Questions for the breeder

Dalmatian looking at camera

Earlier you visit a breeder, it's a good idea to speak to them over the phone to ask some basic questions. Information technology's very difficult to resist a cute puppy, so we recommend asking the most important questions before you visit the breeder in person.

Don't exist afraid to ask lots of questions

If the breeder is responsible then they will be happy to reply any questions nigh themselves, their dogs or their breeding choices.

Questions to enquire before you visit the puppy

Did they breed the puppy themselves?

Yous should only ever buy a puppy direct from the breeder.

How many puppies are in that location and how former are they?

You may desire to ask this question when y'all see the puppies to double check you become the same respond.

Will you be able to come across where they were bred?

Information technology's advisable to come across where the puppies were bred to ensure the conditions were good.

Volition y'all be able to see the mum?

You should always be able to see the puppy with its female parent.

How old is the mother and how many litters has she had?

The mother must non have been mated before 12 months of age, must be no older than 8 years one-time and should not have bred more than 4 litters in her lifetime – including this litter.

Was the nascency natural or was a caesarean department required? If a c-section was required, have they had one before and how many times?

A dog should not accept more than than 2 c-sections.

Will y'all be able to see the begetter?

The father of the puppies may not be there, but information technology is worth meeting him if possible.

Have the puppies had any wellness problems?

You lot want to ensure that the puppy you lot buy is healthy from the outset.

Accept the parents been checked for inherited conditions?

It'due south of import to detect out what health tests are relevant for your chosen breed and whether your puppy'southward parents have been screened.

What is the puppy's inbreeding coefficient?

Highly inbred puppies can be more susceptible to inheriting genetic diseases from the parents. Learn more virtually inbreeding coefficients.

Tin you have the registration details of the sire (father) and dam (mother)?

This will allow you to bank check the health tests and inbreeding coefficient.

Will the puppies exist vaccinated and wormed before coming home with you lot?

Puppies are commonly wormed at 2, 5 and 8 weeks of age.

Ideally, your puppy should be vaccinated before they come to you, nonetheless some breeders may choose not to.

If you are happy with all of the answers yous have been given, then yous tin can arrange to see the puppies. When y'all visit the breeder, try not to be too distracted past the beautiful puppies, and remember to ask the questions below.

Questions to ask during your visit

Can you see all of the puppies?

You should be able to meet all of the puppies to help you choose which puppy would best adjust you.

Can you see the mother?

You should ever be able to see the female parent interacting with the puppies.

What are the female parent and begetter'due south temperament like?

This will help you lot make up one's mind the temperament of your puppy.

How have the puppies been socialised?

Puppies should be given regular admission to other people and adult dogs.

What experiences does the breeder aim to provide to the puppies earlier they go to their new home?

Before a puppy goes dwelling house with their new owner, they should have been exposed to a range of experiences and noises.

If y'all have children – accept the puppies been seen by other children?

To aid the puppies go accustomed to children, it's advisable that they collaborate with children from a young historic period.

Will at that place be a contract of sale?

This is a must and volition listing both the breeder's responsibleness and your responsibility to the puppy.

Can you encounter the pedigree (family tree)?

If y'all're buying a pedigree dog this should be available and will tell you lot nearly your dog'southward ancestry.

Can yous see whatever health certificates for both the female parent and begetter of the puppy?

It's important that you lot are aware of whatever conditions which might touch the breed and whether the puppy'south parents have been tested.

Will you be given whatever written advice when you take the puppy habitation?

Responsible breeders will provide you lot with written communication on grooming, feeding, exercise, worming and immunisation.

Tin can the puppy be returned if there are any problems?

A responsible breeder will take back and rehome a puppy should there be any problems.

What dog food would the breeder recommend?

Once the puppy comes home, switching to a unlike brand of nutrient tin can sometimes give them an upset tummy. It's as well useful to know which type of food a breeder would recommend.

If you'd like to breed from the puppy in one case they are former enough – will there be any breeding restrictions in the contract?

Some breeders will place restrictions on whether the puppy will be able to exist bred from. It's ever all-time to cheque before signing a contract.

At what age volition the puppy be microchipped?

Your puppy should be microchipped before they come up to yous – this is now a legal requirement.

At what age will the puppy be allowed to come up abode with y'all?

It is advised that puppies should not be rehomed at whatsoever younger than viii weeks old, although in some cases they may be rehomed at a minimum of 6 weeks.

If your puppy is younger than 8 weeks, double cheque that the breeder has written confirmation from a vet that this is acceptable.

Adjacent step – Enquiry the parents' health

Once you've found your potential puppy, it'south important that you find out more most the health of its parents. Certain breeds may be more than prone to some inherited diseases than others, then it's important you lot find out what wellness tests are relevant to your brood and what steps your breeder has taken to avoid producing dogs afflicted by these conditions.

Find out what to research before you buy a puppy.