New Dog Owner with Breeder Concerns

We have put a deposit down for the puppy we are meant to be collecting in 2 weeks but we have some concerns about the breeders. Each time we go visit another concern seems to pop up.

They are new breeders who did 1 litter last year and now have 3 litters all at once which = 18 puppies (isn't a puppy mill and they are in families house).
We are concerned that the breeders are in over their heads and don't have the right priorities in mind.

The puppies were in house when went there first 3 times and living with their mums.
Last week the breeder said they've separated puppies from mum due to feeding issues (5/6 weeks).
We are concerned that puppies may be lacking guidance from their mother which is essential for later behaviour and are not sure if separating them is right. We know that if their behaviour is affected because of one action it will impact us in the future.

We also have some general concerns.
The breeders seem less interested in temperament and more about trying to get the "rare" colours and are overcharging for the rare - twice normal.

They are also willing to ship puppies by plane to owners haven't met - before second shots even though they're aware that there's a health risk to puppy. They said they wouldn't do it for themselves but are willing to do it for new owner.

First we thought they had good intentions - new breeders overwhelmed- but now it seems like there's a lot of red flags and we are concerned.

What advice do people have? We are more inclined to not take the puppy and find a better breeder.

I think you should go with your gut. Pass on this puppy, as hard as that is, and find a breeder you're proud of. Don't hesitate to tell this breeder why you have changed your mind, you might get through to them.

Good luck finding a new breeder!

Yep, I would pass. Having a bad feeling from the start is no way to start with the puppy. They sound like classic BYBs just in it for the money, unfortunately.

What breed are you looking at?

I'd also skip out on the puppy....you might lose your deposit (and of course be disappointed), but:

1. even if you lose your deposit, you'll almost definitely be paying twice as much (or A LOT more) in vet bills for a puppy who's parents weren't health tested, and depending on what colors the breeders are going for, even breeding certain color combinations can have horrific genetic effects.

2. If this puppy is taken away from it's mom too soon and not properly socialized, it may end up with behavioral or aggression issues, particularly with other animals but also with people. It's not guaranteed, some puppies do fine, but it greatly ups the risks, and can take a lot of work to reverse which most average families (even dog savvy ones) aren't prepared to do. If you end up having to put the dog down at 3 because of aggression, it's not as though the deposit paid off anyway.

3. Backing out (and telling the breeder why) may be a little bit of incentive for them to think about what the heck they're doing. It will put a damper on future litters for them, and make them reconsider breeding so many poor quality litters if people aren't as readily available to buy them.