Questions to Ask a Breeder Before Buying a Puppy
Compare breeder answers, parent health-test evidence, puppy records, raising routines, written terms, and ongoing support.
Use one interview checklist to compare answers from breeders. Ask before paying a deposit, save the records you receive, and distinguish an attractive explanation from evidence you can check. A good conversation helps assess fit; it cannot guarantee health or honesty.
Health: ask for identifiable records
- What are the parents’ registered names or other identifying details?
- Which breed-specific screenings were completed, when, and where can I see results?
- What veterinary care has this puppy received, with dated records?
- What concerns, limitations, or pending tests should I know about?
Check individual results rather than a badge alone. OFA explains that a CHIC number does not necessarily mean normal results. Parent testing and this puppy’s veterinary care are separate subjects. Take unclear records to your veterinarian; do not rely on a seller’s fixed vaccination or deworming timetable for every puppy.
Parents and breeding decisions
Ask why these parents were paired and what strengths and limitations the breeder considered. Discuss relatives’ health and behavior where known. Ask whether you can meet the mother and why a parent might not be present. Seeing a parent can provide context, but a calm appearance does not establish the puppy’s future health or temperament.
Raising the litter and choosing a puppy
- Where do the puppies spend their time, and who cares for them?
- What handling, household experiences, rest, and early learning have they had?
- How are individual differences observed over time?
- What makes this puppy a suitable or unsuitable match for my home?
- What food, schedule, and comfort items should continue after pickup?
Give the breeder accurate information about your household and daily routine. The AKC breeder-question guide is a useful starting point for this two-way discussion.
Contract, documents, and support
- Which puppy or reservation does the agreement identify?
- What is the complete price and what are the deposit conditions?
- What does any health guarantee include, exclude, and require?
- Which veterinary, registration, and identification records arrive at pickup?
- What happens if the dog cannot stay with me later?
- Who answers transition questions, and how can I contact them?
Read the document before paying and resolve differences between written terms and messages. Do not interpret a guarantee as a promise that a dog can never become ill. For terms to discuss in more detail, use our contract checklist.
Record answers in a comparison sheet
| Topic | Answer received | Evidence or next question |
|---|---|---|
| Parent screening | Names, tests, dates | Check the actual results |
| Puppy records | Dated care and identification | Ask the veterinarian about unclear items |
| Fit and routine | Observed behavior and handover | Compare with your normal week |
| Agreement | Price, deposit, pickup, support | Resolve missing written terms before paying |
This worksheet is not a pass/fail certificate. Pause when important answers are missing or conflicting. For identity checks, see verifying a breeder online.
Sources and editorial method
AKC and OFA guidance linked above was checked October 10, 2026. This editorial checklist combines useful questions from the older PuppiesClub guides without retaining their unsupported medical schedules or safety guarantees. It is not a veterinary assessment or state-specific legal opinion. Send corrections to PuppiesClub.