Viral puppy posts promising rare colors and same day delivery keep popping up in your feed, and they look irresistible. But behind the heart melting photos, scammers are cashing in on urgency, fake deposits, and stolen images.
If you are seeing unbelievable discounts or pressure to pay right now, you are the target. Here are the 12 breeds most exploited in too good to be true listings, and what red flags to spot before you lose money.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs appear in flashy ads boasting rare lilac or fluffy genetics at unbelievable prices. Scammers lean on cute head tilts, oversized ears, and city friendly vibes, then claim there is a last minute cancellation.
You are urged to send a deposit quickly before someone else steals the deal.
They often use stolen photos from reputable breeders or Instagram influencers. Shipping promises are suspiciously fast, with vague health paperwork and no video call when requested.
Real breeders have waitlists, contracts, and transparent testing results.
Protect yourself by asking for live video with the puppy and mother, vet records, and references. Avoid payment apps with no buyer protection.
If it feels rushed or secretive, walk away.
American Bully
American Bully listings push extreme muscles, exotic colors, and champion bloodlines at blowout prices. Scammers flood captions with abbreviations, then insist you pay a holding fee immediately.
They may claim the pup is microchipped, crate trained, and ready to ship tonight.
Look for red flags like watermarked breeder logos cropped out and inconsistent ear crop length across photos. Health tests for hips, heart, and genetic conditions should be documented, not promised later.
Real kennels proudly share registration numbers and encourage visits.
Ask for a live video with the puppy interacting naturally and the litter’s environment. Verify registration directly with the registry.
Refuse wire transfers and gift cards, and insist on a written contract with guarantees.
English Bulldog
English Bulldog scammers post chunky rolls, blue eyes, and discount prices for quick pickup. They claim family raised and fully vetted, yet cannot provide consistent vaccination dates.
Pressure tactics include telling you there are multiple buyers waiting and only a small deposit secures the pup.
Common signs include reused photos across pages and evasive answers about the parents. True breeders discuss airway health, heat sensitivity, and C section realities openly.
They offer clear contracts covering hereditary issues and lifetime support.
Ask for a live tour of the whelping area, plus vet contact information. Verify the microchip belongs to the puppy shown.
If shipping is offered, demand a licensed transporter and full documentation before any payment.
Pug
Pug ads lean into squishy faces, kid friendly vibes, and hypoallergenic myths. Scammers push same day delivery and say the puppy barely sheds or needs no special care.
They often refuse video calls and send blurry photos taken from other accounts.
Authentic breeders talk openly about eye care, weight management, and brachycephalic concerns. They provide veterinary records and encourage you to meet the litter.
Sudden markdowns or free shipping nationwide are classic bait to secure fast deposits.
Request a real time video of the puppy responding to a unique cue, like today’s newspaper. Check reverse image search for duplicate photos.
Use escrow or a purchase agreement, and never pay via unprotected apps or gift cards.
Chihuahua
Chihuahua scams promise teacup sizes under two pounds and designer colors for pennies. You are told the pup is purse ready and perfect for apartments, then rushed to pay.
Photos often look mismatched in age and scale, betraying stolen images.
Responsible breeders emphasize realistic adult size estimates, dental care, and safe socialization. They will not separate puppies too early, nor guarantee extreme tiny sizes.
Expect references, vet contacts, and a transparent returns policy.
Ask for video proof with a scale, plus the mother present. Verify local licensing or club membership.
Refuse deals that require secrecy or courier only delivery, and always read the contract thoroughly before sending any money.
Pomeranian
Pomeranian posts show fluffy teddy bear faces with rare merle coats and instant delivery. Scammers play up apartment friendly temperament and claim full registration at a rock bottom price.
They avoid live calls, citing bad signal or privacy, while insisting a deposit locks the deal.
Legitimate breeders discuss coat care, patella checks, and proper grooming. They provide lineage documentation and accept questions without rushing you.
Beware of pages created last week with hundreds of photos but no history.
Ask for a current video outside in daylight, including the pup’s gait. Confirm identity with a watermark holding today’s date.
Use secure payment methods, and walk away if the seller resists a simple verification step.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier scams highlight pocket size pups with silky coats ready by the weekend. You will see identical captions across multiple pages and suspiciously low prices.
The seller dodges facetime and offers courier only delivery with vague tracking.
Real breeders discuss dental risks, tracheal sensitivity, and responsible timelines for leaving mom. They can show health clearances and let you meet the puppy in person.
Contracts outline spay and neuter agreements and health guarantees in writing.
Insist on a live video showing the pup walking, playing, and responding to its name. Check reverse image search on photos.
If a seller refuses simple verification steps or demands instant payment, it is safer to pass.
Dachshund
Dachshund scams promise miniature or rabbit size puppies in rare dapple colors at clearance rates. Posts flaunt couch friendly energy and sweet temperaments, then push a deposit due tonight.
Images often come from breeders’ websites, stripped of watermarks.
Authentic sellers discuss IVDD risk, weight control, and careful handling. They show parents on video and share vaccination logs.
Shipping is explained clearly with licensed transporters and proper timing for the pup’s age.
Ask for a real time video that includes a unique phrase and closeups of paws and belly. Verify where the puppy lives and meet locally if possible.
Use a purchase agreement, and never move forward if details do not align consistently.
Cane Corso
Cane Corso ads dangle guardian potential, imported lines, and massive discounts if you act now. Scammers promise impeccable temperaments without temperament testing and offer shipping tomorrow.
Photos show mismatched dogs with inconsistent ear crops and sizes.
True breeders prioritize stable nerves, health screens, and handler support. They provide proof of titles or working evaluations and discuss responsible ownership.
Expect references, in person meetings, and thorough contracts that outline expectations.
Ask for a video of the puppy engaging with novel objects and gentle handling. Verify registration and breeder identity with independent sources.
Do not send deposits through irreversible methods, and avoid sellers who refuse home visits or video tours.
Rottweiler
Rottweiler scams leverage working dog imagery and claim IPO champion parents at clearance prices. Captions push urgency, saying travel is scheduled and they need a quick deposit.
Photos often feature different puppies labeled as the same dog across posts.
Responsible breeders emphasize temperament, hip and elbow scores, and proper socialization. They welcome questions about training and household fit.
Paperwork is clear, and in person meetings or verified video calls are standard.
Request a live handling video showing the pup’s bite inhibition and response to gentle restraint. Verify registry numbers independently.
If the seller refuses third party verification or insists only on wire transfers, consider it a serious red flag.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinscher scams promise European lines, cropped ears, and full training for suspiciously low fees. The pitch includes professional photos and bullet points that sound copy pasted.
You are told the puppy is reserved unless you pay within the hour.
Authentic breeders discuss vWD, DCM screening, and responsible crop and dock timing. They encourage trainer conversations and provide references openly.
Expect detailed contracts and a clear socialization plan.
Ask for a real time video with the puppy performing a simple cue. Verify titles and health tests through registries or clubs.
Use secure payments with invoices, and avoid sellers who refuse to share their vet’s contact or physical kennel location.
German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherd Dog scams mix dramatic working shots with family friendly slogans and bargain pricing. Ads promise titles, perfect hips, and instant delivery anywhere.
Pressure builds with claims of other buyers and a limited time reservation window.
Reputable breeders share hip and elbow results, temperament testing, and videos of parents. They talk honestly about exercise needs and training commitments.
Meetings or verified video calls are encouraged, not avoided.
Request a live video of the puppy exploring novel surfaces and responding to its name. Confirm registration numbers and breeder identity through independent sources.
Pay only with protected methods and insist on a written agreement that outlines health guarantees and responsibilities.