Questions to Ask a Dog Breeder Before Buying a Puppy

Bringing home a puppy is a big commitment — one that will shape your life for the next 10–15 years or more. A responsible breeder plays a huge role in the health, temperament, and well-being of your future dog. But how do you know if a breeder is ethical and knowledgeable, rather than just someone producing puppies for profit?

The answer: Ask the right questions.

Below is a guide to help you navigate conversations with breeders and spot both green and red flags before you make your decision.

1. What Health Testing Do You Perform on Your Breeding Dogs?

Why it matters: “Vet checked” is not the same as genetic health testing. Responsible breeders test for breed-specific conditions using OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), PennHIP, and DNA panels.

Follow-up: Ask to see documentation. Reputable breeders will be proud to show proof and may even have results publicly listed on OFA.org.

Backyard breeders many times claim to have done certain health testing but may become rude or makeup excuses why they can’t show proof.

2. Do You Offer a Health Guarantee and a Contract?

Why it matters: A written contract protects both you and the breeder. It should outline health guarantees, training expectations, and care requirements.

Return policy: Ethical breeders include a clause stating the puppy must be returned to them if you can no longer keep it — whether that’s two months or ten years down the road. This ensures their dogs never end up in shelters or unsafe situations.

Follow-up: Ask to review the contract before placing a deposit, and confirm that the return clause is in writing.

3. How Do You Socialize the Puppies?

Why it matters: The early weeks shape a puppy’s temperament. Puppies should be exposed to different people, sounds, and environments before going home.

Follow-up: Ask for examples—do they use Puppy Culture, ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation), or other structured programs?

4. What Type of Training Do You Start With the Puppies?

Why it matters: Early training can make the transition to your home much easier. Some breeders start potty training, crate training, and basic manners before the puppies leave.

Follow-up: Ask if they’ve introduced the puppies to short crate sessions, begun potty pad or outdoor potty routines, and practiced gentle handling to prepare them for grooming and vet visits.

5. How Do You Match Puppies to Their New Homes?

Why it matters: A good breeder doesn’t let you “pick based on color” alone. They use temperament testing (often at 7–8 weeks) to match puppies with families based on lifestyle, experience, and goals.

Follow-up: Ask if you can see the results of temperament evaluations.

6. Can I Meet the Puppy’s Parents?

Why it matters: Meeting at least the mother (dam) helps you gauge temperament and health. The father (sire) might not live on-site, but you should be given details, photos, or videos.

Follow-up: Observe the dam’s behavior—she should be confident and friendly, not fearful or aggressive.

7. What Type of Temperament Testing Have the Parents and Puppies Had?

Why it matters: Temperament can be hereditary, so testing both parents and puppies helps ensure stable, predictable behavior. Testing may include assessments for sociability, confidence, prey drive, and reaction to new situations.

Follow-up: Ask what specific temperament tests are used (e.g., Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, American Temperament Test Society evaluation) and request to see the results.

8. Are You Active in Dog Sports, Shows, or Breed Clubs?

Why it matters: Breeders involved in conformation shows, obedience, agility, or working events prove their dogs are well-structured, capable, and true to breed standards.

Follow-up: Ask about titles earned by the parents or in the pedigree.

9. How Old Are Puppies When They Go Home?

Why it matters: Puppies should stay with their litter until at least 8 weeks old to develop social skills. Early separation can lead to behavior issues.

Follow-up: Be wary of breeders offering puppies at 6 weeks or younger—it’s a red flag.

10. What Support Do You Provide After the Sale?

Why it matters: A responsible breeder is a lifelong resource for training tips, health concerns, and advice.

Follow-up: Ask if they are available for questions years down the road, not just before pickup.

11. How Many Litters Do You Breed Each Year?

Why it matters: Too many litters can be a sign of a commercial operation or puppy mill. Ethical breeders focus on quality, not quantity.

Follow-up: One to a few well-planned litters per year is normal for a small-scale, responsible breeder.

12. Can You Provide References From Past Puppy Buyers?

Why it matters: Speaking to past owners can give you an honest look at the breeder’s ethics, communication, and the quality of their dogs.

Follow-up: Ask about their experience, the health of the dog, and whether the breeder stayed in touch.

13. Are There Any Price Differences Between Puppies in the Litter?

Why it matters: Some breeders price puppies differently based on show potential, breeding rights, or limited registration. Ethical breeders base pricing on objective factors like structure, temperament, and training level — not simply color or markings.

Breeding rights: An ethical breeder will not sell breeding rights to just anyone. Breeding rights are typically reserved for highly qualified homes that meet strict standards and have proven breeding programs. Most pet puppies are sold on limited registration, meaning they cannot be bred.

Follow-up: Ask what influences the price and how breeding rights are handled to ensure it aligns with responsible practices.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a breeder is just as important as choosing a breed. Asking these questions will help ensure you bring home a healthy, well-socialized puppy from someone who genuinely cares about the dogs they produce.

A good breeder will welcome your questions—if they get defensive, refuse to answer, or offer vague responses, that’s a sign to walk away. Remember, a responsible breeder is interviewing you just as much as you are interviewing them.