Questions to Ask Before You Commit
The important questions that help you make an informed, confident decision about a puppy.
Why questions matter as much as the viewing
Seeing a puppy in person is important, but the conversation before and during that visit tells you far more than the puppy's appearance alone. Responsible breeders expect questions; they have usually fielded the same ones many times and are happy to answer in detail. Reluctance or vague answers are worth noting.
This guide covers the key areas to ask about. You do not need to work through every question like a checklist — a natural conversation that covers these topics will serve you just as well.
About the parents
Ask to see the mother in person. Seeing her temperament and condition gives you a direct read on how the puppies have been raised and what their adult character may tend towards. Reputable breeders will always show you the mother; if this is refused, treat it as a significant red flag.
For breeds where hereditary conditions are a known concern — hip dysplasia in larger breeds, eye conditions in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, for example — ask whether the parents have been health-tested. In the UK, the Kennel Club's health-testing schemes and the relevant breed clubs publish the recommended tests by breed.
About the litter and early life
Where have the puppies been kept? Puppies raised in a home environment — with household sounds, handling, and human contact from birth — are typically better socialised than those kept in kennels or outbuildings with limited exposure. Ask how often the puppies are handled and by how many different people.
What age are they being rehomed? The legal minimum in England and Wales is eight weeks, and most behaviourists recommend puppies stay with their mother and littermates until at least this age. Earlier separation is associated with higher rates of behavioural problems later in life.
About health records and documentation
Ask for the puppy's vaccination record, microchip number, and any veterinary certificates provided. In England, all puppies must be microchipped before eight weeks old — this is the breeder's legal responsibility. At the point of sale, confirm the microchip details are transferred to your name.
If the breed is Kennel Club registered, the breeder should provide registration paperwork at the time of sale. Ask in advance if you are expecting this — some breeders transfer registration documents separately, and knowing the timeline avoids confusion.
About ongoing support
Good breeders care about where their puppies end up, and many stay in contact with new owners for years. Ask whether the breeder is happy to be contacted with questions after collection, and what they would want you to do if circumstances changed and you could no longer keep the dog.
A breeder who asks you questions in return — about your home, your routine, your experience with dogs — is one who is taking rehoming seriously. Being interviewed is a positive sign, not an inconvenience.
A breeder who welcomes your questions — and answers them fully — is a breeder worth trusting.
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