15+ Questions To Ask a Breeder Before You Buy a Puppy
Looking to get a puppy from a breeder for the first time and confused about how to choose a breeder?
Well, you have just come to the right place because this post contains all the questions you should ask a breeder before getting a puppy. But, we’d suggest you find a puppy in a shelter because there are millions of animals including dogs and cats in the shelters.
If you have specifications such as you are looking for a service or therapy dog and can’t find one in a shelter, getting one from a reputable breeder is recommended.
Also, when you visit the breeder, check their premises and all the facilities they are providing to their puppies and parents. You must have an idea what is the difference between a good breeder and a puppy mill/backyard breeder.
How to find a reputable breeder?
Do some quick research on the internet. Check the review websites and look for old customers’ reviews. Ask your friends for recommendations.
Once you find the best dog breeder (not the puppy mill, puppy farm, puppy factory, or a backyard breeder), schedule an appointment and visit the breeder with your questionnaire or you may do a quick interview on a video call. Given below are the most important questions that you should ask the breeder.
Questions You Should Ask a Breeder:
1: Since how long have you been breeding this breed (The breed you are planning to get)?
They must have good experience of it. Usually, Google My Business profile has the years of operation mentioned so you can easily get an idea.
2: Are they registered with the town council or concerned authorities to breed dogs?
It is important to check for their registration to discourage puppy mills and backyard breeders.
3: Do you belong to a breed club?
Ask for the references and/or proof but remember there are newer breeds that do not have any significant club or organization yet so you should act accordingly.
4: Do you breed any other dogs other than this very breed?
It’s just a random question but it’s good to ask to get a clearer idea about their experience in dog breeding.
5: How often do you breed your dogs?
No more than once a year is recommended but a breeder who takes care of nutrition and other important things can have a litter twice.
6: Are the puppies socialized?
The puppies must have spent some time around other dogs, kids, and other pets such as cats. A reputable breeder will hand over the puppies to their owners after 8 weeks of their birth and during this time, he will expose the puppies to different scenarios and things.
7: Can you provide me with a couple of references from previous puppy owners?
Call the previous customers and ask for their feedback about the puppies and the breeder.
8: Do you supply a health guarantee?
It must state that the puppy is healthy and free of any health-related issues. Usually, a good breeder would give a health guarantee and many breeders also offer a full refund if the puppy has any genetic diseases.
9: What vaccines and how many shots have the puppy received and when is the next puppy shot due?
It’s important for your puppy’s health and vaccination ensures its health.
10: Have the puppies been examined by a vet and declared healthy?
If yes, ask for a medical certificate from the vet. If not, there might be something fishy and you should not get a puppy from this breeder.
11: Have the puppies been dewormed?
If yes, ask for proof. If not, avoid this breeder.
12: Can we see the puppy’s parents?
Check if they are healthy. Also, check their health certificates to make sure they are tested and cleared for testable genetic diseases.
13: What is the puppy’s family history?
Check their bloodline.
14: Do you require a breeder’s contract?
If yes, ask for the contract and read it.
15: Do you require us to neuter or spay the dog by a certain age?
Some breeders require this so it is better to confirm prior to getting the puppy. Actually, none of the breeders gives the breeding rights to others so they ask to neuter/spay the dogs.
16: Have any of the puppies in this litter been sick or have any other health conditions?
If yes, make sure the puppy you are getting is healthy.
17: What are you feeding these puppies?
Make sure the food quality is up to the mark and also, take an idea from the breeder what is the ideal food for the puppy you are getting.
So, these were the 17 most important questions you should ask the breeder before you get a puppy from the breeder. The best practice is to print or write them down on paper and ask the breeder one by one. You can also add some other questions as per your needs or if they are specific to the breed you are getting.
Final Words:
So, whatever breed you are going to get, make sure you raise it like a real human puppy. Because the dogs are there to be loved and treated with love and affection. And yes, if you find any puppy mill while looking for a breeder, reach out to the city or town authorities and get the puppy mill closed.
Checked and approved by Karla Schwarz from Rendez Doodles. Rendez Doodles are one of the best Labradoodle Breeders.
