Potential Red Flags for Buying a Puppy Online?

tulip99 on 18/09/2022 - 09:58

I'm thinking of buying a puppy online one day and was looking at Gumtree last night. I'd prefer to meet the puppy in person first but it said there were no listings for Tasmania. At this stage I'm just looking. I was thinking of getting a dog last year but I realised I wasn't ready.

So last night I saw some Cavoodles, and the Mum is a Cavoodle and the Dad is a Poodle.

  1. I'm wondering if this makes the puppy a 2nd/3rd generation Cavoodle? Is there a problem with the Mum already being a Cavoodle but the Dad a Poodle?

  2. An example of an ad would be: Dad has been health checked for Health Problem 1, Health Problem 2, Health Problem 3 (can't remember what they were) and everything was negative. Mum has been DNA checked.

But that's all they say about the Mum, they don't say what the DNA results are. Is this a potential red flag?

That's all I can think of from browsing last night, apart from seeing AusPoms which are Australian Shepherd x Pomeranians! So cute! But I would research before getting serious about them or any other dog.

Pets

Comments

  • AndyC1 on 18/09/2022 - 10:02
    +16

    Have you tried the local RSPCA shelter or pound to see what dogs they have? The RSPCA should check that you and the dog fit. Both should have had the dog checked by a vet to ensure that it does not have anything obviously wrong with the dog.

    • tulip99 on 18/09/2022 - 10:07

      Yes, I looked recently online at the Hobart Dogs Home website. All Staffies or Hound crosses, etc. I'm only looking at this stage.

    • coffeeinmyveins on 18/09/2022 - 12:05
      +10

      Not everyone wants a staffy mix or a 13 year old dog

      • orangetrain on 18/09/2022 - 13:12
        +5

        Staffy mix in some cases are slang for pitbulls.

        • BewareOfThe Dog on 18/09/2022 - 19:11
          +12

          Adopt a greyhound. Plenty of them get discarded, and they generally make great pets (unless you have Rabbits or cats).

      • AlanJ on 19/09/2022 - 10:45
        +2

        I know the RSPCA has a reputation for only having old dogs or Staffie mixes (not that there's anything wrong with either!), but if you are prepared to put in a bit of time and effort, you can get just about anything you want. My daughter got an eight-week-old Samoyed pup, pure-bred and beautiful. She paid the same as for any other dog, and every day has been better since she brought him home. Definitely the place to buy.

        • coffeeinmyveins on 19/09/2022 - 10:48

          Yeahhhh I don't really see RSPCA having cavoodle/moodle pups, which are some of the most popular at the moment.

        • tulip99 on 20/09/2022 - 14:24

          Wow, how did she get a Samoyed puppy from the RSPCA?!?!

      • tallkid123 on 19/09/2022 - 11:23
        +1

        But a lot of people online seem to love recommending them to new pet owners.

  • oscargamer on 18/09/2022 - 10:11
    +14

    Do not buy on line …..

    • tulip99 on 18/09/2022 - 10:15
      +1

      I'd rather not plus I'd feel guilty about having the dog flown to me :-(

      • Nutrino on 18/09/2022 - 23:16
        +11

        Dont worry about feeling guilty as it wont arrive.

    • holdenmg on 18/09/2022 - 10:18
      +3

      Do not buy a Lion. :+)

      • tulip99 on 19/09/2022 - 08:48

        HA HA! :-)

    • mhz on 20/09/2022 - 18:08

      No reputable breeder sells online, especially on gumtree, but given you are looking for a cross breed dog you won't find many reputable breeders, as most won't do cross breeds, they are usually all about one breed and the continuation of that breed.

  • tulip99 on 18/09/2022 - 10:12

    I've just looked up AusPoms and they might be too energetic for me.

  • frondono on 18/09/2022 - 10:14
    +4

    https://petsforhomes.com.au/cavoodle-breeders-nsw/

    https://familyfriendlydogs.com.au/registered-cavoodle-breede…

    https://responsiblepetbreeders.com.au/cavoodle-breeders-club…

    https://cavoodlecommunity.com.au/

    There's plenty of tips online. But you're probably better off finding like a breeders association or something of the like. Might have to go on a wait list. But you'll get a better animal.

    • tulip99 on 18/09/2022 - 10:16

      Thanks!

  • smarti77 on 18/09/2022 - 10:19
    +15

    Selling dogs through gumtree is a VERY common scam.

