When you breed, you will want to ensure that each buyer is the right new owner for the puppy. Much work goes into your role as a responsible breeder to produce healthy, well-socialised puppies with good temperaments, with all the correct care and attention. You do not want to waste all that effort to see puppies head to the wrong home. So, your final step is to find the right family.
For the right family, you will need to know what questions to ask each puppy buyer to ensure that they are knowledgeable and committed to welcoming the fur baby into a permanent and loving home.
Here are 20 essential questions to ask a potential puppy buyer when they are enquiring about your puppies.
It is critical, as a responsible breeder, you know what questions to ask each potential puppy buyer to ensure they are a suitable new owner. Your reputation, ethics, and love for the breed, and your dogs and puppies will shine through every discussion you have with a potential puppy buyer.
Below, we have 20 questions that can help you find a committed, prepared, and loving home for each of the puppies you sell.
The potential puppy buyer might not be aware that the breed is unsuitable for them. Ensure they understand all the requirements carefully, such as grooming requirements.
One of the first questions to ask a potential puppy buyer is, why are you looking to buy a puppy? This open-ended question can tell you about themselves and their motivations. Are they looking for a show dog? A companion or a working dog?
If the dog buyer has had a dog before, they will have a much better idea of what they are looking for in a puppy and what owning a dog entails. Be wary of puppy buyers who think they have experience because they grew up with a dog as a child. A childhood puppy is very different from being responsible for a new puppy as an adult! They might also have developed some bad habits, so you should go through the best practices for dogs now and ensure that the breed is suitable for their situation.
Ask them what they know about the breed to see if they have done their research. Are they aware of potential issues? What makes them special? Do they have any particular behavior or care needs?
Ensure the potential new dog owner has a house that is the right size. Some breeds, certainly larger or more energetic breeds will require large spaces. If someone has an apartment, they need to choose an appropriate dog.
While you are asking about their home, you should also find out if they have a fenced yard so the dog has some outside space to play in, go to the toilet, and let off energy. A fenced yard is key for lively and energetic breeds.
Dogs love being part of the family, so ideally, you will want to ensure that they plan for their dog to live in the home.
An energetic breed might not be suitable if frail elderly family members live in the home. Not all breeds are ideal for young children, for example. Some breeds prefer lively, active houses. Others prefer a quieter, more sedate home life.
Ensure everyone is on board with the new addition! Some people go get a dog without the consent of the other parent.
For potential puppy buyers, ask if they have other pets at home and offer advice about the puppy's suitability. You can also provide advice on helping their other pets and the puppy to get used to each other.
Ask if they are prepared for all the additional expenses such as grooming, veterinarian care, training vaccinations, etc.
A puppy requires lots of attention, care, and training. They can struggle emotionally and with their development if they are left alone for too long each day.
You should provide advice on current training for the puppies and ask if they plan to attend puppy classes or train themselves.
Many breeds require regular and specialist grooming, like huskies and Pomeranians. Regular professional care can be expensive, and people need to be prepared for them.
Discuss the genetic screening tests you do for puppies and your dogs. Ensure they understand responsible puppy buyers should be aware of common health problems and understand the importance of ongoing vet care and potential breed-specific concerns.
Have a conversation about the current schedule and how new owners can help their puppy settle into a routine that fits into their lifestyle.
Hopefully, you will be able to have a good conversation about the suitability of a new puppy buyer to ensure that they are the right fit for one of your puppies. It doesn't need to read like an interview, try to have a natural conversation and tick off information as you receive it.
Let potential new puppy owners ask as many questions as they like as this will often give you an idea of their plans for their new puppy and their level of experience so you can educate them and ensure that each of your puppies finds a loving, suitable and caring forever home.
23 July, 2025