New Dog Owners
Breeder visit checklist: what to look for and what to ask
8 min read
TL;DR
Take this checklist with you when you visit a breeder. You are looking for four things: healthy, confident puppies raised in a home environment; a mother you can meet who is friendly and relaxed; paperwork that proves the parents were health-tested; and a breeder who asks you as many questions as you ask them. If any of the deal-breakers at the end apply, walk away — however cute the puppies are.
- Meet the mother, and see where the puppies are raised.
- Ask for health test results for both parents and verify them yourself.
- Expect a written contract with a take-back clause.
- Go home to think before paying anything more than a small deposit.
- Ask which health tests the parents have had, and look up what tests the breed club recommends.
- Ask for the registered names of both parents so you can check results in advance.
- Plan to visit before the puppies are ready to go home, ideally more than once.
- Decide your walk-away points in advance so you are not swayed by the puppies.
Still shortlisting breeders?
Read how to find a reputable breeder →Next in Pre-acquisition
Frequently asked questions
- What should I look for when visiting a breeder?
- Puppies raised in a clean home environment, a friendly mother you can meet, verifiable health tests for both parents, a written contract with a take-back clause, and a breeder who asks you plenty of questions.
- Should I be able to meet both parents?
- You should always be able to meet the mother. The father often lives elsewhere, which is normal, but the breeder should share his details and health test results.
- How old should a puppy be when it goes home?
- At least 8 weeks. Some breeders of small breeds keep puppies until 10–12 weeks.