Adding a new puppy to the family is an exciting time. It’s important though to contain your excitement long enough to do your research and have due diligence when choosing where to get your puppy from. If you fail to, it could result in incurring costs later on due to ill health or behavioural issues.
For example, French Bulldogs are among the most popular breed of dogs with demand rising by 1682% since 2010, but it’s worth being aware of the potential health issues associated with French Bulldogs bred from unreputable and unlicenced breeders. These include severe breathing problems, dental and eye issues, and skin fold dermatitis, which means the skin in their wrinkles get inflamed or even infected.
Less than 12% of puppies born in Great Britain every year are bred by licensed breeders, meaning 88% of puppies born in the UK are born to unlicensed breeders. Now, simply having a license (or not having one) isn’t the only thing you need to check for, as a license alone doesn’t equate to a responsible, trustworthy breeder.
Which is why doing your research is worthwhile!
If a breeder is responsible, they will be happy to answer questions about themselves, the dogs and breeding experience. You should have initial phone calls with them and they should be just as interested in you, your home and lifestyle as you are in finding out more about them.
Below we’ve listed 10 questions to ask a dog breeder before you consider buying one of their puppies:
1.Can you tell me about your breeding programme and how long you’ve been a breeder?
Asking this question will help you discover the breeder's goals, methods, and overall approach to breeding. Whilst there is no qualification to become a breeder, most will have prior experience in working with dogs and a passion for what they do.
2. Are you licenced?
In England, a dog breeder needs a licence if they run a business that breeds and advertises dogs for sale and if they breed 3 or more litters in any 12 month period and sell any of the puppies.
Licenced breeders will have a star rating from one to five stars. The star rating that is awarded will be based on two factors: the welfare standards against which the breeder is operating (i.e. whether the breeder makes use of health tests etc), and their risk rating, which is based on whether the breeder has a history of meeting these standards.
The licence should be clearly displayed at the premises when you visit. And, by law, a licensed breeder must display their licence number on their advertisement. That way you can identify if an advertiser is a licensed breeder.
Click here to find out more about Dog Breeding Regulations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Whilst some breeders may not be officially licensed, they may instead be recognised by or affiliated to their specific Breed Organisation to ensure breed standards are maintained.
3.Can I see the parents of the puppies?
A recent survey found 34% of puppy buyers failed to see the puppy with its mum. We can’t express enough how important it is to ask to see the parents of the puppies. Viewing the parents can give you an idea of the puppy’s potential size, appearance, and temperament. You should expect them to be living in the house and expect a clean, tidy, family home. Check Mum to see she looks happy and healthy and look around to see if the environment is suitable for her and the puppies.
4.Have the parents undergone health screenings?
A responsible breeder will want to make sure Mum and Dad are healthy. Any sign of illness should be a warning sign, as this may suggest sick puppies too, or could indicate that the mother has not been cared for by the breeder. If you suspect that the mother is unwell, question the breeder.
If the mother appears nervous or aggressive, these tendencies may also be seen in the puppies. The puppies may not show signs of behavioural problems until they are older, so the mother’s personality may give you a better idea of how your puppy might behave once they have grown up.
5.How many litters do they have each year?
A responsible breeder will ensure that female dogs are bred no more than once per year, and typically will breed no more than two, maybe three litters per year so they can ensure they have enough time to dedicate to raising each litter properly.
6.How do you socialise your puppies?
Proper socialisation during the early stages of a puppy's life is crucial. Be sure to ask the breeder about the steps they take to expose the puppies to various mental stimulation, sounds, textures and experiences. Look around at the environment they are living in to see if they have been provided with enrichment toys and other safe objects to build their curiosity and confidence.
7.What kind of temperament do the puppies have?
Understanding the temperament of the breed and the specific litter can help you assess if it aligns with your lifestyle and expectations. By 6-8 weeks a breeder should be able to tell you many details about each puppy’s personality so have a discussion with them about you and your lifestyle and together you can match with the right puppy that has the right temperament building blocks suitable for your lifestyle.
8.What vaccinations and deworming protocols have been followed?
Some breeders will have arranged their puppies’ first vaccinations before they go to their new home. If this is the case, you will be given a vaccination card by the breeder. You will need to show this to the vet you register your puppy with so that they know which vaccinations your puppy has had. Your puppy will need to have a second set of vaccinations, usually at around 10 weeks of age.
A good breeder will treat their puppies for worms before they leave for their new homes too. Ask the breeder if this has been done and find out what worm treatment they have been given and on what date(s). If the breeder has not wormed the puppies, this could be a sign that they are not a good breeder and you should walk away.
By law, all puppies should be microchipped before leaving the Breeder.
9.Can I meet the puppies and spend time with them?
Once you have visited the breeder, it's important that you don't make a hasty decision. Interacting with the puppies allows you to assess their behaviour, socialisation, and overall condition. A good and reputable breeder should be happy for you to have plenty of time to make a decision.
Many breeders will start allowing visits from about 4-5 weeks and then allow you to visit as often as you like, usually once per week for up to 2 hours. During your initial conversations, check with them how often you can visit the puppies’ during this stage and what updates they provide for the future families during those first 8 weeks.
10.What support do you provide after the purchase?
Ask about the breeder's willingness to offer guidance, advice, or support in the future as you raise and care for your new puppy. Often, breeders will set up a WhatsApp group for new owners to converse together and keep in touch with their new puppy’s siblings.
Remember, responsible breeders prioritise the health and well-being of their dogs and are transparent about their practices. Asking these questions will help you make an informed decision and find a reputable breeder to get your puppy from.
Below is a list of RED FLAGS to be aware of:
- If you couldn’t see the Mum
- If the Mum looks anxious/unhappy
- No health checks on Mum and Dad
- They wanted you to take puppy there and then without asking any questions
- If a breeder offers or asks to meet you halfway at a service station, for example.
- If licences have not been renewed or are no longer in date - Remember just because they have a licence doesn’t mean they’re a good breeder
- If the breeder doesn’t want to know about you and the home you can offer
Can you think of any other questions that you would ask a Dog Breeder about their experience?
Click here to discover 10 Things to Ask a Dog Groomer Before You Hire Them.
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Click here to discover 10 Things to Ask a Doggy Day Carer Before You Hire Them.
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Source The Kennel Club and Battersea