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Super Contributor
Posts: 479
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

I've had 2 dogs shipped to me via plane ... one from Oregon to Texas and one from Florida to Maryland ... no problems; however, they were both older than you mentioned. One was 14 weeks old and one was 16 weeks old. I thought airlines had minimum age requirements older than 8 weeks old - like 10-12 week range.

You don't mention what breed you're considering, but if it's a brachycephalic breed I would say no to shipping via plane if it would have to go in the cargo area. A lot of airlines won't even accept those breeds.

We're always a multi-dog family and, yes, we also adopt from our local shelters.

I guess it comes down to ... if you trust the breeder enough to purchase a puppy from them then you should trust them enough to know when it's okay to ship the puppy. If you do some checking (google 'shipping puppies by air') and see airlines won't accept a puppy that young, I'd have to consider whether I really wanted to purchase a puppy from a breeder who doesn't even know the airline rules.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,973
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I have always owned dogs and have worked around animals all of my life. Have also volunteered at our local animal shelter. I may have a strange opinion about this but.... puppies are very rare at our shelter. There is a waiting list of pre-screened adoptees. Plus, about the only types of puppies that do surface are pit bull types.

You do not know what, (if any) pre/post natal care that they received, or any medical history about these dogs.

Forget puppy mill pups/dogs. Big trouble psychologically and health wise.

I buy my dogs from a reputable local breeder. I will contact the breeder, see previous litters, talk to previous customers, check references, etc.

I would never fly a dog anywhere and would drive to pick it up.

I know it's the noble, PC thing to adopt dogs, but having worked at shelters and vets-I know that for me-starting with a quality pup is the best way to bond with a dog.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,037
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Even if this is a reputable breeder (is it??), it's just too much to put a small puppy through such a stressful situation as shipping. Surely, there are many, many dogs in your area needing homes. I agree with others above. This is not a good idea. You are jumping too fast at this.

So very sorry you lost your dog. I understand.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,060
Registered: ‎03-20-2010

I don't consider it noble or politically correct to adopt from a shelter or rescue group, I consider it the humane thing to do. A couple weeks ago I adopted a second dog from the county kennel, a 4 month old Border Collie mix. I wanted another dog to compete in agility and this one is going to be amazing. It is a rather foolish concept to believe you have to have a purebred or even a puppy to get a dog to bond with you. It is also foolish to believe that a purebred dog, even from what most would consider a breeder, will be free of health or behavior issues.

To answer the op question, I would try to find a new dog or a breeder locally. I would not want to purchase a puppy sight unseen.

Someday, when scientists discover the center of the Universe....some people will be disappointed it is not them.
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,973
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I said that for me, a puppy was best. I certainly wouldn't call someone foolish for carefully selecting a reputable breeder. However, let's not even discuss how agility work produces OCD nut cases that are plagued with injuries. And, what if this 'amazing' dog doesn't do well for the 'purpose' that you are adopting him for? Will you send him back to the shelter, as you look for your agility champ? How humane is that?

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,781
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Thank you, I think you all are right, it is too soon and I'm probably acting on emotion and not thinking clearly. The pup I was looking at is from a line of show dogs so she is reputable but I thought that's really too young to ship a pup and afraid that he might be afraid too. I'm not going to show the dog but I like the fact that the pup is certified so it's more than likely it won't have the hip problem that my dog had issues with.

Anyway, thanks, it's nice to hear your thoughts and a different opinion. Sometimes just hearing from others puts a new perspective on things.

I'm going to do some cleaning, painting and other more projects before I get another one, yes, the right one will come along and yes, I would like to see it before I buy it.

I'm still shedding some tears from last week and I'm sure those will pass in time but I thought getting a new puppy would heal the pain but that's not the answer.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 77,996
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

An eight week old pup is a little young for airline travel. Most breeders will not separate a pup from mom until 10 weeks old, the older the better since they learn so much from her. A dog should never be drugged for flying. They could vomit and inhale it if too dopey to hold their heads up

If you know what you're doing and are able to judge the quality of a litter of pups from their pedigrees and the reputation of the breeder, it's perfectly acceptable to buy one sight unseen. The breeder will also want references from you, as well as a recommendation from your vet. He might also have someone check your home, especially the yard, to be sure it's suitable and safe. Depending on the breed, you'll want the pup and it's parents to have had certain x-rays and possible eye checks. The pup will have to be shipped in an approved crate with vet health certificate, which you'll pay for.

I work with a breed rescue and many of my doggy friends have purchased pups from fine, conscientious breeders. I did the same myself but my boy wasn't shipped. I met the breeder half way between my home and hers, a four hour drive. We knew all about each other by the time I got the dog, and remain in touch to this day, nine years later.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,060
Registered: ‎03-20-2010
On 4/5/2014 lacey1 said:

I said that for me, a puppy was best. I certainly wouldn't call someone foolish for carefully selecting a reputable breeder. However, let's not even discuss how agility work produces OCD nut cases that are plagued with injuries. And, what if this 'amazing' dog doesn't do well for the 'purpose' that you are adopting him for? Will you send him back to the shelter, as you look for your agility champ? How humane is that?


