Pet Insurer's Guide To Puppy Gazumping

The pet insurer PetPlan has issued a warning for potential dog owners to consider when buying a puppy from a breeder. The company says that the fashion for the latest It-Pups from sought-after bloodlines, has given rise to the property-market equivalent of gazumping.

"When the right dog is considered the 'must have' accessory in certain circles, it is not surprising that potential puppy owners are chasing the same 'it' pooch litter. They're the ones with parents from the right bloodlines. The puppy gazumpers want a dog with a good pedigree and they're willing to pay more to get one," says PetPlan.

Petplan thinks the problem sufficiently widespread to have issued a set of Gazumping Guidelines [.pdf] to help prevent puppy buyers being gazumped by unscrupulous dog breeders.

Stiff Competition

According to the Petplan Pet Census, almost a third of puppies have been homed before they are even born and would be dog owners spend hundreds, if not thousands of pounds, sometimes travelling the length of the country to find their perfect puppy.

The new guide to would-be owners suggests that if you see the dog of your dreams - don't start quibbling with the breeder over the price if you don't want to be gazumped. And, if a bidding war does ensue, it even suggests a closing date for sealed bids.

Simon Wheeler, Head of Marketing, Petplan, said:

"Buying a new puppy is a major undertaking both financially and emotionally. For many, a new pet is a new member of the family so when the right one is found, an emotional bond is usually formed straight away. Most breeders understand this bond and wouldn't dream of disappointing a customer, however to help we have provided advice to help avoid gazumping taking place at all."