    Even if it is a genuine sale, how can you be sure it isn't an unethical puppy farm?

    • [Deactivated] on 18/09/2022 - 16:27
      +2

      Don't talk about ethics when its literally a dog trafficking.

  • JMosk on 18/09/2022 - 10:51

    If one parent is a cavoodle and the other is a poodle then it's 2nd generation I believe.

    I recently got a puppy from banksia park and a first time puppy owners. They answered any and all questions I had and made me feel comfortable through the whole process.
    I didn't even consider gumtree because I have heard of many scams and also the inability to meet the parents and all the other questionable ethics that surround it

  • miruku on 18/09/2022 - 11:16
    +1

    I did some research on cavoodle generations when I was looking to get my own. The puppy would probably be a F1b cavoodle - parents include a first generation (F1) cavoodle “backbred” with a poodle. They’ll have more poodle characteristics (like low shedding, curlier coat) than cavalier characteristics.

    This link explains differences between F1, F1b, F2 generations etc https://www.mycavoodle.com.au/blogs/news/whats-the-differenc…

    • tulip99 on 18/09/2022 - 12:31

      Thanks!

      • miruku on 18/09/2022 - 14:34
        +2

        Btw I didn’t end up buying through gumtree or trading post, but I was browsing through listings initially and trying to spot scams eg through reverse image search. I’d be sus of sob stories like “I just got a puppy but now have to sell him as I’m moving overseas”.

        Here are some other tips: https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/current-focus/onlinesafe…

        Be wary of anyone selling for substantially less than others. The price of cavoodles now seems to be around 4K in Melbourne based off this breeder we visited (was the cheapest legit Melbourne breeder I could find with a website at the start of the year). https://roversrunpuppies.com.au/collections/all?page=1

        Would definitely recommend seeing the breeder and puppies in person before committing.

        There are legit sellers online… the breeder we did buy from was small and based in regional Vic - no website and apparently they advertise on Trading Post. We got their contact through a friend’s friend who had got their cavoodle from them years ago.

        Note that dogzonline covers pure breeds only so you won’t find cavoodles on there.

        • tulip99 on 19/09/2022 - 08:50

          Thanks :-)

  • Benoffie on 18/09/2022 - 11:31
    +8

    Online… Gumtree… Cavoodle…

    There's your alarm bells.

    Only buy from registered breeders. Registration with State Government authorities doesnt count (like Dog Cat Management SA, anyone can register as a breeder with them, means nothing)

    A decision about a dog should have them fundamentally match who you are and your lifestyle. Are you a person who jogs every day or a couch potato? Are you social? Do you have kids? Do you require low/medium/high maintenance? Do you need security? Do you hate yapping? How much are you willing to spend per week?

    There are excellent breeds available in Australia. Recommend researching through DogzOnline as a starting point

    • tulip99 on 18/09/2022 - 12:31

      Thanks!

  • poohduck on 18/09/2022 - 11:34

    check out brightside on fb for updates http://brightside.org.au/adoption/

    • tulip99 on 18/09/2022 - 12:32

      I've looked on the Brightside site before and there weren't any dogs for adoption but I'll look again.

  • bdl on 18/09/2022 - 11:51

    Don't ship via Aramex

  • coffeeinmyveins on 18/09/2022 - 12:04

    Oh boy

    Cue the "adopt a beautiful puppy from the RSPCA pound instead". Not everyone wants a rottweiler or staffy mix.

    I'm wondering if this makes the puppy a 2nd/3rd generation Cavoodle?

    Yes since one of them is already mixed.

    • tulip99 on 18/09/2022 - 12:32

      Thanks!

  • FLICKIT on 18/09/2022 - 12:11
    +1

    There does seem to be Tassie breeders, not cheap at $1700
    https://www.hobartcavoodlepuppies.com/
    That site looks a little sus with no address or phone number, I assume they dont want people turning up to steal their dogs, either way, you'd want to buy in person IMO…

    I dont really understand how people can buy pets sight unseen, it's like arranged marriages, lol

    Also, be mindful of this:
    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-16/puppy-scam-tasmania-c…

    • tulip99 on 18/09/2022 - 12:34

      Thanks!

