Assessing potential buyers of your pedigree puppies

Breeding pedigree puppies is a rewarding but serious responsibility. As a breeder, whether you're a seasoned professional or a first timer, ensuring your puppies go to suitable, caring homes is essential for their welfare and the reputation of your breeding programme. This guide offers practical advice on how to assess potential buyers thoughtfully and responsibly.

1. Initial Contact: Setting Expectations

The first interaction with prospective buyers often shapes the entire process. When you receive enquiries about your litter, be clear about the puppies' details: breed, sex, pet or show quality, and the asking price. Engaged, informed callers interested genuinely in purchasing will stand out. Those who are unsure or simply want to play with puppies should be gently steered away to avoid wasting your time.

2. Establishing Buyer Intentions Through Dialogue

Dialogue is crucial. Both you and the potential buyer should ask and answer questions openly. This exchange helps clarify what the buyer is seeking and whether your litter matches their expectations. For example, buyers wanting a show pup may not be a good match if your litter is pet quality and vice versa.

3. Evaluating Experience and Preparedness

Experience with dogs, and specifically the breed in question, is a valuable indicator of suitability but shouldn’t be the only factor. Some first-time dog owners can make excellent pet parents if they are well-informed and committed to learning about the breed’s needs. If they lack knowledge about essential aspects such as exercise requirements, temperament, and training, guide them to research more before proceeding.

4. Verifying Identity and Commitment

Before accepting a deposit, it’s reasonable to ask buyers for official identification to verify their identity and confirm details such as their address. This step protects your puppies and helps ensure buyers are serious and trustworthy. Moreover, establish clear agreements on care commitments such as spaying or neutering if applicable.

5. Observing Buyer Interaction with Puppies

When potential owners meet the puppies, observe their behaviour closely. Buyers who approach the dam respectfully, wait for her comfort, and handle pups gently demonstrate good understanding and empathy. Conversely, those who handle puppies roughly, ignore the dam, or are overly eager to grab a pup may not be ready for the responsibility puppy ownership entails.

6. Aligning Future Plans

Discuss what the buyer intends to do with the puppy as it grows. For example, working dogs like a Springer spaniel from a working line are best placed in homes that will utilise their skills, while others may be well suited as family pets or in canine sports. If the buyer wishes to breed dogs themselves and you prefer your puppies to be neutered, this needs to be clearly communicated and agreed upon.

7. Ensuring Long-Term Welfare Through Contracts

A responsible breeder will have a formal contract with the buyer. This should cover what happens if the owner cannot care for the dog later. Many breeders include a clause for first refusal should the dog need rehoming. Clear terms help protect the puppy's future and maintain ethical standards in breeding.

8. Handling Time Wasters and Non-Serious Visitors

It’s common to encounter visitors who are not genuine buyers but want to socialise with puppies. Politely managing these interactions saves time. Early phone conversations where details are clearly stated can filter out the less serious prospects, allowing you to focus on committed buyers.

By embracing these steps, breeders can place their pedigree puppies into capable, loving homes, fostering lifelong happiness and wellbeing. Thoughtful screening and clear communication are key to successful puppy placement.