May 30, 2025, 11:47 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Puppies are increasingly being bought less from breeders while the illegal puppy trade is booming. PETBOOK spoke with VDH Managing Director Jörg Bartscherer about the causes and potential solutions to combat this issue.
Purebred dogs from reputable breeders are “out.” This is shown by current figures from the Verband für Deutsches Hundewesen (VDH), the largest umbrella organization for dog breeders in Germany. According to them, the number of puppies born has been declining—and this has been the case for a few years. At the same time, the number of dogs and puppies in Germany has continued to rise. The reason: Puppy buyers primarily want affordable and immediately available dogs. So-called foreign dogs are particularly in demand, as VDH Managing Director Jörg Bartscherer explains in an interview with PETBOOK author Manuela Lieflaender.
Puppy Numbers Stagnate Nationwide
PETBOOK: Mr. Bartscherer, although the total number of dogs in Germany is increasing, around 25,000 fewer puppies were born in the VDH between 2021 and 2023. Your own statistics prove this. How do you explain this contradiction?
Jörg Bartscherer: “Unfortunately, there is still no nationwide requirement for dog identification and registration, so we don’t have exact numbers. However, we have information indicating that overall puppy numbers are stagnating nationwide.”
Do you mean that there are generally fewer puppies in Germany?
“Yes. We hear from the industry that sales of puppy food are declining, which is also an indication of fewer puppies. The market is certainly still saturated after the COVID-19 boom. Additionally, keeping a dog has become significantly more expensive, which is another factor. And what’s very positive is that many dogs simply live longer today than they used to.”
Selling Dogs from Abroad Is More Commercially Attractive Than Reputable Purebred Breeding
We’re talking about 25,000 fewer puppies being born in the VDH. That’s a dramatic development.
“This is a trend since 2021. It includes the increased demand for dogs during the COVID-19 period. But yes, the number of puppies is declining, which we must monitor very carefully.”
What are the reasons for this from the breeders’ perspective?
“Rising costs for breeders and excessive bureaucracy. Reputable breeders are accountable to the lawmakers. Additionally, there are requirements we impose on ourselves for the health of the breeds. Not to mention, breeders in the VDH are hobby breeders, and reputable dog breeding is a very time-consuming hobby.”
“Purebred Dogs Are Under General Suspicion”
Purebred dog breeding mainly has an image problem. For dog buyers, “rescue” and “adopt” are more important than “papers.” Because “rescue” is considered morally superior.
“Again, everyone must decide for themselves whether they want to keep a purebred dog or a dog from a shelter. The important thing is that the dogs come from reputable sources, especially for the welfare of the dogs. We observe that purebred dogs are placed under general suspicion, and owners are stigmatized. Mixed breeds are supposed to be healthier than purebred dogs. It’s generally assumed that purebred dogs are all sick and overbred. Dogs from disreputable sources, whether mixed breed or purebred, can bring in diseases that were thought to be eradicated here. They can show behavioral issues, which are really only for very experienced owners. Getting such a dog can become a huge burden, and in the worst case, these dogs end up in shelters.”
Puppy Buyers Do Not Inform Themselves Before Buying a Dog
Studies show: Up to 80 percent of dogs living in Germany come from untraceable sources. What is structurally wrong here? Are there missing controls, education—or simply a lack of will among the owners?
“All of these play a role, but it’s mainly the dog buyers. No one would buy a TV or a washing machine at a rest stop and consider it reputable. People do their research beforehand. But when it comes to buying a dog, there seems to be less hesitation to buy from the trunk of a car. Often, the dog just needs to be cheap and quickly available. I find that incomprehensible. Later, buyers are surprised that they have a dog with behavioral issues or even a sick dog. And then it becomes really expensive and a big emotional burden.”
What do you say to people who claim breeders ignore the “suffering of shelters” and “unnecessarily” produce new dogs?
“Everyone should be able to decide for themselves where to get their dog. The main thing is that the dog comes from a reputable source. When reputable breeders plan a litter, the puppies are usually already spoken for before they are even born. Waiting lists are not uncommon. The goal is not to make money but to place dogs in good hands. Many breeds were developed to help humans and have predictable traits to some extent. Often, a purebred dog is necessary.”
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Demand for Proof of Expertise for Breeders
It’s undeniable that shelters are full…
“But certainly not with purebred dogs from reputable breeding. If the animal has to be given up, the reputable breeder takes it back. As mentioned, 79% of dogs come from questionable sources, and that’s where we should focus.”
What demands does the VDH make on politics? Are tougher measures needed against illegal puppy trade—and if so, what specifically?
“Uniform rules must be established at the EU level. Reputable breeding is overwhelmed with regulations. Veterinary costs have risen, which affects puppy prices because reputable breeders, of course, conduct all examinations, vaccinations, etc. They are interested in animal welfare. The regulations that apply to our breeders are ignored by disreputable breeders, who fall through the cracks.”
What rules do you demand?
“Clear regulation of online classified ads platforms, which should only allow ads from registered breeders. We demand traceability. Every dog should be traceable, and every dog should be identified and registered. If someone wants to breed dogs, they should be required to provide proof of expertise.”