The most useful questions to ask breeder before buying a puppy cover health testing on both parents, whether you can meet the mother, how the puppies are raised and socialized, what vet care they’ve had, what the contract and health guarantee include and whether the breeder will take the dog back. A responsible breeder welcomes these questions.
Quick takeaways
- Ask for health test results on both parents. A basic vet check isn’t enough.
- Meet the mother and see where the puppies are raised.
- Ask how puppies are socialized and when they go home.
- Read the contract, health guarantee and return policy before paying.
- A good breeder will ask you plenty of questions, too.
In this guide
- Why does it matter which breeder you choose?
- What questions should I ask about health?
- What questions should I ask about the parents?
- What questions should I ask about how puppies are raised?
- What questions should I ask about the contract?
- What questions will a good breeder ask me?
- What are red flags when talking to a breeder?
- What should I ask the breeder when picking up my puppy?
- What should I do after I bring my puppy home?
- Frequently asked questions
Buying a puppy from a breeder is a big decision, and the questions you ask can save you a lot of heartache. A responsible breeder expects them and is happy to answer. Use this list during your first phone call, your visit and pickup day.
Why does it matter which breeder you choose?
A puppy’s health and temperament start long before you meet them. Genetics, the mother’s care and early socialization all play a part. Humane World for Animals, formerly the Humane Society of the United States, warns in its guide to finding a responsible dog breeder that puppies from poor breeding practices may have genetic health problems or behavior issues that cost a lot to treat. It advises walking away from any breeder who doesn’t meet basic standards.
If you’re still deciding between a breeder and a shelter, read our comparison of buying a puppy vs adopting.
What questions should I ask about health?
- What health tests have both parents had? Ask to see the actual results. “The vet checked them” isn’t the same thing.
- Can I look up the results? Many results are listed in the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals database.
- Which health problems are common in this breed, and how do you screen for them?
- Have any puppies from your past litters developed health issues?
- What vet care has this puppy had? Exams, vaccines, deworming and a microchip.
- Do you offer a written health guarantee? What does it cover and for how long?
What health tests should the puppy’s parents have?
Tests depend on the breed. The OFA’s CHIC program lists recommended tests for each participating breed. Common ones include:
- Hip and elbow evaluations
- An eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist
- A heart exam for breeds prone to heart disease
- Breed-specific DNA tests
For example, the American Kennel Club lists hip and elbow evaluations, an eye exam and several DNA tests for Labrador Retrievers. Our Labrador puppy guide has details.
What questions should I ask about the parents?
- Can I meet the mother? You should be able to.
- Can I meet the father, or see photos and records if he lives elsewhere?
- What are the parents’ temperaments like? Ask how they act with strangers, kids and other dogs.
- How old are the parents, and how many litters has the mother had?
- Why did you choose this pairing?
Puppies often take after their parents. A calm, friendly mother is a good sign.
What questions should I ask about how puppies are raised?
- Where are the puppies raised? In the home with everyday sounds is ideal.
- How are the puppies socialized? Ask about handling, new people, sounds and surfaces.
- At what age do puppies go home? Responsible breeders usually keep puppies with their mother and littermates until at least 8 weeks.
- What are they eating, and how often?
- Have you started crate or potty training?
- How do you match puppies with families?
Many breeders help you choose the right puppy based on personality. Our guide on how to pick a puppy from a litter explains what to look for.
What questions should I ask about the contract?
- Can I read the contract before I pay a deposit?
- What does the health guarantee require from me?
- Will you take the dog back at any point in its life if I can’t keep it? Responsible breeders say yes.
- Are there spay or neuter requirements, or limits on breeding?
- Is the puppy registered, and what kind of registration comes with it?
- What does the price include? Ask for the quote in writing, including deposit terms.
What questions will a good breeder ask me?
Expect to be interviewed. A responsible breeder may ask about:
- Your home, yard and schedule
- Experience with dogs
- Other pets and kids in the household
- Your plans for training, exercise and vet care
- Why you chose this breed
Humane World for Animals notes that a responsible breeder won’t sell through a pet store or in any way that skips meeting and interviewing buyers.
What are red flags when talking to a breeder?
- Won’t let you visit or meet the mother
- Always has puppies available or breeds many different breeds
- Can’t show health test results
- Offers to ship a puppy without meeting you or wants to meet in a parking lot
- Pushes you to pay quickly
- Lets puppies go home younger than 8 weeks
- Has no contract or return policy
These are common signs of a puppy mill or a broker. Learn more in our guide to puppy mills vs responsible breeders.
What should I ask the breeder when picking up my puppy?
Bring a list on pickup day so nothing gets missed:
- Vet records, including vaccine and deworming dates
- When the next vaccines and deworming are due
- The food brand, amount and feeding schedule
- A small bag of current food to mix during the switch
- Microchip number and how to register it in your name
- Registration paperwork and the signed contract
- Copies of the parents’ health test results
- The puppy’s sleep, potty and play routine
- A blanket or toy that smells like the litter
What should I do after I bring my puppy home?
Schedule a vet visit within the first few days, which many contracts require for the health guarantee. Then get ready for the fun part. Our new puppy checklist covers the supplies, setup and plans you’ll want in place before your puppy’s first night.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask a breeder before buying a puppy?
Ask about health tests on both parents, the parents’ temperaments, how the puppies are raised and socialized, vet care so far, the age puppies go home, what’s in the contract and whether they’ll take the dog back at any age. Ask to visit and meet the mother.
What should I ask the breeder when buying a puppy?
Beyond health and temperament, ask why they bred this litter, how they match puppies to homes, what food the puppy eats and what support they offer after you bring the puppy home. Ask for references from past puppy buyers.
What questions should I ask the breeder when picking up my puppy?
Ask for vet records, vaccine and deworming dates, the current food and feeding schedule, microchip details, registration papers if any, the signed contract and any health testing paperwork. Also ask about the puppy’s sleep routine and potty habits.
What health tests should the puppy’s parents have?
It depends on the breed. Many breeds need hip and elbow evaluations, an eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist and breed-specific DNA tests, and some need heart exams. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals lists recommended tests by breed through its CHIC program.
Vet note: This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. If your puppy is having trouble breathing, collapses, has a seizure or may have eaten something toxic, call your vet or the nearest emergency animal hospital right away. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435 (a fee may apply).
