What Questions Should I Ask the Dog Breeder? 10 Tips

Are you about to have a conversation or even a visit with a dog breeder and are unsure about which questions to ask? With the following checklist, you’ll have an excellent foundation for dealing with breeders, animal protection, and private placements. This way, you not only prepare yourself but also leave an informed and responsible impression.

Why Should I Ask the Breeder Questions?

You’ve chosen a breed or a dog, maybe you’ve already fallen in love with a picture, and you’re just eager to know when you can finally hold and cuddle your new furry friend. As emotional as bringing a dog into your life can be, it’s crucial not to forget reason and important information.

Meaningful questions during a phone call or a visit serve multiple purposes. Let’s take a closer look at these:

#1: You Show That You Are Informed

Sensible and practical questions indicate that you have done your homework and understand the responsibility involved. Serious breeders, animal welfare organizations, and even private individuals giving up their pets will appreciate that.

#2: You Can Make an Informed Decision

Not every dog is suited for every owner. You might love the puppy in the photo or be charmed by a cute little face. However, by asking the right questions to the current owner, you can find out whether you will truly be happy together or if you should continue your search.

#3: You Can Assess the Breeder’s Credibility

Is the breeder reputable? Or are they just looking to make as much money as possible from the puppies? The right questions can give you an idea of who you are dealing with. Reputable breeders and shelters also ask you a number of questions, as they want to ensure their dogs find the right owner and a safe, suitable home.

Questions for the Breeder – Your Checklist

Whether you’re adopting a dog for the first time or calling a breeder for the fifth time, you will likely feel a bit nervous. It’s easy to forget questions in that state.

It’s best to prepare a checklist and tick off questions one by one or as they come up in the conversation. The following information is your optimal foundation.

Question 1: At what age do you place the puppies and why?

For a long time, the common belief was that 8 weeks was the ideal age for placing puppies. They are usually weaned from their mother, easy to train, and ready for the world. However, here are some secrets breeders may not readily admit:

Most puppies are not fully weaned from their mothers at 8 weeks. They still want to nurse occasionally, even if they are already eating solid food. To ensure puppies are ready to go by 8 weeks, they are often weaned forcibly, which begins very early. Mothers and puppies are separated so the puppies will eat dog food and fill up before they can nurse.

You might wonder why breeders do this. It’s because there are advantages for the seller in placing the puppies as quickly and as young as possible:

1. Puppies eat more as they grow, which costs more. The longer they are cared for, the greater the expenses become, while profit margins decrease.

2. Puppies become more energetic and troublesome. They chew on furniture, shred toys, steal shoes, and their play can get rough. In short, they become more demanding for the breeder.

3. Puppies need to be prepared for life: house training, leash walking, car rides, learning commands, and exposure to new sights, smells, and experiences – there’s a lot to discover and learn. Not every breeder is willing or able to devote the time and effort necessary to prepare the growing puppies adequately.

Pay attention to whether the breeder can provide sensible reasons for their decision. It’s ideal if they don’t place puppies at 8 weeks just because that’s the norm but have good reasons for the timing.

Some breeders won’t place puppies until they are reliably eating solid food, while others might differentiate within a litter, as some puppies become independent sooner than others. The more individualized and thoughtful the breeder’s approach, the better it is for you and your puppy.

Question 2: What routine do the puppies have?

When are the puppies awake, when do they sleep, how often are they fed, when are their playtimes, and when do they go out for the last time in the evening? Do they sleep in a bed, with their siblings, with their mother, or spread out in the area? What commands does the breeder use?

The more informed you are about these points, the easier it will be for you to adapt to your new home. This will help both you and the puppy.

However, be aware that the puppy may behave differently with you. After all, moving to a new home is a massive change in any dog’s life. You can also transition to your routine gradually, allowing for many small successes along the way.

Question 3: What do the puppies already know?

Are they used to walks on a leash? Do they know cats, children, the sounds of washing machines and vacuum cleaners, unfamiliar people, or other dogs besides their mother?

With breeders, you’ll find a range of experiences. Some puppies may never have set paw outside and only know the vet besides their yard. Others may have been confined in a car for hours or left alone in a room to “learn to be alone” (which doesn’t actually work). Both extremes are not ideal. The best scenario is when puppies are familiar with normal daily life, have been outside, and are not shut away.

This question serves both to assess the breeder’s credibility and to help you and your future dog acclimatize to your new life together. If the puppy has already been taken for short leash walks daily, you can expect some familiarity, but don’t expect perfect leash manners right away.

Question 4: What do the puppies eat?

What, how much, and when the puppies are fed is crucial for the initial period. If the stress of the move is compounded by diarrhea or other digestive issues, it can be an enormous burden for everyone.

