African Footprints

Our breeders set the prices for their puppies themselves. The purchase price for a puppy can vary greatly. Prices typically range from 1,000 € to 5,000 €, depending on the breed and breeder. Popular breeds can also be significantly more expensive. It's important to keep in mind that a good breeder invests a lot of time, love, and money into raising the puppies and does not breed dogs for financial gain. Puppies listed at a very low price should raise caution, as this is often a sign of breeding with few or no criteria. The result can be high veterinary bills (due to illnesses) and costs for dog training (due to behavioral problems), which means such a puppy could end up being much more expensive, and the money saved during the purchase might need to be spent again on follow-up costs. Often, such dogs end up in shelters. Not to mention the great suffering caused on both sides. Very high prices can also be a warning sign, though less common than low prices. However, some dogs marketed as particularly rare can ultimately cause more problems and turn the experience of having a dog into a nightmare. It's important to check beforehand whether you are dealing with a harmless trait or one that could lead to issues, such as the popular 'blue' color, which is genetically linked to an incurable skin disease.

If you find a suitable breeder on HonestDog, simply click the 'Contact Breeder' button to get in touch directly. Write a personal message, telling the breeder about yourself and your preferences. The breeder will receive a message and will contact you as soon as possible. If you want to be well-prepared, take a look at our checklists: Checklist before applying: click here, Checklist for contacting the breeder: click here

The decision to bring a four-legged friend into your life is a big one and requires careful consideration of various factors. Therefore, you should inform yourself thoroughly before making the purchase and weigh your decision carefully. We have provided an article in our education center with important questions for you. Additionally, you should keep the following points in mind when purchasing a pet: Make sure to check the health test certificates carefully; Ask if the puppy is dewormed, vaccinated, and microchipped; Do not pay in advance; Pick up the pet personally from the breeder; Sign a purchase contract; Ensure all documents are complete and correct.

It's best to read through our following checklist: Checklist: At the breeder's location: click here As difficult as it may be, it's important to ask questions if you have any doubts. If you feel pressured, that's a strong reason to leave immediately. But also, the breeder may realize that their dogs might not be the best match for you. A good breeder will honestly tell you that and help you choose a dog that better fits your needs. Ideally, both of you will agree, and the puppy's arrival at your home will proceed without issue.

Health tests for the parent dogs are crucial for the health of the puppies to ensure that your future dog will lead a healthy and happy life. These tests help to identify and exclude hereditary diseases by not breeding from sick parent dogs. The specific tests vary by breed, which is why HonestDog provides a list of specific diseases, tests, and criteria for each breed. Common conditions to test for in many breeds include: Hip Dysplasia: Especially important for larger breeds such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers. Elbow Dysplasia: Common in breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Rottweilers. Heart Exams: Essential for breeds like Boxers and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels to detect heart problems such as mitral valve insufficiency. Eye Exams: Important for breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Siberian Huskies, which are prone to hereditary eye diseases. Patellar Luxation: Especially relevant for smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers. Some tests are also conducted on the puppies themselves, such as eye exams for Border Collies. A responsible breeder will conduct the relevant health tests for their breed and share the results with you. This ensures that your puppy comes from a healthy line and reduces the risk of future health problems. It's important to thoroughly review the results and ask for relevant health tests to make an informed decision and give your puppy the best possible start in life.

To ensure your puppy has the best possible start and remains healthy, pay attention to the following points:

• Health tests: Make sure the breeder has conducted all necessary health tests for the parent dogs and, if necessary, the puppies. These tests help identify genetic diseases early on and prevent the breeding of affected dogs. Ask for the test results that are relevant for the breed, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, heart exams, and eye tests.
• Breeder selection: Only purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder who provides transparent information about the health of the parent dogs and the puppies. Avoid puppies from mass breeding operations or unreliable sellers.
• Veterinary check-up: Have your puppy thoroughly examined by a veterinarian once you bring them home. The vet can perform vaccinations, deworming, and general health checks.
• Behavior and appearance: Ensure the puppy appears lively and curious. A healthy puppy should have clear eyes, clean ears, shiny fur, and should not show signs of diarrhea or vomiting.
• Vaccinations and deworming: Check the puppy's vaccination record and make sure all necessary vaccinations and deworming treatments have been carried out on time.
• Nutrition and weight: Ensure the puppy receives a balanced diet and maintains a healthy weight. A puppy that is too thin or overweight may have health problems.
• Socialization and environment: A good breeder ensures that the puppies are raised in a clean, loving environment and are socialized early. This helps the mental and emotional well-being of the puppy. By paying attention to these points, you can ensure that your puppy has the best chance to be healthy and happy, giving them a great start in life.