How to spot a scam ad

Birmingham AL

Description

This was recently posted, and is full of red flags that it is either a scam or from an irresponsible "breeder." The ad read: "Think we had a good breed, if so we will be having AKC FRENCHTONS For SALE IN 3-4 month’s. Mom is AKC Boston terrier, dad solid white, runt, AKC French Bulldog. Not sure on the price of puppy, I would like to see what they look like first!" First, a cross between a Boston Terrier and a French Bulldog is a mixed breed dog or mutt, despite any made-up name like "frenchton." Mutts can be great dogs, but there's no reason to shop on Craigslist for one. If you are ready to give a home to a mutt, please go to a reputable shelter or rescue. (Hint: not all shelters and rescues are reputable, so be careful and shop wisely there, too.) Second, AKC does not register "frenchtons" or other mutts, so this is either a scammer or impossibly ignorant. Third, the gestation period for a dog is 63 days. That is nine weeks, not 3-4 months. Fourth, if the sire of the litter is a "runt," that is a strong indicator that he suffers a health deficiency that could be passed along to his puppies. Good breeders don't breed deficient dogs, because that is irresponsible. Any "breeder" who does not know these things needs to: a) stop breeding b) stop scamming c) both a and b