Questions to Ask Before Buying a Puppy
The task of buying a puppy can be overwhelming, and the expectation to find the perfect puppy for your home, even more so. Many people choose to buy a purebred dog from a breeder, as they may wish for a specific temperament, appearance and working ability that will fit with their lifestyle. But not all breeders are created equal, and finding an ethical and trustworthy breeder may seem an arduous task. Keeping these questions in mind when contacting a breeder will help ensure that you make an informed decision, leading to a better match for your home and a healthier, happier life for your puppy.
How long have you been breeding?
Many breeders dedicate a lifetime to a breed and will have decades of experience and knowledge. That is not to say that new breeders cannot be ethical breeders, but if you are new to buying a puppy, a breeder with many years of experience under their belt may be the best choice for you. No matter how long a breeder has been working, they should be extremely knowledgeable about their breed and should be able to answer any questions you may have regarding your puppy.
Can you provide references from previous buyers?
Breeders that have sold litters before should be able to have happy and satisfied clients they can list as references. It can be a good idea to call these references and get a sense of their experience with the breeder.
Can I meet the puppy’s parents?
Although not always an accurate reflection of your puppy, the parents of your new dog may give you an idea of its temperament and appearance. Breeders should be proud to show off their dogs and the environment in which they live. Keep in mind that meeting both dogs may not be possible. Many breeders use frozen semen and stud dogs and will, therefore, only be able to show you the mom of the puppies. Nonetheless, they should thoroughly understand the stud dog’s personality and upbringing.
What health tests have the parents undergone?
Each breed will be predisposed to certain health conditions and may carry certain inheritable diseases. An ethical breeder will follow the recommendations of their breed club and test their dogs accordingly.
How have the puppies been socialized?
The socialization process starts at the breeders when the puppies are born. The breeder introduces the puppies to a wide array of sounds, smells, and experiences. The puppies learn to behave in an appropriate manner with the people and animals around them. Later, the breeder may choose to leash and crate-train them. This socialization shapes the behavior of your puppy for the rest of its life and is essential for setting them up for success in their new home.
How do you work to uphold the breed standard?
Ethical breeders care deeply about their breed and work to keep the breed characteristics alive – this could be their appearance, their intellect, or their working abilities. Different breeders may focus on different aspects of a breed, such as their success in the show ring or their prowess on the hunting grounds. Choose a breeder whose focus aligns with your wishes for your puppy.
What support do you offer after purchasing the puppy?
A good breeder offers support for the entirety of the dog’s life, and you should always be able to ask them for guidance. If you can no longer keep the puppy, an ethical breeder should be willing to take it back.
What is included in the puppy purchase?
A breeder should always have a written contract, and it can be a good idea to get a sample contract before agreeing to buy a puppy. The contract serves as security for both you and the breeder, outlining the conditions of the purchase and clearly stating the breeder’s return policy. The breeder should also have proof of the vaccinations, deworming medications, and health checkups the puppies have received.
A great puppy starts with finding a great breeder. By asking the right questions and doing your research, you can ensure you’re choosing a breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. The effort you put into finding an ethical breeder will result in a companion that fits seamlessly into your life.
