One month ago we put our name down for a Bloodhound puppy, i hold my hands up, we didnt research the breed, and have now decided that it wouldnt be fair for the pup as we couldnt look after such a specialised breed.
We gave a deposit to the breeder, and have since contacted her to tell her we wont be purchasing one of the pups.
She has turned around and said we cant have the money back!!?

Is this fair!?

Lizzie Darner

Sorry Lizzie but that was the whole point of a deposit. To protect the breeder in the event of you cancelling and to protect you by getting the breeder to reserve a puppy for you.

John

The breeder may have turned down a number of other enquirers because she thought your puppy was sold. Now she has an extra puppy to find a home for.

Sound right to me. How would you have felt if you thought you were getting a puppy, paid a deposit and the breeder sent your money back then sold the puppy to someone else.

Jean

I would only expect a refund of any deposit I paid if the breeder changed their mind. If you changed your mind then that is your choice and you lose the deposit. The pup now has to be readvertised (or a lot of ringing round) and that costs money which is why many breeders take a non-refundable deposit.

Jesse

When someone breeds a litter, they are responsible for finding homes for all the pups, and usually trying to get them to their new homes at the right age, 8-10 weeks mostly. If timewasters ( even well intentioned ones) let the breeder down, the pup may end up with them longer, as they try to find a new home for the pup. This can be difficult for the breeder and is not ideal for the pup. Charging a deposit usually weeds out timewasters. A deposit is part of a contract to buy, not some way of spreading the payment. You chose to break the contract,and you lose your deposit. It is totally fair, and totally lawful.

Think what has been said is right but well done you for realising your limitations and cancelling the pup, it would have been much worse if you had already got it. Think the breeder could have met you half way as you have been so honest and open and returned the deposit less a small amount for the trouble they will have finding another home for the pup, also think they should may be have spent more time talking to you and making sure you were aware what you were taking on before taking a deposit off you. So IMO both you and the breeder could have done more to see this did not happen and therefore should share the financial result of what has happened.

Jackie said it all!

Althought you have realised it wasn't the breed for you the breeder should have worked out if it was for you, maybe try suggesting that you will be happy with half the deposit back, let the breeder know that you understand that the deposit was there to reserve a puppy for you and make out like you know what you are talking about. 

Rox

If I were the breeder I would rather give back a deposit than let someone have a pup they couldn't cope with/didn't want!!!!
If they keep the deposit they are now obliged to sell you the pup....as I said I would give you the money back butI can understand the 'legal' reasoning behind it
Archer

A responsible breeder will charge a deposit, and will explain what it is for and why. It has always been considered to be a charge for reserving or running on a puppy. I agree with Jackie that the breeder should have made you much more aware of the breed and it's nature before you paid a deposit. I certainly would have. I keep a standard email I send every enquirer before there is any further contact. It explains the nature and temperamnet of the breed and any health problem a potential owner might like to consider before having a puppy. I also help them to arrange to visit people with flatcoats so they can see how boisterous they are before they go and get one.
As this breeder did not enquire as to how much knowledge you had before placing a deposit, it might be that it is fair that she gives you some of the money back. However puppies are not cheap to keep, so I can see why she might refuse.
The good thing about this situation is You did actually find out before you actually got the puppy and have decided it is not the breed for you. Had you gone ahead and it not worked out then that puppy would at some point have ended up in a rescue home. So good for you for pulling out now! I wish more people had your good sense. This autumn the Kennel Club will be hosting an event in London called Discover Dogs, there will be almost every breed available in the UK there. Please do go if you can and talk to experienced breeders and owners, get as much knowledge as you can about the breed you will eventually have.