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A smart buyer always researches the seller. The following is a starting point for buying dogs and puppies.
This list is not meant to be comprehensive and we suggest you consult breeders,
other experienced buyers, veterinarians and media references for additional information.
Common Checklist...
- May you call the seller's breed registry (i.e AKC, CKC, UKC) to see if the breeder is in good standing with the Registry?
- Is the seller actively involved in any dog registries or organizations?
- Ask for the seller's veterinarian contact information. The seller may permit the veterinarian to answer your questions regarding
the seller's veterinarian history.
- How many litters does the seller raise each year?
- At what age does the breeder let puppies go to new homes? Most puppies should stay with their litter until at least 8 weeks of age. Although
they may be eating fine, many vets recommend keeping the litter together for at least 8 weeks for social development purposes. Some
club code of ethics require a puppy to be a certain age.
- What type of environment were the puppies raised in?
- Is the puppy house trained, or started in training?
- What registries, if any, are the puppies eligible for? There are several major registries including the
United Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club. Be sure to choose a registry with breed standards.
- What type of food is the puppy currently eating? You will want to keep them on the same diet during the transition period.
- Has the puppy had vaccinations, and if so, which ones? There are many different vaccinations for puppies. Consult your vet to
make sure the puppy has received the necessary vaccinations for your area.
- How many times has the puppy been wormed, and with what type of wormer? This is very important because young puppies can die from
lack of worming.
- What guarantees does the seller offer in terms of health and conformation? If there is a guarantee, what is the time period?
- Does the puppy have an umbilical hernia?
- Does the puppy have a correct bite?
- If advertised as "Champion Lines", how close up are the Champions? There should be a noticable difference in price based on
how close-up the champions are, and what they are champions in.
- Regardless of the breed, all potential breeding stock should have certain health certifications specific to the breed before the
dogs are bred. Many of these have age restrictions of at least 2 years of age. Ask about certifications of the individual and/or parents.
- What breeding rights are sold with the individual? There are full breeding rights, limited rights and no rights. Make sure
your needs are met in this area.
- How long has the breeder been breeding dogs, and the specific breed?
- A show breeder is not necessarily the best breeder. Evaluate each breeder individually. Show breeders tend to
be more in tuned to show ring conformation and are in general, more aware of conformation requirements of the breed standard. However,
show breeders may stray towards breed fads such as color, neck length, movement, pedigree, etc. If you are looking
for a show dog, you may want to purchase from a show dog breeder. If you are looking for a field dog, you may want to purchase
from a field dog breeder. There can be big differences between a "show dog", a "field dog" or a plain old "pet".
- Does the breeder have any other breeder referrals if they do not have the specific dog you are looking for?
Some breeders will offer names of other reputable breeders.
- Can the seller provide you with references? If you are purchasing from a distance, you may want references of buyers in your similar circumstance.
- Ask the breeder what "quality" the individual dog is, and what their definition of that quality is. For example,
pet quality may mean a conformation flaw, it may mean the breeder does not sell dogs with full rights. Or, it may just mean the sire and dam are pets and this
is a litter from pets. Be sure to ask!
- Expect an interview from the breeder. Common questions a breeder may ask will involve your family, life style,
where the dog will live, what experience you have with dogs and the specific breed, what you intend to do with the dog,
if you have references, and who will be your veterinarian.
- Don't be offended if you are not selected for ownership. Most breeders have key issues they need to feel comfortable
with before they will place a dog or puppy. If you are denied, ask what you need to do to be accepted into ownership. If you feel the explanation
is unreasonable, buy from someone else. Breeders may be very selective.
Additional Questions for Adult Dogs...
- Why are they selling the dog?
- Does the dog have any health problems?
- Does the dog have any undesirable traits?
- If necessary, does the dog get along with other animals?
- What amount of attention does this specific dog require?
Remember, most people are honest. However, buyers should be vigilant and ask questions regarding the purchase.
Most breeders want their puppies to go to appropriate homes and appreciate an interested, well-informed buyer. If the
seller is unwilling to accommodate, you may want to purchase the puppy elsewhere.
Breeder Red Flags
Multiple-breed and mass litter breeders.Breeders that don't ask screening questions.Sellers that do not show you the sire and the dam of the puppies.The Sire or the Dam of the puppies is under 2 years of age.Multiple-breed and mass litter breeders.Reluctancy to show buyers their facility.Breeders with no referrals. |
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