Questions to Ask Before Buying a Puppy

Asking the right questions before buying a puppy is one of the most important steps in protecting yourself and ensuring you are bringing home a healthy, well-raised dog.

Not all breeders operate the same way, and not all puppies are at the same stage of development. The questions you ask should reflect both the puppy’s age and the breeder’s practices.

A responsible breeder will be open, detailed, and consistent in their answers. If you feel like you are being rushed, avoided, or given unclear information, it is a sign to slow down.

Questions Based on the Puppy’s Age

Understanding what is appropriate to ask at each stage helps you better evaluate both the breeder and the puppy.

Young Puppies (0–4 Weeks)

At this stage, the focus should be on the environment, care, and breeder practices, not the individual puppy.

Ask:

• Where are the puppies being raised (home, kennel, separate building)?
• Are they being handled daily?
• Are they exposed to normal household sounds?
• Can I see the full litter with the mother?
• Can we do a live video call?

Important to understand:

• Temperament cannot be accurately determined yet
• Puppies should still be with their mother full-time

Developing Puppies (4–8 Weeks)

This is a critical developmental stage where socialization begins to matter.

Ask:

• How are the puppies being socialized?
• Are they exposed to people, sounds, and different surfaces?
• Have they started crate introduction or basic routines?
• Are they being separated from the mother gradually?
• Can I see updated videos of the puppy interacting?

This stage gives insight into how the puppy is being prepared for real life.

Ready-to-Go Puppies (8+ Weeks)

At this stage, you should be asking more detailed and specific questions.

Ask:

• What is the puppy’s temperament so far?
• Has the puppy been seen by a licensed veterinarian?
• What vaccinations have been given and when?
• Has the puppy been dewormed regularly (typically every 2 weeks)?
• What food is the puppy currently eating?
• What routine or schedule is the puppy used to?

You should also expect documentation at this stage.

Health Testing and Parent Information

Health starts with the parents, not just the puppy.

Ask:

• What health testing has been completed on the sire and dam?
• Were the parents tested for breed-specific genetic conditions?
• Can you provide proof or documentation of testing?
• Are the parents registered, and with which registry?

Also ask:

• What are the parents’ temperaments like?
• Have they had any health issues?
• Can I see photos or videos of the parents?

A responsible breeder should be able to confidently explain:

• Common health concerns in the breed
• What they test for and why
• What buyers should monitor long-term

Veterinary Care and Early Health

Understanding the puppy’s early care is essential.

Ask:

• Has the puppy been examined by a veterinarian?
• Will the puppy be checked again before going home?
• What veterinary clinic do you use?
• Has the puppy been dewormed on schedule?
• Are there any current or past health concerns?

You should receive:

• Vet records
• Vaccination records
• Any relevant health documentation

Breeder Practices and Program

This tells you more than the puppy itself.

Ask:

• How long have you been breeding?
• How many litters do you produce per year?
• How often is each female bred?
• What is your goal with this breeding program?
• How are puppies raised day-to-day?

Look for:

• Consistency
• Clear answers
• A structured program

Living Environment and Early Development

Where and how a puppy is raised has a major impact.

Ask:

• Are puppies raised inside the home or outside?
• Are they exposed to normal household activity?
• Are they introduced to different surfaces, sounds, or people?
• Are they started on potty training or crate exposure?

This affects:

• Confidence
• Adaptability
• Ease of transition into your home

Communication and Proof

Transparency is one of the biggest indicators of legitimacy.

Ask:

• Can we do a live video call?
• Can you send updated, real-time videos?
• Can I see the puppy interacting naturally?
• Do you have a profile, website, or reviews?

Avoid anyone who:

• Refuses live interaction
• Only sends staged or repeated photos
• Avoids showing the environment

What Comes Home With the Puppy

Before committing, understand exactly what you will receive.

Ask:

• What is included with the puppy?
• Will I receive vet records and vaccination history?
• Do you provide a contract?
• Do you include food, a blanket, or familiar items?

Also clarify:

• Pickup or delivery process
• Timeline and expectations

Contracts, Deposits, and Payments

This is where many scams happen.

Ask:

• Do you use a written contract?
• What does the deposit cover?
• Is the deposit refundable?
• When is full payment due?

Be cautious of:

• Pressure to send money quickly
• No paperwork or agreement
• Unclear payment terms

Ongoing Support

A responsible breeder remains available after the puppy goes home.

Ask:

• Can I contact you after bringing the puppy home?
• Do you provide guidance or support?
• What happens if I have questions or concerns?

This is a strong indicator of a breeder who cares about long-term outcomes.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if a breeder:

• Avoids questions or gives vague answers
• Refuses video calls or proof
• Cannot provide health or vet information
• Pushes for fast payment
• Has inconsistent or unclear details

If something feels off, take a step back.

Finding the right puppy starts with asking the right questions. By understanding what to ask and when you can make a more informed, confident, and responsible decision.

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