Choosing a Trustworthy Source for a Puppy: Registered Breeder, Online Scam, or Puppy Mill
- Nicola Welch
- Jan 22
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 1
Labrador Retrievers are among the most beloved dog breeds worldwide. They are known for their gentle temperament and eagerness to please. Labrador puppies are undeniably adorable, like all puppies, though I'm biased since I'm a registered breeder with a DogsQLD membership. I love chocolate for its colour and as a treat—the darker, the better for me!
This article offers tips for choosing a trustworthy source when buying your Labrador puppy, highlighting the differences between a responsible breeder, an online scam, and a puppy farm. The practices of the last two sources allegedly harm those most precious to us: dogs and puppies without voices!
The article will also include valuable resources, such as helpful websites and supportive Australian animal protection legislation, that you may not be aware of.
This piece reflects my viewpoints and beliefs and offers tips for a positive puppy-buying experience. While some aspects may trigger discomfort for some readers, I still encourage you to remain open-minded, receptive and prepared to value the insights presented next.
Our journey begins when you notice those tiny white hairs on your jacket. They remind you of Buddy, who would place his fluffy paws on your lap and gaze into your eyes as if to say,
“Come on, mate, let’s go.”
Now, you’re brimming with ideas for recreating that cosy feeling again, but with so many options to choose from... which one will you select?
You can make a difference by volunteering, fostering, dog-sitting, or even adopting an older dog—but your imagination runs wild with a puppy by your side!
Ouch! That hurt, just like a puppy’s sharp teeth. Those little nips from a puppy seem insignificant now, as you recall saying, “Buddy, you are forever in my heart.”
We continue to follow a young girl who buys an Australian Kelpie online and receives a different dog! What can be learnt from this tale? You ask
Did she make a mistake, or was she misled? What could she have done differently?
Let’s explore her journey to learn more. It begins with the young girl feeling sad and
bored.
To lift her spirits, she started browsing Gumtree and then Facebook Marketplace.
Online shopping had brightened her outlook in the past, so why not explore the options? After all, shopping, selling, and browsing online are easy and convenient, so she often does them to pass the time.
While browsing, she stumbled upon some puppies for sale. The cute puppy photos brought back fond memories, and now she longed for a furry friend to fill her lonely void.
“Dogs are more loyal than partners,” she mused.
This idea led the girl to message the contact person about purchasing a puppy from the adorable tri-coloured Australian Kelpie litter.
By the end of the chat, she had purchased a puppy, and afterwards, she was left to wait with only access to photos online as her company. She wasn't invited to view the litter in person or by FaceTime.
Three weeks later, the girl met someone at a designated location who handed her a puppy from inside their car.
That’s odd. Where are the pedigree papers or health reports? The girl thought to herself.
She couldn’t recall the individual markings of each puppy in the litter, but one saving grace was that this puppy had a tricolour face.
How old is that puppy, and has its vaccinations, worming, and micro-chipping been done? These are all critical questions that this young girl should have answers to before she takes her puppy home.
But she forgot to ask them as the puppy’s soft tongue licked her face, pleading for attention.
Her heart swelled with joy in that precious moment as she found her new companion—her own Romeo. Any doubts she may have had about the breeder’s reliability faded as she cradled the little puppy.
As the months passed, Romeo’s height and strength exceeded her expectations. This was the first sign of things to come!
His playful spirit and eagerness to learn charmed her. Sunlight glinted off his fur coat and multicoloured face, and his eyes sparkled with intelligence and mischief.
The girl and her puppy are smitten with one another!
When folks at the dog park asked about his breed, the girl would puff up inside, smile and announce,
“Romeo is an Australian Kelpie, a breed known for herding cattle.”
One day, a man with his energetic Blue Heeler was beside her. As their dogs chased and herded other dogs in the dusty oval, he turned to her and said,
“Honey, I have doubts about him being a Kelpie - your dog is much bigger than the Kelpies I’ve seen, and besides, he has a thunderous bark on him.”
Despite the guys’ comments, the girl remained unfazed because she believed Romeo was a
Kelpie. But, as more time passed, doubts arose, prompting the girl to research the different breeds of dogs developed for herding cattle and sheep. Eventually, she realised that Romeo’s features resembled the images she had found of the New Zealand Huntaway dogs.
Could the online breeder have sold her a Kelpie but delivered another pup instead?
Anything’s possible, especially since both breeds can have tri-coloured faces.
The young girl continued encountering challenges with her new puppy, which had boundless energy. He often got into mischief by chewing on shoes, stealing food, and making messes throughout her small apartment.
She was fortunate that her landlord overlooked the damage that Romeo had caused to the carpet and let them both stay. Despite these antics, her affection for the fast-growing dog deepened; his soulful gaze always melted her heart.
If the girl had been told to leave the rented accommodation or get rid of the dog, she might have faced an unpleasant decision.
One where Romeo could have ended up at a shelter waiting to be re-homed, or worse, who knows?
What do you think are lessons to be learned from this girl's experience?
For starters, the girl failed to verify the breeder’s credibility or the legitimacy of the sale, which put her in a bit of a predicament.
Therefore, some suggestions from this story include
it’s worthwhile to undertake research
Take time to think through your actions before buying your puppy.
Always remain vigilant about potential scams
Choose a trustworthy breeder and verify their credentials with the relevant Dog Club (example: Dogs Qld)
View the parent dog(s), their litter and the environment they are being raised in
and select a suitable dog breed for your lifestyle.
