are my life. When I'm not taking care of them, I'm expanding my knowledge and working on ways to improve their lives.

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