The type of feeding also reflects on the breeder. If they have only fed dry food from the beginning, it is more likely due to convenience rather than a responsible attitude towards the health of the dogs.

Monodiet feeding (feeding a single type of food) can negatively affect digestion in the long run, which is especially true for dry food.

Please be aware that dry food is essentially astronaut food in pellet form. Dogs‘ digestive systems are not designed for it, and it brings a range of disadvantages. The only argument for this type of feeding is human laziness.

Of course, dry food has its advantages, which the breeder might mention. It has a long shelf life, doesn’t smell much, doesn’t get spread around, and is relatively cheap. Unfortunately, none of these factors have anything to do with the well-being of the dogs.

Question 5: How do the puppies differ from each other?

Reputable breeders spend a lot of time with the puppies and should be able to assess them well. Perhaps the light-colored male is more sensitive and requires more patience, while the dark female is a bit of a rascal but very trainable.

The point is: A good breeder knows their animals and can recommend which puppy would fit best in which environment. The older the puppies are, the more accurate their assessments can be.

If the breeder cannot provide specific differences and only gives general statements, it is evident that they haven’t spent much time with the puppies or don’t have much interest in them beyond profit.

If they can make observations, listen carefully! Whether the puppy is a little daredevil or a calm sensitive type makes a significant difference.

Extra Tip: A reputable breeder will also be able to tell you how the puppies have changed. The puppy that was exploring the world independently at first might become more affectionate and value cuddling with its human as it grows.

Question 6: How are the puppies corrected?

Is there a clear „No!“ when the dog does something wrong? Does the breeder say „Off!“ or „No!“? Do they distract the puppies or raise their voice?

The answer to this question reveals a lot. On the one hand, you learn what the dog already knows and might even be capable of, making the transition to your new home easier.

On the other hand, it shows the breeder’s attitude. If the puppies have never been corrected, they haven’t been exposed to everyday life. After all, those little whirlwinds have a tendency to run between feet, chew on furniture, and put everything in their mouths.

If the breeder is overly harsh, throwing objects, scaring the puppies, shouting, or even hitting them, that is a red flag, and you should not support such behavior with the purchase of a dog, as more animals will suffer due to such treatment.

If you notice violence in conversation or in the treatment of the puppies, please report it to the relevant veterinary authority and the breeding association. This can also be done after purchase.

Question 7: Why is this puppy a good fit for me?

When you want to bring a puppy into your life, there are no guarantees. However, you certainly have ideas and expectations. Should the dog be more calm, or are you looking for an energetic companion after having had calmer dogs before?

Also important is what the dog can expect from you. Can you provide a quiet, relaxed home, or is there often a lot of commotion?

Depending on these factors, the breeder can tell you which puppy would suit you best and why.

If the puppy will live in an active family, playing with children and being involved in everything, it shouldn’t shy away from loud noises, nor should it be lethargic. If your life is more laid-back, a dog that needs a lot of peace would be a better fit.

Yes, even within a breed and a litter, there can be noticeable differences. Reputable breeders do their best to match the right dogs with the right owners. They can also explain why your favorite with the funny markings might not be the best choice.

Question 8: What health checks have the parent dogs undergone?

“Mother and father have been vet-checked!” That sounds nice, and you’ve probably seen this sentence in ads. The crucial question is: What were they checked for?

Research in advance about breed-specific diseases that may occur and whether results are available. Unfortunately, too many people are content with the statement that checks have taken place or don’t understand the published results.

If you choose a purebred dog, you should at least ask about typical hereditary diseases and be able to read the results. If you can’t, ask a friend or a veterinarian to interpret them for you.

Question 9: What expectations do you have of me?

Whether a breeder from a kennel club, an accidental litter, animal welfare, or a private placement—anyone who has cared for puppies or older dogs and raised them lovingly wants the best for them. So also ask what the previous owner would like to know about you.

This shows that you value a conversation on equal footing, and you might even learn something about the needs of the four-legged friends.

Question 10: Can the dog be returned if necessary?

Ideally, a dog should find a forever home with you. However, unforeseen circumstances can arise. Illness, a significant financial change, or other issues can lead to a situation where you might not be able to care for the dog (at least temporarily).

It should be clear what happens to the dog in such emergencies. Reputable breeders and organizations do not want their animals to end up in shelters or become “travel trophies” through classifieds. They will take the dog back or at least help with further placement. Temporary care might also be possible, for example, if you have to move after a separation or are recovering from an injury.

Questions for the dog breeder – more than just content

When asking a dog breeder questions, pay attention to how they respond.

Of course, everyone can be stressed and short-tempered at times. A reputable breeder, animal welfare organization, or private intermediary will still take the time to answer your questions and help you make the best possible choice.

After all, this shows that you are already prepared and want to prepare even better.

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