Dachshund puppy scams have become common enough that the Better Business Bureau now names dachshunds as one of the three most-scammed dog breeds in the country. That’s not a small statistic to shrug off, especially with dachshunds now more popular than ever and more buyers searching for one online.
We’ve watched this from the breeder’s side for years. It’s genuinely upsetting to hear from people who reached out to us after losing money to a fake dachshund listing somewhere else, thinking they’d found their new puppy only to realize the “breeder” never had a dog to sell in the first place.
This guide walks through exactly how dachshund puppy scams work, the specific red flags to watch for, and how to confirm a breeder is legitimate before you send a single dollar.
Why Dachshund Puppy Scams Are So Common Right Now
Puppy scams as a category have existed for years, but a few recent trends have made dachshund puppy scams specifically more frequent.
The Real Numbers Behind Puppy Scams
According to BBB data reported by AOL, the average loss from a puppy scam has climbed to $850, up 60% since 2017, and pet scams overall cost consumers more than $2 million in a single year in North America. That same reporting names Yorkies, dachshunds, and French bulldogs as making up nearly 30% of all puppy scams combined.
An earlier BBB investigation, covered by CBS News, found that scammers often build sophisticated-looking websites complete with photos, videos, and even fake customer names, specifically to make dachshund puppy scams harder to spot at a glance.
Why Dachshunds Specifically Get Targeted
Scammers follow demand. As dachshunds have climbed toward the top of America’s most popular dog breeds, they’ve become one of the most-searched breeds online, which makes them an easy target for fake listings designed to catch buyers who are searching quickly and emotionally.
Small, in-demand breeds like dachshunds also tend to sell for higher prices than mixed breeds, giving scammers more room to ask for a large upfront “deposit” before disappearing.
The Biggest Dachshund Puppy Scam Red Flags to Watch For
Most dachshund puppy scams follow a similar pattern once you know what to look for.
Prices That Seem Too Good to Be True
A dachshund puppy priced dramatically below market value, especially from an AKC-registered litter, is one of the clearest puppy scam warning signs. Legitimate health testing, vet checks, and registration all cost money, and no honest breeder can absorb those costs while selling far under typical pricing.
No Video Call or In-Person Visit Allowed
A real breeder should have no problem hopping on a video call to show you the actual puppy, litter, and living conditions. If a seller keeps making excuses to avoid this, that’s one of the most reliable dachshund puppy scam red flags there is.
Payment by Wire Transfer, Gift Cards, or Cryptocurrency Only
Scammers overwhelmingly push for payment methods that can’t be reversed or traced, like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. A legitimate breeder will typically offer traceable, standard payment options instead.
Surprise Fees After You’ve Already Paid
This is the classic follow-up move: after the initial payment, the “breeder” suddenly needs more money for a special climate-controlled crate, pet insurance, or last-minute vet paperwork before the puppy can ship. Real shipping costs should be explained clearly upfront, not introduced as an emergency after you’ve already paid.
Stock or Stolen Photos
Many dachshund puppy scam listings use photos lifted from real breeders’ websites or social media. A simple reverse image search on the puppy’s photo can reveal whether it’s been posted elsewhere under a different name or breeder.
How to Verify a Dachshund Breeder Is Legitimate
Before sending any money, there are a few concrete steps that can confirm whether a breeder is real.
Ask for proof of AKC registration for the puppy’s parents, not just the puppy itself. Request a live video call showing the actual puppy and its littermates in the breeder’s home or facility. Search the breeder’s name and website together with the word “scam” or “reviews” to see what comes up.
For a deeper breakdown of what a trustworthy dachshund breeder should offer, our guide on how to spot a reputable dachshund breeder covers the full checklist, from health guarantees to living conditions.
Red Flags vs. Green Flags: A Quick Comparison
| Situation | Red Flag | Green Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Dramatically below market rate | Consistent with typical dachshund pricing |
| Verification | Refuses video calls | Offers video call or in-person visit |
| Payment | Wire transfer, gift cards, crypto only | Standard, traceable payment methods |
| Fees | New fees appear after payment | All costs explained upfront |
| Photos | Generic or reused stock images | Original photos of the actual puppy and parents |
| Paperwork | No AKC registration offered | AKC registration and health guarantee provided |
What a Trustworthy Breeder Looks Like at Elite Dachshunds
We understand why buyers are cautious right now, and honestly, we think they should be. At Elite Dachshunds, every puppy comes with AKC registration, a vet check, age-appropriate vaccinations, and a 1-year health guarantee against genetic defects, all things a scam listing simply can’t offer.
We’re also happy to answer detailed questions before you commit to anything, and our reviews page reflects real experiences from families who’ve gone through the process with us. If you’re not local, our shipping and handling page explains exactly how delivery works, with no surprise fees added after the fact.
Puppies Currently Available From a Verified Breeder
If you’re ready to move forward with a breeder you can actually verify, here are a few puppies currently available.
Simba — Male, 9 weeks — $700 Simba comes from health-tested parents and is AKC registered, vet-checked, and ready for his new home. See Simba and our full litter →
Chloe — Female, 9 weeks — $700 Chloe is a great example of the honest, no-surprises process we walk every buyer through. View Chloe’s listing →
Milo — Male, 9 weeks — $700 Milo is potty trained to go outside and comes with our full 1-year health guarantee. Check Milo’s availability →
Feel free to reach out through our contact page with any questions before committing. We’d rather answer ten questions upfront than have you feel unsure about your decision later.
FAQs About Dachshund Puppy Scams
How common are dachshund puppy scams? Dachshunds are named by the BBB as one of the top three most-scammed dog breeds, alongside Yorkies and French bulldogs, making up nearly 30% of all reported puppy scams combined.
What is the average financial loss from a puppy scam? BBB data shows the average loss is around $850 per victim, up 60% since 2017.
What payment methods should I avoid when buying a puppy online? Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and cryptocurrency, since these payment methods can’t be reversed or traced if something goes wrong.
How can I tell if a puppy photo is stolen or fake? Run a reverse image search on the photo. If it appears on other websites under different names or locations, that’s a strong sign of a scam.
Should a legitimate breeder allow a video call before I pay? Yes. A real breeder should have no issue showing you the actual puppy and its littermates over video before you send any money.
Why are dachshunds specifically targeted by scammers? Rising demand and higher price points make dachshunds an attractive target, since scammers can request larger upfront payments before disappearing.
Is it safe to buy a dachshund puppy that ships to another state? Yes, as long as the breeder is verified and shipping costs are explained clearly upfront, with no unexpected fees added after payment.
Are all of Elite Dachshunds’ puppies AKC registered? Yes. Every puppy from Elite Dachshunds is AKC registered, vet-checked, and comes with a 1-year health guarantee against genetic defects.
Can I verify Elite Dachshunds before making a purchase? Yes. You’re welcome to ask questions, request a video call, and read real buyer experiences on our reviews page before deciding.
How do I report a suspected puppy scam? You can report it directly through the BBB’s Scam Tracker or the Federal Trade Commission’s website, in addition to warning others in local pet or breed-specific groups.
Ready to Work With a Breeder You Can Actually Verify?
Dachshund puppy scams are a real and growing problem, but a little caution goes a long way toward avoiding one. 🐾
Take a look at our current available puppies, read honest feedback on our reviews page, or reach out with any questions before making a decision.
📧 Email us anytime at elitedachshundpups@gmail.com ✅ Contact us here to verify a puppy or ask anything before you commit