Glossary /
Pupdate
A photo and status update about a puppy, sent between a breeder and a buyer as the puppy grows.
In more detail
Pupdates keep buyers connected to their growing puppy before pickup and let breeders track how their puppies turn out after they go home. They are often requested at intervals (30, 60, 90 days, then annually) and are commonly automated by breeder CRM systems.
Pupdates before pickup keep buyers warm
The weeks between a deposit and pickup are when a buyer is most anxious and most excited, and silence in that window is a risk. A weekly pupdate, a photo and a line about how the litter is doing, turns dead waiting time into anticipation. It reassures the buyer they chose the right breeder, gives them something to share with family, and quietly reinforces the relationship before the puppy is even home. Breeders who go quiet between deposit and pickup leave buyers wondering, and a wondering buyer is a buyer who reads cancellation policies.
Pupdates after pickup build your library and your proof
Once the puppy is home, pupdates serve a different purpose. They let you track how your lines turn out, spot any health or temperament patterns worth knowing, and stay in touch with a family who may buy again or refer others. They also feed your most valuable marketing asset: a library of real, grown-up dogs from your program, with the owner's permission, that proves your puppies become the dogs you promised. Requesting these on a schedule is exactly the kind of follow-up that gets forgotten by hand and handled reliably by automation.
Common questions
When should breeders ask for pupdates?
A common rhythm is 30, 60, and 90 days after pickup, then annually. Before pickup, a weekly photo to the deposit-holder keeps them engaged. Automated reminders make this consistent instead of hit-or-miss.
Can I use pupdate photos on my website?
Yes, with the owner's permission. Grown-up photos of your past puppies are powerful proof for new buyers, showing that your lines turn out the way you say they will.