Questions to Ask Yourself & Questions to Ask the Breeder

Here is a list of some concepts and important questions to ask yourself and your potential breeder to make sure you get a healthy and temperamentally sound dog that meets your selected breed's standard. 

1. What is the breed standard? 

2. What are the standard grooming practices for the breed? 

3. How much exercise does this breed require? Does this change with age? 

4. What is the proper nutrition for the breed? How does it vary from puppyhood to adulthood? 

5. Are supplements necessary? If so, what do they recommend and why? 

6. What are the desirable and not-so-desirable traits of this breed? 

7. What are prevalent diseases and/or other issues in the breed? What tests have been performed on the sire and dam? What were the results? What tests were performed on previous generations? What were the results? What documentation can the breeder provide to verify the results? Find out beforehand: What are the health tests available to breeders to ensure they are not breeding afflicted dogs? What are the must-have health tests? What health tests are done to go the extra mile? 

8. What does your puppy come with? Contract, Health warranty? Shots? Microchip? Pedigree? Health records? 

9. What kind of health warranty does the breeder offer on their puppies? What does it cover? How long is it in effect? Do they explain that there is no guarantee (even with health testing) of perfect health, but rather a warranty and an explanation of what they will do should a health issue arise? 

10. What are the terms of their contract? What do they expect from you? What do they offer you in return? 

11. How do they evaluate their breeding dogs? Do they show them in conformation shows? 

12. How old are the sire and dam? If younger than two years what were the circumstances of the breeding? Note: There are medical reasons that allow for the breeding of a bitch earlier. If this is the case, the breeder should be able to fully explain the reasons as well as provide medical documentation regarding their decision. 

13. What was your goal in matching this sire and dam for breeding? What are their strengths and weakness? 

14. Have them describe their breeding and whelping practices. Do they do natural breedings or artificial Insemination? Do they do natural whelps or C-sections? Do they have a vet on-call if the dam or pups need help? 

15. Do their dogs live as part of the family? 

16. How old are their puppies when they allow them to leave for their new homes? (Should be no younger than 8 weeks) 

17. What kind of contact do they like to keep with their puppy buyers? What is their availability like for advice and support? 

18. Did the breeder have any problems with you asking questions or were they happy to see you so interested and concerned? 

19. How did the breeder evaluate you? Did they question your lifestyle and family, dog experience, and why you chose this breed as your right fit? 

20. Do they intend to keep a puppy from the litter they breed? 

21. Can you meet the sire and/or dam? Can the breeder describe their personalities in detail? 

22. What care is given to finding your family the puppy with the right temperament (outgoing, quiet, energetic, etc.)? 

23. Do they sell their puppies on Full (breeding rights) or Limited Registration? Do they require Limited Registration pets to be spayed/neutered? 

24. Do they discuss the emotional and financial commitment involved in buying a puppy? What special purchases may be necessary for your puppy? 

25. What is the vaccination protocol they follow? Where did they get their information on vaccination schedules? 

26. What exposure do pups have before leaving? Exposure to children, other animals, noises, etc.? 

27. Do they make a living breeding? Do they breed on a limited basis? 

28. Do they have a strong sales pitch? Do they freely answer your questions and let you make your decision free from pressure? 

29. Do they hype Champions in the pedigree even if they only appear many generations back? Do they hype bloodlines even if they only appear far back in the pedigree? Do they hype size or color, rather than standard and health? Note: You probably do not want to deal with someone that does this. 

30. Can you speak with previous puppy buyers?