Please do not put words in my mouth, I said it was foolish to believe you had to have a purebred puppy bond with you. Or that even what you would consider a reputable breeder is a guarantee the puppy is free from all health and behavior issues.

If you want a purebred puppy, that is your choice. I wish you the best.

You apparently have many bias beliefs concerning those you feel unworthy. Your assumption that I will return this puppy because he doesn't do well is just another one of your bias remarks. If you had seen any of my previous posts you would know that I also have a rescue dog (for almost 7 years now) that came with a whole host of issues. Agility was a way to build her confidence. She may actually be the slowest dog you will see on the course, but can make course time. She actually earned her CPE championship title last December. Agility is an amazing way to bond with your dog and have a fun activity to do with them.

Someday, when scientists discover the center of the Universe....some people will be disappointed it is not them.
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,973
Registered: ‎03-09-2010
On 4/6/2014 CrazyDaisy said:
On 4/5/2014 lacey1 said:

I said that for me, a puppy was best. I certainly wouldn't call someone foolish for carefully selecting a reputable breeder. However, let's not even discuss how agility work produces OCD nut cases that are plagued with injuries. And, what if this 'amazing' dog doesn't do well for the 'purpose' that you are adopting him for? Will you send him back to the shelter, as you look for your agility champ? How humane is that?


Please do not put words in my mouth, I said it was foolish to believe you had to have a purebred puppy bond with you. Or that even what you would consider a reputable breeder is a guarantee the puppy is free from all health and behavior issues.

If you want a purebred puppy, that is your choice. I wish you the best.

You apparently have many bias beliefs concerning those you feel unworthy. Your assumption that I will return this puppy because he doesn't do well is just another one of your bias remarks. If you had seen any of my previous posts you would know that I also have a rescue dog (for almost 7 years now) that came with a whole host of issues. Agility was a way to build her confidence. She may actually be the slowest dog you will see on the course, but can make course time. She actually earned her CPE championship title last December. Agility is an amazing way to bond with your dog and have a fun activity to do with them.


Please do not put words in my mouth. I did not say I could only bond with a purebred puppy. I have purchased mixed breeds that came from reputable breeders, believe it or not, there is such a thing as a 'reputable breeder', and I am capable of judging such. Also, do not assume I have many bias beliefs, nor do you know whom I consider unworthy. And, just in case you are unaware, acquiring a puppy with a known familial health history, is much more of a recommendation of future health issues than adopting a stray.

Good luck with your new dog. Go out there and make him win some titles!

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,060
Registered: ‎03-20-2010
On 4/6/2014 lacey1 said:
On 4/6/2014 CrazyDaisy said:
On 4/5/2014 lacey1 said:

I said that for me, a puppy was best. I certainly wouldn't call someone foolish for carefully selecting a reputable breeder. However, let's not even discuss how agility work produces OCD nut cases that are plagued with injuries. And, what if this 'amazing' dog doesn't do well for the 'purpose' that you are adopting him for? Will you send him back to the shelter, as you look for your agility champ? How humane is that?


Please do not put words in my mouth, I said it was foolish to believe you had to have a purebred puppy bond with you. Or that even what you would consider a reputable breeder is a guarantee the puppy is free from all health and behavior issues.

If you want a purebred puppy, that is your choice. I wish you the best.

You apparently have many bias beliefs concerning those you feel unworthy. Your assumption that I will return this puppy because he doesn't do well is just another one of your bias remarks. If you had seen any of my previous posts you would know that I also have a rescue dog (for almost 7 years now) that came with a whole host of issues. Agility was a way to build her confidence. She may actually be the slowest dog you will see on the course, but can make course time. She actually earned her CPE championship title last December. Agility is an amazing way to bond with your dog and have a fun activity to do with them.


Please do not put words in my mouth. I did not say I could only bond with a purebred puppy. NOI have purchased mixed breeds that came from reputable breeders, believe it or not, there is such a thing as a 'reputable breeder', and I am capable of judging such. Also, do not assume I have many bias beliefs, nor do you know whom I consider unworthy. And, just in case you are unaware, acquiring a puppy with a known familial health history, is much more of a recommendation of future health issues than adopting a stray.

Good luck with your new dog. Go out there and make him win some titles!


No REPUTABLE BREEDER would ever breed and sell mixed breed dogs. That says it all concerning your comments and judgments.

Go out and have some fun with your dogs. Try agility my dogs love it.

Someday, when scientists discover the center of the Universe....some people will be disappointed it is not them.