Buying a Puppy Safely: HonestDog vs. Classifieds
According to the German government, illegal puppy trade mostly runs through online classifieds. Here's how to spot a reputable breeder: comparison, red flags and a clear step-by-step guide.
The short version
On HonestDog we check every breeder before their profile goes live – ID, breeding credentials (where required) and photos of where the dogs are kept. Uploaded parent-dog health tests are shown dog by dog, and we don't connect buyers with breeders of extreme-breeding (Qualzucht) breeds. On classifieds sites, by contrast, according to Germany’s agriculture ministry (BMLEH), illegal puppy trading is usually what goes on – and those puppies are often too young, unvaccinated and sick.
- Never buy a puppy without seeing the mother dog and litter where they are raised.
- Reputable breeders show the breed-specific health tests of both parent dogs, with result and date.
- Pseudonyms, several breeds at once, home delivery, no photos of the mother: these are the red flags the BMLEH lists.
- In Germany puppies may only leave their mother once they are more than eight weeks old; puppies from other EU countries may only enter at 15 weeks.
HonestDog vs. classifieds compared
What is checked before publication, and what you have to find out yourself when you answer an ad.
Breeder checked before going live
- HonestDog
- Yes
- Classifieds
- No consistent check
Parent dogs’ health tests per dog, with result (where uploaded)
- HonestDog
- Yes
- Classifieds
- Free text, if at all
Extreme-breeding (Qualzucht) breeds
- HonestDog
- No breeder referrals
- Classifieds
- Offered
Market prices for popular breeds (median, range)
- HonestDog
- Yes
- Classifieds
- No
Contract and payment
- HonestDog
- Directly with the breeder
- Classifieds
- Directly with the seller
| Criterion | HonestDog | Classifieds |
|---|---|---|
| Breeder checked before going live | Yes | No consistent check |
| Parent dogs’ health tests per dog, with result (where uploaded) | Yes | Free text, if at all |
| Extreme-breeding (Qualzucht) breeds | No breeder referrals | Offered |
| Market prices for popular breeds (median, range) | Yes | No |
| Contract and payment | Directly with the breeder | Directly with the seller |
How do I recognize a reputable breeder?
Good signs
- Welcomes a visit to the mother dog and litter where they are raised
- Shows breed-relevant health tests for both parent dogs, with results, dates and reports
- Explains veterinary care and shows the puppy’s records
- Asks about your daily routine and how you will care for the dog
- Answers questions about rearing, litter plans and potential health risks openly
Red flags
- A handover in a parking lot, or delivery instead of a visit to where the litter is raised
- The mother dog isn't shown, even after repeated requests
- Pressure to pay immediately before identity and paperwork are clear
- Missing vaccination records, unclear origins or conflicting age information
- Missing reports or records that cannot be matched to either parent dog
BMLEH: guidance on buying puppies and illegal puppy trading (in German)
How to buy a puppy safely
Match the breed to your life
Consider activity, time, size and health risks. Use breed information and the breed finder as a starting point. Include adult shelter dogs in your search too.
Compare profiles and evidence
Choose your country and region on breed and breeder pages. Compare suitable profiles using parent dogs’ health reports and litter plans. Ask for missing information.
Meet in person
A video call can help you get to know the breeder first. Before buying, visit the mother dog and litter where they are raised. Have the reports explained to you and work out whether this particular dog suits your life.
Confirm agreements in writing
Confirm the price, what it includes, paperwork and handover date with the breeder. In Germany, puppies generally must be more than eight weeks old before being separated from their mother. Cross-border entry has additional requirements; check these with the local veterinary office beforehand.
What HonestDog checks, and what you check yourself
Breeder checked
Before a profile goes live we check ID, a breeding permit (§11) or club membership where required, and photos of the breeding environment. Every breeder answers questions about their breeding practice and commits to our standards.
Health tests visible
Uploaded parent-dog reports are read, matched to the dog’s profile and displayed. Next to them, you’ll see which screenings breed clubs require for the breed.
No extreme breeding
For breeds with breeding-related health problems we don’t connect buyers with breeders, even though these are among the most searched-for breeds.
Market prices
Our market analysis shows the median and range of asking prices for the most popular breeds, so too-good-to-be-true offers and inflated prices stand out at a glance.
Direct contact
You message the breeder directly through their profile, ask your questions and arrange a visit to the mother dog and litter.
Rescue as an alternative
No suitable puppy in sight? Look at shelter dogs or set a search alert on the breed page instead of settling for the next classified ad.
Frequently asked questions about buying a puppy safely
Is it safe to buy a puppy through classifieds?
It’s riskier than buying from a checked breeder. According to the BMLEH, illegal puppy trading usually runs through online classifieds sites, and those puppies are often too young, unvaccinated and sick. If you do buy through an ad: visit the mother dog and litter on site, ask to see the parent dogs’ health tests, don’t pay a deposit before you’ve been there, and never pay at a parking-lot handover.
How do I recognize a reputable breeder?
You can visit the mother dog and litter where they are raised and see traceable health reports for the parent dogs. The breeder explains rearing and veterinary care, answers questions and asks about your daily routine. Resolve missing paperwork or conflicting information before deciding.
What does a puppy from a vetted breeder cost?
The price depends on the breed, litter and breeder. Get written confirmation of the current price and what it includes for the particular puppy. A high price doesn’t prove responsible rearing, and an average price isn’t a binding offer. Budget for ongoing costs and veterinary care too.
What does HonestDog check about breeders?
Before a breeder profile goes live, we check ID, breeding credentials (a §11 permit or club membership where required) and photos of the breeding environment; every breeder commits to our standards. Uploaded parent-dog health tests are shown dog by dog. On your visit you meet the mother dog and litter; you sign the contract directly with the breeder. HonestDog is not the seller and cannot guarantee a healthy puppy.
What is extreme breeding and how do I avoid it?
Extreme breeding (Qualzucht) means breeding for traits that cause dogs pain, suffering or harm, such as extremely short muzzles with breathing problems. Health tests don’t remove those risks. Research the breed before buying. On HonestDog we deliberately do not connect buyers with breeders of affected breeds.
At what age can a puppy be rehomed?
In Germany, only once they are more than eight weeks old. Puppies from other EU countries may only enter Germany at 15 weeks. A seller who wants to hand over a puppy earlier is a clear warning sign of illegal trading.
What if no suitable dog is available?
Consider adult dogs from shelters and rescues too. You can widen your region or use a search alert where one is offered on the breed page. A lack of listings is a reason to adapt your search and wait. It’s not a reason to skip health reports or a visit.
German Dog Welfare Regulation, section 2: minimum age and veterinary exception (in German)