Some may find the puppy-buying process challenging.
Some prospective buyers are unsure where to find a purebred puppy or older dog. If this resonates with you, don’t panic; reading this article and being careful with your choices will make the journey easier.
Impulsive Decision-Making: Often Happens
According to Holland’s 2019 study, many people buy dogs on impulse. The appearance of puppies influences buyer interest and decisions. Impulsive pet buyers frequently overlook lifestyle and breed health and breeder checks.
Regulated breeding practices: Are you familiar with them?
Australia has laws to protect cats, dogs, and those involved in their purchase and breeding. However, some dog breeders and sellers occasionally ignore animal welfare laws, thinking that buyers will not report them.
Sadly, many puppy buyers remain unaware of current legislation or how they can contribute to its enforcement. This article aims to correct that misconception.
Remember, Ignoring your concerns enables scammers, irresponsible breeders, and harmful practices to continue. Puppy mills and scams not only allegedly abuse animals but also reduce the joy of bringing a new puppy into your home. Therefore, being informed and mindful of your choices is essential to your puppy-buying experience.
Low-cost dogs from pet shops and online—what is behind that low price?
Visit the OSCARS LAW website for possible answers: https://www.oscarslaw.org/
Alert: The website features unforgettable images, including one of Oscar, a neglected stud dog rescued from a puppy mill. Imagine this: a filthy, tiny kennel with two empty bowls and a shivering figure on a cold concrete floor! That was Oscar’s life for five of his sixteen years!
Please ensure you:
# Avoid purchasing puppies or older dogs from sources that mistreat them.
# If you witness animal abuse or neglect, please report it using the RSPCA ‘Report Cruelty’ button.
Why?
By doing this, you will help prevent the ongoing mistreatment of animals and ensure that those who inflict abuse or neglect are investigated. This will also support responsible breeders who treat their dogs and puppies with the respect they deserve, ultimately benefiting you and your chosen furry friend in the long run.
Resources: Useful, informative and supportive
Websites
ANKC-verified purebred dog breeders utilise the first two websites to market their puppies. The RSPCA also features puppies and older dogs in need of rehoming. All three websites provide valuable resources, including informative articles and engaging blogs worth reading.
Animal welfare laws
Some puppy buyers are unaware of the regulations that dog breeders must follow in each Australian state. These regulations protect the animals in our community and the breeders, sellers, and buyers.
Below are the legal requirements for breeders and dog owners in Queensland to abide by.
The Australian Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and the Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines 2018 require registration, proper care, thorough record-keeping, and sales permits for breeders and sellers.
In Queensland, the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 imposes a legal duty of care on individuals to ensure the well-being of their animals. For example, this law requires that you ensure your dog is secure and comfortable while travelling in a vehicle, on a tray, or in a trailer.
Responsible Labrador Retriever breeders strive to provide the best care for their dogs and puppies. The 2018 Labrador Retriever Standard and Extension document is an invaluable resource for their breeding programs. It also helps those looking to understand what to expect from a Labrador before purchasing a puppy or an older dog.
Responsible and ethical dog breeders follow legislation, standards, and guidelines. They cherish their dog breeds and strive to help their adult dogs and puppies find loving homes. They also tend to offer support to new owners and fellow responsible breeders.
Unethical practices: How can you help to put an end to them?
Enhance your understanding of animal welfare legislation, regulations, and standards.
Research a breeder's or seller's credibility before committing to a purchase.
Learn to avoid puppy scams, puppy mills, and irresponsible breeders.
Stand up against scammers, puppy mills, and irresponsible breeders.
Notify authorities about at-risk dogs and puppies by reporting hazardous environments and illegal practices.
Refer to the RSPCA advice in “The Smart Puppy Buyers Guide. “
Who should I contact if I have concerns about a breeder or their practices?
You can contact the RSPCA (the Royal Society for Preventing Cruelty to Animals). The RSPCA investigates reports of animal abuse and ensures compliance with animal welfare laws. It also rescues animals and advocates for responsible pet ownership.
Recommended further reading
In March 2025, an Animal Australia blog reported that puppy mills continue to exist, ignoring current legislation. This supports my point that puppy buyers should research and make informed choices and decisions. Click the link here to read their article: https://animalsaustralia.org/our-work/companion-animals/puppy-farms-in-australia/
Dogz-online blogs have helped identify trustworthy Australian dog breeders (2024) and prevent online pet scams (2023). For these articles, click the following link: https://www.dogzonline.com.au/resources/
Perfect Pets published “Fighting Online Pet Scams” and Dr Kennedy’s “Top Things Before Getting a Puppy” in 2025. In 2024, they published an article highlighting identity theft from registered breeders. Accessible from: https://perfectpets.com.au/best-pet-blog
In 2024, the RSPCA also focused on how to avoid puppy farms in articles sourced from its Knowledge Base and published a well-researched “Smart Puppy Buyers Guide.”
Both are accessible from the following links:
To learn more about Labrador Retrievers and the animal welfare standards in Queensland, please visit the website of the Labrador Retriever Club of Queensland: https://www.labradorclubqld.com/
Finally, if you enjoyed this article, please share it to help raise awareness within the wider community.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article!
References:
Acquiring a Pet Dog: A review of factors affecting the decision-making of prospective dog owners. Katrina Holland (2019) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6523466/
Oscar’s Law: Ban Puppy Farms https://www.oscarslaw.org/
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