I would get in writing from the breeder beforehand exactly what the terms of the deposit down means and for which breeding, pup, etc., and that both of you sign it and date it. Still, that piece of paper is only as good as the circumstances of any subsequent bad situation that would result in the improper keeping of the deposit and if you take her to small claims court and how the judge rules on it. Be sure that you are dealing with an honorable breeder of integrity that is so well-known and reputable that the person would never improperly keep a deposit without a justifiable cause. Apparently it does happen this day and time and if that breeder moves or disappears off the radar or just doesn't answer any mail, the door, email, Facebook appears, etc., then you are just out your money. And there are just scammers out there that probably never did have puppies to sell and do keep all the deposits they can get.
__________________  Jeanie and Tibbe One must do the best one can. You may get some marks for a very imperfect answer: you will certainly get none for leaving the question alone. C. S. Lewis |