Questions to Ask the Breeder
All dog breeds have hereditary risks or other health issues that anyone adopting a puppy should be fully informed about. Additionally, many serious conditions are common across multiple breeds.
Maybe you chose a purebred because of another dog’s puppy memories, a friend’s recommendation, or simply because it looked appealing. If your decision was based on one of these reasons, you may have done little or no research.
In either case, if you’re getting your dog from a breeder, having access to expert guidance when you bring your new puppy home is essential. Not taking advantage of this expertise isn’t just a mistake—it could become a “nightmare.” Before selecting a puppy that will be part of your life for the next 10–15 years, there are important questions you should ask your breeder.
Congenital Defects and Other Potential Conditions
All dog breeds have hereditary risks or other health issues that anyone adopting a puppy should be fully informed about. Additionally, many serious conditions are common across multiple breeds.
1- Health Risks: The breeder should provide complete information about all potential health issues for the breed, including honest assessments of serious conditions like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, or heart disease. Even minor or chronic issues may require medical treatment and potential veterinary costs, which you should consider before bringing a new dog home. Beyond potential costs, you don’t want a puppy that suffers unnecessarily, as this can be emotionally traumatic for both the dog and your family.
2- Medical History: You should know what tests and medical procedures your puppy has undergone. Are all vaccinations complete? Have preventive measures for internal and external parasites been applied? Has the puppy been screened for any genetic or other health conditions? For breeds prone to specific conditions, like hip dysplasia, can the breeder provide certificates proving that the puppy’s parents were tested and cleared?
Additionally, find out what follow-up tests or check-ups may be necessary after bringing your puppy home. Understand the guarantees offered by the breeder. If health issues arise—especially unexplained ones—are they willing to take the dog back and provide a replacement at no cost? Typically, health guarantees for genetically inherited conditions should last at least one year.
Socialization
Socialization is incredibly important for any puppy. You may continue socializing your new dog by attending puppy school or exposing them to new people and experiences after bringing them home, but the breeder should have started the process.
You’ll want to know where your puppy was raised—the ideal answer is indoors, in a home environment. This ensures the puppy feels comfortable and relaxed in a household setting. Also, ask whether your puppy had the chance to play and socialize with the breeder’s other dogs. A great way to assess temperament is to meet the puppy’s siblings and mother. Observing their behavior will give you a good idea of how your new puppy is likely to act.
Basic Care Guidelines
Here are some questions to ask: How often should your dog be brushed? How often should they be bathed, and do they need grooming or regular nail trims? What about diet—does your puppy require anything special, and how much and how often should they eat? Do they need long daily walks? Ask everything that comes to mind, and if there’s anything else you should know, make sure to ask the breeder.
Getting to Know Your Dog and Your Breeder
Bringing a new dog into your home is both a commitment and a responsibility. Being well-informed before making any final decisions is critical.
Asking your breeder questions is essential because it tests their professionalism and knowledge. A responsible breeder should be able to answer all your questions and provide the documentation you request. If they cannot, consider it a clear warning sign. Unqualified or unscrupulous breeders are a real threat—you should never get a dog from them. These individuals should be kept out of the system, and the only way to do this is to educate potential dog owners so they can recognize and avoid them.
You want a well-mannered, well-socialized, resilient, and healthy dog. The best way to ensure this is to ask as many questions as possible and listen carefully to the answers. If the answers aren’t forthcoming or don’t meet your expectations, consider another breed, another breeder, or both.