Questions to Ask The Dog Breeder
You should be able to ask the dog breeder a multitude of questions without issue. A responsible breeder will appreciate that you care enough to do research. You will likely have plenty of your own questions to ask, but here are some ideas to ensure you are working with a breeder who cares about the animals first.
What type of care is required for this specific breed? Does the breed have specific needs I should be aware of?
The breeder should be able to give you detailed answers that confirm what you have learned from your own research on the breed.
How long have you been breeding dogs? How long have you bred this specific dog breed?
It should be several years, and the breeder will have ideally worked with a mentor at the beginning (someone else who had worked with the breed for a long time).
It should be several years, and the breeder will have ideally worked with a mentor at the beginning (someone else who had worked with the breed for a long time).
Do you sell your dogs to pet stores, puppy brokers, wholesalers, or online?
If the answer is "yes," leave immediately.
What is the health and behavior history of this line (parents, grandparents, etc)?
The breeder should be able to tell you about the dogs going back a couple of generations.
The breeder should be able to tell you about the dogs going back a couple of generations.
What genetic issues do you test the adult dogs for before breeding?
Research the breed and find out what tests are recommended by the national breed club. If this breeder has not tested the dogs, you should look for another breeder.
What happens if my dog is diagnosed with a hereditary disease? Does the puppy I buy come with a guarantee?
The answer should be yes we have a health guarantee and that the breeder will take back the dog or (if you want to keep the dog). A good breeder wants to know if the puppies remain in good health.
The answer should be yes we have a health guarantee and that the breeder will take back the dog or (if you want to keep the dog). A good breeder wants to know if the puppies remain in good health.
Warning signs of a unethical breeder
If the answers to the above questions are appropriate, there are still some things you should evaluate. Also, if you notice anything that just doesn't "feel right," then you should do some more research on the breeder. Here are some of the other signs that indicate you are dealing with an irresponsible breeder:
If the answers to the above questions are appropriate, there are still some things you should evaluate. Also, if you notice anything that just doesn't "feel right," then you should do some more research on the breeder. Here are some of the other signs that indicate you are dealing with an irresponsible breeder:
- There is no mandatory spaying/neutering of pet-quality animals.
- They always have puppies for sale, sometimes two or three litters at a time.
- The puppies are allowed to go into homes before the proper age (under eight to twelve weeks of age).
- They advertise or sell their puppies for greatly reduced prices.
- They breed dogs before the age of two.
- There is no health/shot record of puppies being sold.
- No contract that binds you and them in agreement to conditions.
Just a Tip
A good breeder would ask you questions too.
A responsible breeder should screen you or ask you about your home environment and the life you can provide for the puppy.
And a good breeder will not talk down or try and make other breeders look bad in any way just to make a sale.
A good breeder would ask you questions too.
A responsible breeder should screen you or ask you about your home environment and the life you can provide for the puppy.
And a good breeder will not talk down or try and make other breeders look bad in any way just to make a sale.