      • Ricky Jones on 18/09/2022 - 14:04
        +4

        Hobartcavoodlepuppies.com is a scam. Check this site that has a list of scam sites https://www.puppyscamawarenessaustralia.com.au/post/reported… . If you look at hobartcavoodlepuppies.com their 2nd puppy "spice" is featured in this ad in Memphis TN if you click the top photo it is exactly the same https://m.facebook.com/110059624497922/posts/cavapoo-puppies… check the date is April 2021 so this predates the scam site by 18 Months

        • tulip99 on 18/09/2022 - 14:13
          +1

          Thanks - I looked at the site and thought it looked too perfect, and they only had an email address to contact them and no breeder rego that I could see easily on the site.

        • FLICKIT on 18/09/2022 - 14:17
          +2

          Good research, lol, it crossed my mind to dive deeper due to the lack of contact details and the number of puppies they had available, but I couldn't be bothered, lol

  • try2bhelpful on 18/09/2022 - 12:14
    +2

    Don’t go through Gum Tree. If you are looking online then get from a registered breeder.

    We bought our two Somali cats through a breeder we met online. He let us see the litter so we could pick which kittens we wanted. He had socialised them very well, they had vet certificates and they were neutered before he handed them over. One of our girls was the runt but she doesn’t have any ongoing health problems. They are, now, seven years old and are great cats. The runt is bigger than her sister.

    • tulip99 on 18/09/2022 - 12:35

      Thanks :-) I'm glad your Somali cats worked out. They sound lovely :-))

      • try2bhelpful on 18/09/2022 - 12:42
        +1

        If you look at my picture you will see Esmeralda Weatherwax. The other one is Marie Curie.

        Esmeralda Weatherwax was a witch in the Terry Pratchett books and Marie Curie is my latest physicist that started with Schrodinger.

        Not all breeders are good. You, really, need to go to the breeders place and see the conditions. Also some breeders have older breeding animals available for rehoming.

  • tulip99 on 18/09/2022 - 12:38

    What are dew claws? Because the Hobart Cavoodle website says their dew claws are removed early.

    • FLICKIT on 18/09/2022 - 12:49
      +1

      A dew claw is that snaggle-tooth claw that a lot of dogs have up above their paw, like a little thumb, they remove them from a lot of dogs because the claw can grow around in a circle and dig into them… I don't know enough about the practice to have an opinion, but there's some info on this poodle site:
      http://www.allpoodleinfo.com/poodle-dewclaws

      • tulip99 on 18/09/2022 - 14:10

        Thanks :-)

  • SF3 on 18/09/2022 - 13:20
    +2

    Don’t be like this OP when buying ( has since ran away from us )

  • tulip99 on 18/09/2022 - 14:10

    Thanks, I read that post the other day!

  • hikki on 18/09/2022 - 14:58
    +4

    only buy the pups you want from this webpage where registered breeders are listed

    https://www.dogzonline.com.au/

    dont go anywhere else.

  • tulip99 on 19/09/2022 - 08:54
    +1

    https://roversrunpuppies.com.au/collections/all?page=2

    Check out Waldo at the bottom of the page :-))))) No, I'm not enquiring, still looking and thinking.

  • 82norm on 19/09/2022 - 08:56
    +2

    Whatever you do don’t pay the amount and change your mind !

  • HelpMeiCantSee on 19/09/2022 - 09:22
    +1

    They’re selling it online is probably the biggest red flag.

  • Tassie lass on 19/09/2022 - 10:55
    +1

    As a ex Tas breeder. Be very careful buying sight unseen ask for.name of there vet clinic and permission too contact. Health checks eyes and hearts testing is very important for
    Poodle and cavs. Their is a pet registry that a lot of pet breeders belong to that as strict rules. Make sure you can FaceTime sellers see the pups parents and owners. Get your own health check within 48 hours of receiving pup from your vet. Health warranty that if your vet finds a problem they refund money take pup at their expense or reduce price.

    • tulip99 on 20/09/2022 - 09:31

      Thanks so much :-)

  • tallkid123 on 19/09/2022 - 11:29
    +3

    But that's all they say about the Mum, they don't say what the DNA results are. Is this a potential red flag?
    That's all I can think of from browsing last night, apart from seeing AusPoms which are Australian Shepherd x Pomeranians! So cute! But I would research before getting serious about them or any other dog.

    OP, just go on Dogzonline and reach out to breeders there.

    You don't get to determine DNA results with mixed breeds. You don't know what you're gonna get in terms of temperament/health issues etc, hence why it's mixed. And since you've bothered to ask about this sort of thing, I'd highly recommend you do more research on getting a purebred instead.

