What is the most common transaction method for buying a puppy? i.e. When and how much money to give, pay in half or full before receiving puppy?

I've never had to buy a dog, my current dog, a malamute, was given to me thanks for a person who couldn't mentally handle it.

What is the situation?
Where are you getting it from?
Some people pay cash.
I paid in advance for my mix breed and got a bill of sale.
It depends on who and how

 Quote: Stephanie Lemoine

What is the situation?
Where are you getting it from?
Some people pay cash.
I paid in advance for my mix breed and got a bill of sale.
It depends on who and how

A breeder instate(North Pole, Alaska), I did check her background thoughly and she is okay.

Well, I'm pretty sure she is going to send the Saint Bernard to me by air.

(inside joke) I decided not to get a yeti.

I gave a $100 deposit (cash, which was my own decision - wasn't required by the breeder) up front (they held my pup for me til 8 wks of age). I drove like 5 hours round trip to see the litter and pick a pup. Then paid the balance in full when the breeder brought some of her pups (including mine) to KC for new owners to meet her for pick up. They provided a receipt, health guarantee, papers, and puppy package at the time of pick up. (This was for another pup I had). I definitely remember paying the balance w/a personal check.

When I bought Kodee, I paid cash in full when I picked him up at 7 weeks of age. Bought him when I went to look at the litter, so the situation didn't warrant a deposit. The first breeder was much more professional. I took my chances with the second breeder - didn't even get a receipt, although of course I got his papers. I didn't worry about the receipt b/c I had possession of the signed paperwork and the pup. (Risky of me, I know) but I knew I wanted him after I checked him out. I probably should have gotten a health guarantee, but frankly, I would never take a pup back after buying one (for a pet), even if it turned out to have some health problems. So the guarantee wasn't much of an issue with me at the time. I probably would require a guarantee from now on (just having heard the nightmares of other people who bought pups and had problems getting the breeder to help w/vet bills, etc.)

BTW - I personally would never pay in full for a pup that was being held for me. A deposit is fine - lets the breeder know you really want the pup, but too many things could happen if your pup died (heaven forbid) or got sold to someone else by mistake, etc. You would be out a lot more money if the breeder was dishonest. I don't see a reason why they'd ever request full payment up front, but maybe someone else knows of a legitimate reason for doing so.

Like Stephanie said, each breeder is a little bit different.

David,

As Ed Frawley said in post # 1255914 almost a year ago:

"Mr Ross will no longer be posting to my forum."

Unfortunately, that Mr. Ross was you.