Swimming-duck

So what do you guys think about finding a basset on craigslist? I'm nervous that I'd be inheriting someone's mess (as in their dog has issues and they're trying to dump that on someone else) or that I'd unknowingly contribute to a BYB. Has anyone ever successfully gotten a dog off of Craigslist? I definitely think it's possible to get a great dog this way as long as I'm careful and ensure the people are legit. What kinds of questions would you ask? What should I watch for? There's a couple of Basset/beagle mixes that aren't too far from my area right now. So if some current things don't pan out, I might consider looking into these doggies if they're still available.

Kirska

I can't imagine very many reputable breeders advertise on Craigslist. I do know for a fact that many puppy mills use Craigslist as an advertising medium.

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Mom to Anabelle and Lila, rescued ladies and Harley, Corgi/Beagle/Basset/?? mutt

"Saving just one dog won't change the world, but it surely will change the world for that one dog." - Richard C. Call

eclairs mom

Personally I would stay away from a dog on Craigslist. Least with a good rescue you know that the animal has been assessed for disposition and how it reacts to other animals, people children, etc.

Swimming-duck

I should clarify - not looking for a breeder on craigslist. I completely agree - only a BYB would use Craigslist. I was thinking of an adult basset that has been part of a family that needs to be rehomed for one reason or another.

To be honest, this is my initial thought with craigslist anyways. I just thought I'd see what other people thought since I did come across a basset/beagle mix. At least according to the description she's from a family that just had a baby and they need to scale back to two dogs from three dogs. That being said, anyone can lie on craigslist and I have no desire to inherit someone's mess. I do like the idea of the rescue and we're putting in our app with A Cry for Help rescue this week. I like the idea of the extra work they put into knowing a dog's temperament and matching the right dog with the right family. Especially after having been through the experience of giving my 2 year old Corgi back to the breeder after trying, trying, trying, and trying to make it work when in reality it was probably a terrible match to begin with and probably what contributed to him starting to bite people, I really appreciate someone who would be willing to say this is NOT the dog for you - let's find a different one!

Soundtrack

The problem is that people wanting to get rid of a dog will often lie, then refuse to take the dog back if it doesn't work out. At least with a *reputable* rescue (or breeder) they will not place if they don't think it's a good match, and they will take the dog back if things don't work out, and they will be able to provide help and advice to try to work out issues.

I'm sure there's lots of great dogs needing homes on Craigslist, but unless you're experienced at evaluating dogs it's probably not the safest way to go.

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CatherineM

Decent breeders use Craiglist here. Mine does, and she's on the Board of Directors of our local rescue.

henry'smum

Maybe the answer is to do your homework, wherever you find your basset advertised you still need to visit expecting not to bring it home. Ask for references from other people, if its being rehomed due to a baby as you said then they will have friends, family and neighbours that can tell you more about the animal in question. If it is a breeder then you can find more references from prior litters, see the parents, see whether as Catherine says they are reputable. Im not sure that wherever you find your dog you should ever go for the first time and expect to bring it home, i dont know many breeders that would hand over a dog on the first visit from an unknown prospective owner so it really shouldnt be different in a situation like this.

Kirska

Even those with good intentions will lie about their dog's problems. A shelter often won't advertise problems because they don't want it to sway your first impression but a good one will tell you every detail once you're seriously interested and not just window shopping.

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Mom to Anabelle and Lila, rescued ladies and Harley, Corgi/Beagle/Basset/?? mutt

"Saving just one dog won't change the world, but it surely will change the world for that one dog." - Richard C. Call

MaggieMaysMom

We found Maggie on craigslist. We got her from a couple who were moving to Florida for a new job. They had two toddlers and a baby on the way and were not able to find a rental with the room that they would need. We emailed for two days and were able to check her vet records ahead of time. So for us it was a reasonable gamble, and it sure has paid off!
Her former owners are friends of mine on facebook and we still correspond about Maggie 6 months later.

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~Maggie May b. Jan 2011~
1/2 basset
1/2 pointer
1 whole love bug

bubbad

Are you a gambler if so then craigslist may have something for you.Personally,I don't see why anyone would use that method of placing any pet. An ad in the local newspaper for a minimal amount of money to place the ad would make more sense to me. I believe that anyone posting pets on craigslist,for the most part ,doesn't really care where the animal goes as long as it goes.Maggiesmom lucked out with a good family I do not believe that is the norm.As for a breeder who uses craigslist ,that is a whole other can of worms. A reputable breeder should never resort or have to resort,to using that kind of list to sell puppies,boats yes ,puppies no. My opinion ,only.