Thinking about buying a dog from a breeder? Use this list of questions to help separate the bad from the good. The good ones will address these questions to ask a breeder similar to the way that we’ve suggested below. The bad ones won’t.

1. When were the puppies born? Puppies are generally ready for release when they’re 8 weeks old, so the answer to this question should give you a general idea of when you can have one.
2. Can I be placed on your waiting list? In the event that the breeder’s dam isn’t pregnant or recently gave birth, puppies may not be available for quite some time. Asking to be placed on a waiting list will ensure your pick of the litter once it’s appropriate for the dam to mate again.
3. How healthy are the dogs? Here, you want to learn if the pups have been tested for hip, eye, and ear problems. Ask about vaccinations and deworming as well. As part of basic veterinarian care, vaccinations and deworming should accompany all necessary testing.
4. Do the dogs come with documentation? A responsible breeder will say yes, knowing that you’ll need documentation to register your dog with the AKC.
5. Will I have to neuter or spay my puppy? To prevent future genetic mishaps, your breeder may require you to neuter or spay a non-show puppy, and then solidify that requirement in writing.
6. Is there a history of genetic problems with the puppies’ mother? An ethical breeder will disclose a full history of the dame’s medical history and the breed’s history as well. Some breeds are predisposed toward certain illnesses and it’s important that you know about those illnesses so that you can properly care for the dogs that they inflict.
7. Can I return the dog if something goes wrong? If you’re told, “no,” consider this a red flag. In general, responsible breeders will welcome a return in the event that you’re no longer able to care for one of its pups. Breeders often regard their litters as their own, and would rather have a puppy back into the environment from which it was born into, than have it end up in an animal shelter or worse – abandoned somewhere.
8. Can I replace a puppy with a different one? Some breeders are willing to accommodate this request in the event that a puppy becomes ill, but not all. Whatever the case, the conditions surrounding such a swap should be in writing.
9. How long have you been in business? Breeders with years of experience are much more knowledgeable and dependable than a breeder who’s just starting out. Try to select one that has bred dogs at least three years or who has shown a few canines in a couple of dog shows. Show dogs are the litmus test of breeders since the only dogs that can participate are those that exemplify a certain breed.
10. How many different breeds do you have? The number of breeds raised in a single environment can influence the quality of each litter. So it’s certainly best if you can find a breeder that specializes in raising a single type of breed. Raising more than two breeds invites the potential of inadvertent mixing.
11. How many litters are born each year? The recommended approach is no more than one litter per year per dam.
12. How is the dam’s or sire’s pedigree? Your confidence in a breeder should significantly rise if your breeder can prove his animals have a history of winning showmanship. Look for skills in agility, obedience, and temperament.