Essential Questions to Ask a Dog Breeder for a Healthy Puppy

Choosing a puppy is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience, especially when you find yourself captivated by their youthful charm. After researching and selecting the perfect breed to fit your lifestyle, your next important step is to locate a reputable and responsible breeder. This is often done online or through local dog clubs. A trustworthy breeder will welcome your questions over the phone and provide transparent answers before you even plan a visit to their kennels.

A reputable breeder has a deep understanding of the health issues affecting their breed and selects only screened dogs and bitches for breeding. This careful selection helps minimise hereditary health problems in puppies. To make a well-informed decision, here are ten essential questions to ask a dog breeder before visiting their kennel:

• How long have you been breeding dogs? A breeder with many years of experience shows dedication and knowledge, which can lead to healthier puppies and more trustworthy practices.
• Can you provide references from previous buyers? Speaking to former buyers helps reveal insights about the puppies’ health, behaviour, and the breeder’s ongoing support.
• What health screening do you perform on breeding dogs? Responsible breeders test for breed-specific genetic disorders, including hip dysplasia, eye diseases, and ear problems. They should provide copies of all health test records for both parents and litters.
• Are puppies vaccinated and wormed before going home? Ensuring puppies have up-to-date vaccinations and worming treatments is vital. Ask for veterinary records and, if needed, permission to contact the vet directly for reassurance.
• What health guarantees or contracts do you provide? A good breeder typically offers a health guarantee covering genetic or congenital defects and will support you if problems arise post-purchase.
• Would you be willing to take back a puppy if circumstances change? Ethical breeders prioritise the welfare of their puppies even after sale and often accept returns to ensure a loving home is found, though refunds are typically not offered.

Questions a Breeder Might Ask You

After you are satisfied with your questions and answers, expect the breeder to ask questions about your circumstances too. They may inquire about your home environment, experience with dogs, and whether you have children. This helps them recommend a breed suited to your lifestyle and ensures the puppy’s future is safe and happy. Some breeders might even refuse to sell if they feel a breed isn’t appropriate for your family.

Arranging a Visit to the Breeder

Once you've established trust over the phone, arrange a visit to the breeder’s kennels. Ask to meet the puppy’s mother and, if possible, the father. Observing the parents’ temperament and health can give valuable hints about your little puppy’s potential personality and wellbeing.

Visiting the kennels also allows you to assess the environment where the puppies have been raised. Puppies should be lively, healthy, and kept in clean, hygienic conditions. Their eyes should be bright with no discharge, noses clean, and they should smell fresh. Avoid any puppies that appear too thin (undernourished), have swollen bellies (possible worms), or seem lethargic.

Additional Tips for Responsible Puppy Buying

• Look for breeders who are members of the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme, which promotes good breeding practices, health screening and welfare standards.
• Be cautious of sellers who cannot or will not answer your questions fully or who pressure you into purchasing quickly.
• Avoid buying puppies from pet shops or unverified online sellers, as they often source from irresponsible breeders or puppy mills.
• Consider adopting a dog from rescue organisations if you’re open to it; many wonderful pets need a loving home.

Conclusion

Bringing a puppy into your life is a wonderful commitment full of joy and responsibility. Choosing a reputable and knowledgeable breeder is crucial to ensuring your puppy's health and wellbeing from the start. Asking thorough questions, seeing the puppies and parents in person, and understanding the breeder's practices will help you make an informed decision. A responsible breeder will gladly guide you through the process and support you beyond the initial purchase, helping you welcome a happy, healthy puppy into your family.