Questions to ask a breeder?

[StillMedusa]

Before anyone leaps on me, we have been looking for a rescue for a year but with two cats , we have had no luck..and I also need a dog that is unlikely to come with issues as my youngest (adult) son has special needs (he is very gentle and adores dogs)

So we have looked, researched, been to Discover Dogs at Crufts (and fell in love with wayyy too many) and have found a breed we think will be perfect for our family.

We are going via the Breed Club's own reccomended breeders and have two who are planning matings this year..and we are meeting them both in the next few weeks.

Both have the histories of their breeding programmes and hip/eye scores available but as we have never had a puppy before, is there anything I need to ask that I may not think of? Or rather... what questions have you asked?
Thanks!

[BorderlineExperimental]

This list on the Champdogs site is quite a good one. They’ve also got a guide to interviewing prospective puppy buyers which gives you an idea of what the breeder should be asking you.

As well as checking results for all relevant health tests I’d also be sure to look at the inbreeding coefficients of any litters you’re interested. As long as you’ve got the full name of both parents you can do both using the KC’s Mate Select tools. It’s worth noting that they don’t always show results for every available health test though.

[Wolfiefan]

Not going to jump on you! I wanted a certain breed so did similar.
Have you checked with the breed club what tests should be done?
Ask if pups will be endorsed? It suggests the breeder cares what happens to the pups as you can’t breed and register with KC without permission. Our breeder includes in the contract that if ever we have to rehome we have to contact her.
How often do they breed from each bitch? Minimum of what age? Do they own both dogs? (Would make me wary.)
Sure other people will have more!
Good luck.

[BlueSlipperSocks]

First make sure you see the pups with their mother. And it will be obvious if it is their mother. Any doubts walk away.

Then get onto the relevant questions about health scores and the significance. Would breeder take puppy back if there was a problem. Ask how many bitches they have in pup at any given time. Ask to look around the kennel and view the dogs, what they are fed on, vets visits etc

Just don't leave there with a puppy unless you are 100% happy that the bitches and their pups are A OK! Plus you have a guarantee (in writing) that the pup can be returned to the breeder if need be.

Most breeders will give 1 months free pet insurance plus the pups will have had their first vaccination and be and chipped. A good breeder will get on the phone there and then and transfer details of chip and insurance over to you. They will also tell you to get your pup checked at the vet. Any problem they will accept puppy back.

You will get a feel of the kennels when you go OP. My advice is to go, look at the pups, don't leave with one. Then return, within a few days, without an appointment and see the "normal" running of the kennel. If in doubt walk away and report your concerns to the relevant authorities. Breed club breeders are not always 100% guaranteed.

But foremost ALWAYS make sure you see the puppy with its mother and Interacting with its littermates. The rest should follow.

[ABitOTT]

Can I also make a suggestion? You could also check there isn't a rescue charity which specifically deals with the breed of dog you like? We have brought via a breeder before (x4) but last year we began fostering dogs for a charity that only rehomes one breed of dog.

Back to the breeders. Ask any questions you feel are important because a good breeder will be able to answer these & shouldn't be offended. Best of luck with finding your new furry buddy

[TheoriginalLEM]

Its not about what you ask the breeder, its about what they ask you. A good breeder will scrutinise prospective owners and only home with people they are sure of.

A good breeder will fall over themselves to ensure you have all the information you need to give the pup the best start in life.

In short, if you don't feel a little affronted by the breeders questions you have to ask if they care enough who they sell them to.

[BlueSlipperSocks]

The original. Yes I fully agree. But breeders also have to be prepared to answer questions and allow prospective puppy buyers to scrutinise their premises and dogs, without a pre planned appointment.

[TheoriginalLEM]

I agree

[Rustyigloo]

I agree with all of the above.

The fact our breeder wouldn't let a puppy go without meeting all of our family at his property seemed relevant too - the kids reacted really well with 10 miniature schnauzers jumping all over them and licking them!

He also talking for England about their coat requirements and best diet - really knew his stuff.

So I think sometimes it's not necessarily what questions need to be asked as the breeder should be showing a passion for the breed and actually asking whether you are suitable.

[OverFedStanley]

I think it is really important to ask the breeder questions of course a good breeder will grill you but you need to ask a lot of questions to check the match is right for you.

I would not get a puppy that has the run of the kennel as BlueSlipersocks says. I would only get a puppy if it had be reared in a house and used to a domestic setting.

I also would not want the puppy to have had its first vaccination before I collected it (unless for some reason I was collecting is a lot later than 8 weeks). This can result in puppies having to start their vaccines again when you take them to a different vet and vaccinating too early is not great as puppies may still have cover from their mum.

I would want all puppies to have ens carried out by the breeder if they have not done this walk away. If they have not heard of this walk away!

I would ask how they are socialising the puppies while they have them eg
have they been out in a car,
have they been left on their own as individual puppies,
are they used to different surfaces,
what does the breeder do if the puppies startle to a noise,
have they been in a crate,
does the breeder say a specific word as they are being fed
have they met children


Obviously research the health tests and make sure you understand the numbers and results and check the paperwork carefully

If a second breeding ask to speak to other owners of the previous puppies

Research the dad, speak to his owner and again speak to people who already have a dog from his breeding.

[barcodescanner]

Medusa can I ask what breeds you are looking at?
We also have cats
Thanks