The Essential Questions: What to Ask a Dog Breeder Before Bringing a Puppy Home
Bringing a puppy into your home is an exciting milestone, filled with dreams of playful moments, loyal companionship, and unconditional love. But before you commit to that adorable ball of fluff, it’s crucial to ensure you’re getting your puppy from a reputable, ethical breeder. Asking the right questions isn’t just about protecting yourself; it’s about supporting responsible breeding practices and ensuring you bring home a healthy, well-adjusted companion.
Think of it as an interview – you’re interviewing the breeder, and they should be interviewing you too! Here are the vital questions you should be asking:
1. Questions About Health & Genetics
This is arguably the most critical category. A responsible breeder prioritizes the health of their dogs and puppies.
- “What health clearances do the puppy’s parents have?”
- Why it’s important: Reputable breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic conditions common in their breed (e.g., hip/elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, heart conditions, specific genetic mutations). Ask to see proof of these certifications (e.g., OFA, PennHIP, CERF/CAER – Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Canine Eye Registry Foundation).
- Red Flag: A breeder who claims their dogs are “healthy, never had a problem” but has no documented proof.
- “Can I see the health records for the parents and litter?”
- Why it’s important: This includes vaccination records, deworming schedules, and vet check-ups for the puppies.
- “What is your health guarantee, and what does it cover?”
- Why it’s important: Most responsible breeders offer a health guarantee for a certain period against debilitating genetic conditions. Understand what voids the guarantee (e.g., not following vet recommendations).
- “What food are the puppies currently eating?”
- Why it’s important: To ensure a smooth transition and avoid digestive upset when you bring your puppy home. A good breeder will provide a small bag of their current food.
- “Have the puppies been vet-checked, dewormed, and vaccinated?”
- Why it’s important: Puppies should have their first vet check, deworming, and initial vaccinations before going home. Ask for the vet’s contact information.
2. Questions About Temperament & Socialization
A puppy’s early experiences shape its personality and ability to adapt.
- “What are the temperaments of the puppy’s parents like?”
- Why it’s important: Temperament is highly hereditary. If possible, meet both parents to observe their personalities. They should be friendly, calm, and well-adjusted.
- “Where are the puppies raised?”
- Why it’s important: Puppies raised in a home environment, exposed to household sounds, people, and gentle handling, are typically better socialized than those kept in outdoor kennels.
- “How do you socialize your puppies?”
- Why it’s important: Ask about exposure to different sounds, textures, people (including children if appropriate), and other animals. Early positive experiences are crucial for developing confident, well-adjusted dogs.
- “What kind of stimulation are the puppies exposed to?”
- Why it’s important: Good breeders provide varied enrichment, like different toys, surfaces, and opportunities for exploration to stimulate their development.
- “At what age do you send puppies to their new homes?”
- Why it’s important: Puppies should ideally stay with their mother and littermates until at least 8 weeks of age for critical social development.
3. Questions About the Breeder & Their Practices
These questions shed light on the breeder’s ethics and commitment.
- “How long have you been breeding this particular breed?”
- Why it’s important: Experience often correlates with knowledge and dedication to the breed.
- “Why did you choose to breed this specific pair of dogs?”
- Why it’s important: A good breeder has a clear purpose behind each breeding – aiming to improve the breed’s health, temperament, and conformity to breed standards.
- “How many litters do you typically have per year?”
- Why it’s important: A high volume of litters can be a red flag for a puppy mill or commercial breeder focused on quantity over quality. Most ethical breeders have only one or two litters annually.
- “Do you belong to any breed clubs or organizations?”
- Why it’s important: Membership often indicates a commitment to breed standards and ethical practices.
- “What is your philosophy on breeding, and what are your goals?”
- Why it’s important: Listen for answers that prioritize health, temperament, and preserving the breed, not just making money.
- “What happens if I can no longer keep the puppy for any reason?”
- Why it’s important: Responsible breeders will always take a dog back, regardless of age, to ensure it doesn’t end up in a shelter. This shows a lifelong commitment to the dogs they produce.
4. Questions About Paperwork & Support
Practicalities and ongoing support are key.
- “What registration papers will I receive (e.g., AKC, CKC)?”
- Why it’s important: Most purebred puppies come with registration papers. Understand if it’s full registration (for breeding/showing) or limited registration (pet only, often with a spay/neuter agreement).
- “Will there be a written contract?”
- Why it’s important: A contract should outline the health guarantee, spay/neuter agreement, return policy, and any other terms. Read it carefully.
- “What kind of ongoing support do you offer after I take the puppy home?”
- Why it’s important: A good breeder is a resource for life, happy to answer questions about training, health, or behavior.
- “Can you provide references from your veterinarian or previous puppy buyers?”
- Why it’s important: Speaking with others who have purchased from the breeder can offer valuable insights.
- “Can I visit your facility and see where the puppies and parents live?”
- Why it’s important: This is non-negotiable. A breeder who refuses a visit is a huge red flag. You need to see the living conditions, cleanliness, and the demeanor of the dogs firsthand.
Red Flags to Watch Out For:
- No health testing documentation.
- Refusal to allow a visit to their facility.
- Multiple breeds being bred at once (especially “designer” mixes without health testing).
- Puppies available year-round.
- Pressuring you to buy without asking you questions.
- Poor living conditions or unhealthy-looking dogs.
- Breeder seems more interested in getting your money than finding a good home.
- Puppies are unusually shy, fearful, or aggressive.
- Unwillingness to provide references.
By asking these comprehensive questions and observing carefully, you significantly increase your chances of finding an ethical, responsible breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. This due diligence will help you welcome a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted puppy into your family, ready for a lifetime of adventures together.
