What questions should I ask a dog breeder?
Short answer
Ask to see the mother (in person or on live video), for each parent's health test results you can verify yourself, what the health guarantee covers in writing, what's included in the price, and whether the breeder will take the dog back at any age. A good breeder answers all of these readily — and asks you questions too.
Updated · By the PetBuddyHub breeding team
About the parents
- Can I see the mother, in person or on a live video call?
- Which health tests have both parents had, and where can I verify them?
- How old are the parents, and how many litters has the mother had?
- Are the parents registered, and can I see the paperwork?
About the puppy
- What vaccinations, deworming and vet checks will the puppy have had?
- Is the puppy microchipped, and in whose name is it registered?
- How has the puppy been socialised, and where has it been raised?
- At what age will the puppy go home? (Never before 8 weeks.)
About the sale
- What exactly is included in the price?
- Is the deposit refundable, and under what conditions?
- What does the written health guarantee cover, and for how long?
- Will you take the dog back at any age if I can't keep it?
- How will the puppy travel to me — and will it ever fly as cargo?
- Can I speak to previous buyers?
- What questions do you have for me?
A breeder who asks you nothing about your home and routine is selling a product, not placing a puppy.
Common questions
- What is a red flag when buying a puppy from a breeder?
- Refusing to show the mother, no verifiable health testing, puppies always available in many breeds, pressure to pay quickly, and going home before 8 weeks.
- How old should a puppy be before leaving the breeder?
- At least 8 weeks. Many US states set 8 weeks as the legal minimum for selling a puppy, and Toy breeds sometimes stay a little longer.