FYI, When looking for the best way to sale your puppies it is hard because there is so much competition out there. So, I think going to sites that are fairly new sites eliminates the competition because you as the breeder will be one of the first to post your ad. Which will give you more exposure. One really nice site I saw was Puppies, Kittens, Birds, Reptiles, Horses - PetScouters.com, its free to post ads and you can ad your pet website links to their resource page to get even more exposure.

You mean breeders don't find homes for their pups before they breed a litter?

Yes, a lot of the time breeders do not find homes first. But as long as a breeder is taking very good care to breed their dog responsibly, its ok. A lot of the time finding new homes for puppies is easier once people see the puppy and fall in love with the puppy. I know it was love at first site for me. I love my little pug, Vera, he is like a relative of mine. I sometimes think he is reincarnated, LOL. But finding a puppy is just as hard because you have to feel the like that pet is meant for you. that is why i said posting ads on sites like Puppies, Kittens, Birds, Reptiles, Horses - PetScouters.com is a good idea because it is not heavily congested with people, its more personal.

I guess we have different definitions of what an ethical breeder is, because if I'm going to get a dog on love...I might as well just go to a shelter where there are many dogs who need a little love. But if I'm buying a pup from a breeder, I'm choosing my dog by finding the best breeder, and that effort happens before the pup is born.

Originally Posted by Bearded Lady

You mean breeders don't find homes for their pups before they breed a litter?

I had a list FULL of people interested in puppies for my current litters. When I advised them that the pups had arrived, 9/10 said they had already found puppies that were already on the ground. Must be they were n hurry, and if that's the case I wouldn't have wanted to sell to them anyway.

I breed for me first, my next show dog or brood prospect. I have a lot of $$ invested in quality food, vet care and Health checks on my breeding dogs. Sometimes it's not fully appreciated by puppy seekers who are in a hurry. It's a big shame. We just keep plugging along, I have to advertise on papers and online to fill the spaces that are left empty by people who change their minds.

Tempts me to ask for a deposit prior to the pup's arrival, but I feel that is greedy and unethical as well, or at least that's what's been drilled into my little head.

Hey WMRATZ,

I do not think that it is unethical to ask for a deposit if you are as good as you say. Especially if you put those puppies on hold. But back to what I was saying earlier a lot of people buy pets based on emotions as well as quality. You have those who are not concerned with the amount of work and time it takes to breed quality dogs. And then you have those who are not sure what they want and buy on impulse. So what can you do? It is a big world and not everyone is the same. I guess you have to just stick to what you feel is right and the customers you gain will be loyal and your reputation will always be the best.