Puppy scams are on the rise. How do you know if a breeder is dodgy?

We do stupid things when we’re in love.

That includes when we’ve fallen hard for a puppy or even just the idea of having one.

Scammers and dodgy breeders are sitting there waiting to take advantage of that and the pandemic-prompted demand for dogs hasn’t helped.

In Australia, puppy scams have increased fourfold on what they were just a year ago and people have so far been swindled out of more than $1.6 million.

Here’s how to avoid adding to that figure and make sure you’re purchasing your pup from a breeder who is doing the right thing.

Take the emotion out of the decision

This seems impossible but that is the advice Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) border collie breeder and exhibitor Madeleine Nixon gives to people looking to become…