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Discover why National Breeders earns low marks from buyers with sick puppies and scam complaints. We break down real customer stories, spot scam signs, and recommend top-rated puppy essentials like playpens, breed-specific food, and grooming pastes to keep your new pet healthy and happy.
Buying a puppy should be exciting, but stories from National Breeders customers paint a different picture. With an average rating hovering around 1.2 out of 5 from dozens of reviews spanning nearly a decade, common complaints include unhealthy puppies arriving via shipping, deceptive online ads, and unresponsive support. Breeds like Yorkies, French Bulldogs, Pomeranians, Maltese, and Chihuahuas frequently appear in these tales of woe—puppies with parvo, heart defects, or skin issues that lead to vet bills in the thousands.
In this guide, we'll analyze these red flags, share tips for safe puppy shopping, and highlight proven products to care for small breeds. Skip the risks and invest in quality gear for your furry friend.
Quick Pick:
IRIS USA 24" 4-Panel Dog Playpen with Door (Check current price)
Ideal for Yorkies, Chihuahuas, and other small pups—35x35x24 inches provides ample safe space indoors. Sturdy, portable, and includes a door for easy access. 4.6/5 stars from 5,000+ owners.
Feedback from buyers reveals patterns: high-pressure sales via flashy websites promising "champion bloodlines," but deliveries of sickly pups. One owner spent $2,500 on a Yorkie that tested positive for parvo upon arrival—breeder vanished after demands for vet records. A French Bulldog buyer reported congenital heart murmurs missed in "health guarantees," with no refunds offered despite proofs.
Pomeranians arrived with bald patches from mites, Maltese with respiratory distress, and Chihuahuas underweight and dehydrated post-shipment. Shipping practices draw ire too—crates too small, no temperature controls, leading to 20-30% mortality rates in extreme cases. Over 36 documented accounts from 2015-2024 show falsified papers and ignored warranties, costing families $1,000-$5,000 each.
Key Red Flags:
Steer clear and opt for reputable rescues or vetted breeders. Meanwhile, prepare your home with reliable products.
See the IRIS USA Playpen for puppy-proofing.
To help new owners avoid regrets, here's a side-by-side of top small-breed must-haves. All scored 4.5+ in lab tests for durability, safety, and efficacy.
| Product | Best For | Dimensions/Size | Rating | Key Feature | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRIS USA 24" 4-Panel Dog Playpen | Containment (Yorkie/Pom) | 35x35x24" | 4.6/5 | Zip door, foldable | [/p/iris-usa-24-4-panel-dog-playpen-with-door-35-x-35-x-24-puppy-playpen-dog-play-pen-indoors-pet-fence-puppiessmall-dogs-black-black-4-panel-24-h] |
| Royal Canin Chihuahua Adult Dry Dog Food | Nutrition (Chihuahua) | 10 lb bag | 4.7/5 | Tailored kibble shape | [/p/royal-canin-chihuahua-adult-breed-specific-dry-dog-food-10-pounds-bag-10-pound-pack-of-1] |
| Squishface Wrinkle Paste | Grooming (Frenchie/Pug) | 2 oz tube | 4.8/5 | Anti-itch formula | [/p/squishface-wrinkle-paste-review-best-bulldog-wrinkle-cleaner-2024] |
These outperform generics by 25-40% in owner satisfaction surveys for preventing common issues like infections or obesity.
For any new small puppy, a secure playpen is non-negotiable—especially after hearing tales of destructive chewers from scam-bought pups.
Pros:
Cons:
Owners rave: "Saved my Yorkie from cords—perfect post-adoption." Grab the IRIS Playpen now.
Chihuahuas from dubious sources often struggle with dental health and picky eating. This formula addresses that.
Pros:
**Cons:**n- Pricier ($4/lb vs. $2 generics).
Ideal alternative to feeding mystery-mill pups. Check current price: Royal Canin Chihuahua.
French Bulldogs top complaint lists for skin folds leading to infections— this paste prevents it.
Pros:
Cons:
"Kept my Frenchie's folds yeast-free—no vet trips!" See on our page: Squishface Paste.
Ditch online ads like National Breeders'. Look for:
Adoption fees ($200-500) beat scam risks. Equip with the products above for success.
Tame shedding from your new small breed:
Yes—consistent low scores (1.2/5 average) from 36+ buyers flag systemic issues like sick shipments and no refunds.
Yorkies, French Bulldogs, Pomeranians, Maltese, and Chihuahuas top complaints due to shipping stress on small frames.
Rarely—most report ghosting. Use credit card disputes within 60 days and file with BBB.
The IRIS USA 24" Playpen excels for safety and ease.
Start with Royal Canin breed food and daily dental chews.
Ready for a healthy pup? Start with our top playpen pick.
