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Argus · New Dog Owners

Breeder visit checklist: what to look for and what to ask

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.

At a glance

  • 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.

Before you go

  • 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.

The environment

  • Puppies are raised indoors in the home or a room that is part of daily family life.
  • The area is clean, warm, and doesn't smell strongly of urine or faeces.
  • Puppies have toys, different surfaces, and space to play.
  • There are not multiple litters of different breeds on site.
  • You are welcomed into the home, not met at the door or in a car park with a puppy in hand.

The mother and puppies

The mother: You should always be able to meet her. She should be friendly or politely reserved, not fearful or aggressive, and look healthy. It is normal for her to be a bit protective or out of condition after nursing. If the breeder says she is "out" or "at the vet", be very cautious.

The father: Often lives elsewhere, which is normal. Ask for his registered name, photos, and health tests.

The puppies: Look for clear eyes, clean ears and bottoms, a shiny coat, and a well-rounded (not bloated) belly. Healthy puppies are curious and come to investigate you. A shy puppy isn't necessarily a problem, but a whole litter that hides is a warning sign.

Questions to ask

AskGood answer
What health tests have the parents had?Specific tests with results you can verify, matching breed club recommendations
How old is the mother, and how many litters has she had?At least 2 years old; limited litters with recovery time between them
How have the puppies been socialised?Daily handling, household sounds, visitors, different surfaces, car rides
What vaccinations and vet checks will the puppy have?First vaccination, vet check, microchip, and worming, with records
When can the puppy come home?No earlier than 8 weeks
What happens if I can't keep the dog?The breeder will take the dog back at any age
What support do you offer after I take the puppy home?Ongoing advice and contact for the life of the dog

Questions they should ask you

A good breeder wants to know where their puppy is going. Expect questions about your home, work schedule, experience with dogs, other pets, children, and training plans. A breeder who asks nothing and just wants payment is a red flag.

Paperwork to see

  • Health test certificates for both parents (verify them in the relevant health database, such as OFA in the US).
  • Registration documents, if the breeder says the puppy is registered.
  • Vaccination and worming records for the puppy.
  • Microchip details.
  • A written sales contract, including health guarantees and a take-back clause.
  • Puppy pack: food information, feeding schedule, and care advice.

Deal-breakers: walk away if…

It is hard to walk away from a puppy in front of you, and some sellers count on that. Remember that buying a puppy from a bad breeder makes room for them to breed another litter.

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.

Sources and further reading

Argus · Practical dog careargus.dog/library/new-dog-owners/breeder-visit-checklist