How many years have you been breeding?
(How many dogs a "breeder" has had over the years goes to their depth of knowledge of the breed. There are exceptions but it is a good rule of thumb.)
Why do you breed?
( You should hear things like for the love and preservation and possibly improvement of my breed).
Are the sire and dam and or related dogs on premise to see?
(There should be several dogs around from previous litters or dam and stud)
Are the pedigrees available? (The answer should always be YES)
What health issues are in your breed? (The buyer should have researched the National Breed Club web site to determine what health issues are predominant in the breed, so that you have a point of reference to go by on the breeders answer(s) to you).
What are known hereditary problems? (ask for certification that the parents are clear)
How long do your dogs live? (this can be a tricky question, because someone who has only just started breeding and have been in there breed for 5 to 10 years, may not know, because they may not have any dogs that have died yet).
What age will puppies be available to go? (the buyer should be aware that pups leaving prior to 7 or 8 weeks of age is not a good idea unless they have a motherly dog at home who will gently play with and teach the pup. Otherwise it is best that the breeder keep the pups in the company of the mother for a few more weeks so she can teach them proper canine etiquette and social skills).
Environment, Puppies were raised in (house or kennel)? (very preferable that puppies are raised in the house)
What kind of HUMAN AND/OR DOG socialization program do you provide? (puppies should have seen a few human visitors over the weeks, preferably have Early Neurological Stimulation done in the first 3 to 14 days, and have some gentle exposure to puppy-friendly “auntie/uncle” dogs who help to teach them proper canine etiquette/behavior)
What are the temperaments of the sire and dam? (should be unafraid, and stable. Friendliness often depends on the breed, but there should be no FEAR shown to humans, nor aggressiveness when not in the presence of the puppies).
May I contact other puppy buyers for references? (answer should be yes)
What type of health guarantee does the breeder give
puppies. (this should always be in writing)
What kind of registration is provided (AKC, CKC, UKC, Rare Breed Club Reg)
Will the breeder take the dog back or assist you in
placing the dog should you ever decide that you cannot
keep it? (answer should be yes and this should be written within the contract/agreement)
How many litters a year do you have? (this may depend on the popularity of the breed and how many females this breeder has)
What other breeds of dogs do you breed? (if it is many breeds, it might indicate a puppy mill)
What kind of diet are the dogs on? (the type of food being fed is an indicator of the care of the dogs)
Do you keep in contact with your puppy buyers?
Do you belong to any dog clubs?
Please note: A good breeder who cares about their charges and wants to know what kind of home their pups will be going to should ask any potential puppy buyer many questions.
QUESTIONS FOR PUPPY BUYERS TO ASK BREEDERS
These are some suggested questions you as the puppy buyer should be asking a breeder before you decide to purchase a puppy. These are only suggestions to help you make an informed decision.
