In short a reputable dog breeder will not take any money for a puppy until they have met you.
The reputable breeder will want to know who you are and where the puppy is going.
Reputable breeders will want to know what you want the puppy for.
Reputable dog breeders will want to know a lot before they even meet you.
The reputable dog breeder will make sure all the relevant breed health tests have been carried out on the parents to the puppy.
This will reflect on the reputable breeders website.
To buy a puppy from a reputable dog breeder you will usually have to join a waiting list. This is nothing new!!!
Joining a waiting list for a reputable dog breeders puppy is common practice which has happened for years and years.
If dog breeder breeds good quality stock there is high demand for them. Nothing new has changed there.