Top 10 Questions to Ask a Breeder

Why is your choice of breeder important?

When evaluating a dog breeder's ethical standards, it's crucial to ask pertinent questions to ensure the health and wellbeing of the puppies and their parents. Puppies from unethical breeders often face genetic, behavioral, or health issues that may not be immediately apparent. These problems can result in significant financial and emotional costs for the owner, sometimes even leading to difficult decisions about the puppy's future. Screening helps you verify that puppies and breeding dogs have undergone health checks, vaccinations, and genetic testing to prevent hereditary conditions. This reduces the risk of health issues that could arise later in a puppy’s life.

By asking questions, you can avoid supporting unethical breeders who don’t consider the wellbeing of their animals. Responsible breeders carefully manage breeding frequency and conditions, ensuring healthy, well-cared-for dogs. This also includes a breeder’s socialization practices, you ensure the puppy is being introduced to positive experiences that are crucial for its development and behavior.

By asking thoughtful questions, you can assess a breeder's commitment to ethical practices and the health of their dogs. To read more about how selecting a good breeder affects the future of dog populations throughout Canada, check out Why Choose an Ethical Breeder.

For those breeders who are Paction Certified, you can review the terms to which they agree to as part of the Paction Promise.

When meeting a breeder, here are 10 essential questions to consider asking:

1. Can I meet the puppy's mother and observe the environment where the puppies are raised?

• Purpose: Ensures transparency and that the puppies are raised in a healthy, nurturing environment. Meeting the mother provides insight into the puppies' potential temperament and health.

2. What health screenings and genetic tests have been conducted on the parents?

• Purpose: Confirms that the breeder tests for breed-specific genetic disorders, reducing the risk of inherited health issues.

3. Can you provide health certificates and vaccination records for the puppies?

• Purpose: Verifies that the puppies have received appropriate veterinary care, including vaccinations and deworming.

4. How do you socialize your puppies?

• Purpose: Ensures puppies are exposed to various environments, people, and other animals, promoting well-adjusted behavior.

5. What is your policy on breeding frequency and the number of litters per dog?

• Purpose: Ethical breeders limit the number of litters to maintain the health of the breeding dogs.

6. Do you provide a health guarantee or contract?

• Purpose: A written agreement indicates the breeder's confidence in their breeding practices and outlines recourse if health issues arise.

7. Can you provide references from previous puppy buyers?

• Purpose: Offers insight into the breeder's reputation and the experiences of past clients.

8. Are you affiliated with any breed clubs, organizations and are you Paction Certified?

• Purpose: Membership in recognized organizations often reflects a commitment to breed standards and ethical practices.

9. What support do you offer to new puppy owners?

• Purpose: Ethical breeders provide ongoing guidance and support to ensure the puppy's successful integration into their new home.

10. What is your policy if I can no longer care for the puppy?

• Purpose: Responsible breeders often have a return policy, demonstrating their commitment to the lifelong welfare of their dogs.