    Since you're in TAS, a lot of breeders will even courier the puppy to you as well. My breeder did.

    I'm speaking from experience.

    I got both my shih tzus from a registered breeder on Dogzonline. No issues healthwise. Beautiful dogs. Heaps of different breeds available.
    I've also bought a dog off Gumtree as well. He was mixed shih tzu, somewhat inbred but managed to live a long and healthy life so I got lucky.

    • tulip99 on 20/09/2022 - 09:36

      Thanks :-) I'm glad your dogs worked out :-)

      There's a Havanese breeder not too far from me, and I've found what sounds like the perfect breed for me (only discovered it yesterday). A Coton du Tulear (hope that's spelt correctly).

      Low energy, low shedding, smart, easily trained, loving, loyal. The only drawback is they sound like they can suffer from separation anxiety, but I'm home all day most days and when I go out it's not for the whole day.

      There are 2 breeders in Qld and 2 in Vic.

      I'm not ready yet, so I'll do more research on the Cotons, and the Havanese but now I'm thinking a Coton would be the right dog for me.

      • tallkid123 on 20/09/2022 - 09:56
        +1

        Havanese are nice dogs. I've only seen a Havanese puppy once in person however. Pretty similar to a Shih Tzu in terms of temperament but their faces obviously stick out. Their hypoallergenic coats and lack of shedding are a big +.

        Cotons are quite rare in Australia. All of these purebred puppies are gonna be $2k+.

        Last thing I'll say is if you do get a dog, consider getting another one later on as well. And if you do, aim for a male and female. The type of breeds you're after aren't particularly difficult to deal with so having two dogs in your case wouldn't be that much more work as you become experienced. And it also helps with the separation anxiety too as if they get along, they'll keep it each other busy and not annoy you so much.

        Again, speaking from experience.

        • tulip99 on 20/09/2022 - 14:28

          Thanks. Yes, I saw how much Cavoodles and the other designer crosses and purebreds were on Gumtree and Pups4Sale :-( A West Highland Terrier puppy is selling for $6k! Crazy. I don't know how much Cotons are yet, or the Havanese near me.

          That's a good idea to get 2, so they won't be lonely when I go shopping. I don't want to take the dog with me and leave it in the car while I'm at the supermarket etc, or leave it tied up outside in case it gets stolen.

          I haven't had a dog since high school.

    • tulip99 on 20/09/2022 - 09:53

      tallkid123, do you need to express your dogs' anal glands since they're small dogs? My friend had a sausage dog for years and said they need their anal glands expressed so I googled it and I read that other small dogs might need it done too! :-(

      • tallkid123 on 20/09/2022 - 10:02

        Haha, no I haven't had to express their glands.

        My two are on a strict grain free diet. Otherwise my bitch would be having tummy problems all day long.

        I have washed the shit out of my shih tzu's bums many times as puppies since their hair, if too long, can get tangled up with the poo as it comes out.

        Again, working with a reputable breeder will hopefully result in you eventually getting a puppy that doesn't have these issues.

        Unrelated but dachshunds are racist little dogs. As in they often don't like other breeds and prefer themselves only.

        • tulip99 on 20/09/2022 - 11:48

          Thanks :-) I'll check out the dog food you use. Glad you don't have to express their glands!

  • the Unforgiven on 19/09/2022 - 11:48
    +1

    Only buy from a breeder or you can ask the local vet, or a reputable pet shop (last choice)

    • tulip99 on 20/09/2022 - 09:29
      +1

      Thanks!

  • franco cozzo on 25/09/2022 - 05:34

    if it purrs and meows….walk away

  • Kdw26488 on 26/02/2023 - 18:02

    Sold all my pups on Gumtree, Community boards, etc

    If you can't see it or touch it in person It's not for you.

    bittersweet to let them all go but they all went to good homes.

    100% did a better job than a "breeder"

    Passion/Love > Money/Job

  • CauseNEffect on 01/03/2023 - 21:17
    +1

    Got my pup from Gumtree. Checked a few ads.

    First place i inspected had a pupy mill feel. Lots of dogs barking and going nutso in the house backyard.

    Went to the alternate ad place and found a loving family environment and met the parents in the backyard. Was a lovely experience. Hardest part was choosing which pup. So like any other major life decision take your time and trust your gut.

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