When it comes to choosing your new puppy pal, you’ll probably have loads of questions you’ll want to ask the breeder. What you may not have thought about though, is what questions will a dog breeder ask you.
If this is something you haven’t considered yet, Puppy Hero has got your back with this handy list of questions you can expect to be asked by a dog breeder before you buy a puppy.
When you meet with the breeder, one of the first questions a dog breeder will ask you is about your accommodation. If you live in an apartment—don’t worry! This shouldn’t be an issue, as there are plenty of dog breeds that are suited just fine to living in apartments.
The breeder will most likely be asking this in order to ensure that you’ll have adequate space for a growing pup, as well as somewhere you can bring your dog when it needs to exercise or do its business.
When it comes to what questions a dog breeder will ask you, a lot of them will revolve around your suitability to own a dog. This is why the breeder may ask whether or not you’re new to being a dog parent.
If you are a first-time owner, this definitely won’t mean you aren’t gonna make a fantastic dog mom or dad. It just means that you may need a little more guidance from the breeder. If this is the case for you, you should be prepared to ask the breeder for any advice they might have for you. A great breeder will be more than happy to help, and should appreciate that you’re keen to give your pet the best life possible!
While there are plenty of dog breeds that thrive on being part of a large family, as well as pups that have no issue sharing a house with other pets, there are some breeds that prefer having an environment that’s a little less busy.
No matter what the breed, however, your new furry friend will need time and patience when settling into their new forever home. That means that if you have other pets that are a tad jealous or aggressive, or if your little ones are at an age where they haven’t quite mastered gentle hands, your breeder may advise that you hold off on getting a puppy for the time being.
As much as we’d all love for our doggos to live super long and healthy lives, there will most likely come a time when your pet gets sick or injured. This is why your breeder will be keen to know that you are going to be able to take care of all your pup’s medical needs.
One of the questions a dog breeder will ask you is whether you plan to take out pet insurance, as well as whether you're prepared to take care of a poorly pooch if and when the time comes.
Everyone knows that the earlier you start draining a dog, the better. As the saying goes, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks!”
This is why your breeder may want to ask about when and how you’re planning to train your puppy. Not only is training important for ensuring your pup grows up obedient, it can also be a great bonding experience for both of you, and can really help with developing trust. Plus, who doesn’t want to impress their friends with a dog who can roll over on demand?
Much like when you bring home a baby from the hospital, bringing home a pet will mean that you may have to make some alterations to your home. One of the questions a dog breeder will ask you is whether or not your home has been puppy-proofed, and that everything is ready for the new arrival.
With a puppy checklist as long as your arm, it can be pretty easy to forget the odd item or two when buying things for your pooch! Your breeder may ask you what you’ve already got for your new family member, as well as remind you of anything that may have slipped your mind.
Even after you’ve saved up and forked out for the dog of your dreams, unfortunately that’s not going to be the last dent in your wallet! You’ll also have to ensure you have enough money set aside for all those nagging extras, such as toys, food, grooming, and medical bills. A good breeder will want to make sure you’re aware of this before making any kind of commitment.
With different breeds of dog having very different needs, temperaments, and personalities, it’s super important that you’ve thoroughly researched the breed you’re going for. Your breeder will likely want to know why you’ve settled on a particular breed, and what you expect from your new pup.
Although everyone knows it’s not possible to have someone taking care of your dog 24/7, it’s also not a good idea to have your pup home alone too often, or for too long—especially when they’re first settling in. This is why your breeder may ask about what kind of schedule you and your family have. So, if the breeder is asking you about your working hours and whether you go on holidays a lot, they’re not just being nosey!
The breeder will likely be looking to make sure that your pet isn’t going to be neglected in any way, and will have someone around to take them outside for exercise and toileting.
It may feel a little unnerving, or even borderline rude to have someone ask you about your finances, your ability to care for a pup, or how gentle your little ones are…but try to see these questions as a positive thing! Just like the work that goes into finding a reputable dog breeder, these breeders need to ask these questions to make sure the puppies are going to a good home.
If the breeder seems very inquisitive, it probably just means that they really care for the wellbeing of the puppies, and want to ensure that they’re going to have a fantastic forever home.
If you’re worried about not having the ‘correct’ answers to these questions, don’t worry, just be as honest as you can. A breeder with all of the right certifications will be happy to give you advice in any area you may fall short so that you can both rest easy knowing you’re fully prepared for a lovely new puppy.