Bringing a new puppy into your life is one of the most joyful and transformative experiences a person can have. That first wag of a tiny tail, the smell of puppy breath, the feel of soft fur nestled into your arms—it’s pure magic. For many families, a new puppy signifies love, companionship, and the beginning of countless cherished memories. Whether you’re adding a playful bundle of energy to a busy household or looking for a loyal companion to share your quiet mornings, the decision to welcome a dog into your home is not one to be taken lightly.
But before you get swept up in the excitement of adorable puppy eyes and Instagram-worthy photo ops, it’s absolutely essential to do your homework—especially when it comes to selecting a breeder. Not all breeders are created equal. While some dedicate their lives to preserving and improving the breed they love, others may prioritize profit over the well-being of the dogs, leading to heartbreaking outcomes for both puppies and their future families.
A reputable and responsible breeder doesn’t just hand you a cute puppy and send you on your way. They are deeply invested in the health, temperament, and lifelong success of every dog they raise. From proper socialization and early health screenings to transparent communication and ongoing support, these breeders are true advocates for their animals. Choosing one is about more than just getting a dog—it’s about aligning yourself with someone who shares your values when it comes to animal welfare and ethical care.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most important questions you should ask any breeder before committing to bring home a puppy. These questions are designed to protect not only your future pet but also your peace of mind. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pet parent, knowing what to ask will help ensure you’re working with someone who puts dogs first, maintains high standards, and is committed to responsible, transparent, and ethical breeding practices.
Why Choosing the Right Breeder Matters
When you choose a breeder, you’re not just buying a puppy—you’re investing in a future family member. The right breeder plays a vital role in:
- Promoting good health and temperament in their dogs
- Preventing hereditary illnesses through responsible practices
- Socializing puppies for a smooth transition into new homes
- Educating new owners on lifelong care for their dog
Unfortunately, puppy mills and unethical breeders are still far too common. These breeders prioritize profit over the welfare of their animals, often producing sick or poorly socialized puppies.
Asking the right questions helps you avoid heartbreak and ensures you’re supporting responsible practices.
The Top 20 Questions to Ask Your Breeder
This is one of the most telling questions you can ask. Reputable breeders almost always have affiliations with trusted breed organizations and canine clubs. These groups typically enforce high standards for breeding ethics, health testing, and overall dog care. If a breeder is proudly affiliated with one or more of these organizations, it’s often a strong indicator that they’re not just breeding for profit—they’re breeding to preserve and improve the breed they love.
Ask if the breeder is a member of:
- The American Kennel Club (AKC) – One of the most recognized organizations in the U.S., the AKC requires breeders to adhere to guidelines around health testing, housing, recordkeeping, and overall treatment of their dogs. Breeders can also earn the coveted AKC Breeder of Merit or AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. designation.
- Breed-Specific Clubs – These are organizations dedicated to individual breeds, such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, Golden Retriever Club of America, or the Poodle Club of America. These clubs usually require breeders to follow even more specific guidelines, such as testing for known breed-specific hereditary conditions and participating in continuing education on breed health and development.
- The Responsible Dog Breeder Network (RDBN) – This growing organization is dedicated to promoting transparency, education, and high standards among ethical dog breeders. Members are vetted and must show a commitment to responsible breeding practices, lifetime support for their puppies, and transparency with potential buyers. The RDBN also provides helpful resources for both breeders and puppy buyers to ensure every dog has the best possible start in life.
Why it matters: Membership in one or more of these organizations shows that the breeder is not operating in isolation. It means they’re being held accountable by a wider community of peers and professionals. These affiliations often require breeders to sign a code of ethics that promotes the health and welfare of dogs, proper recordkeeping, and responsible placement of puppies.
On the flip side, if a breeder is not part of any recognized organization, that’s not an automatic deal-breaker—but it’s a reason to ask more questions and scrutinize their practices even more carefully.
Bonus Tip: Don’t just take their word for it—ask for proof of membership or check the club’s website. Many have searchable directories of approved or registered breeders.
🔗 External Link Suggestion: American Kennel Club Breeder Programs
2. Do You Follow a Code of Ethics?
A hallmark of a responsible, trustworthy breeder is their commitment to a clear and comprehensive code of ethics. This isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a written set of values and standards that guides how they breed, raise, and place their dogs. When a breeder operates under a strict ethical framework, it shows that they care deeply about doing what’s right—not just what’s easy or profitable.
A reputable breeder’s code of ethics should include, but is not limited to, the following principles:
- Avoiding the Breeding of Dogs With Known Hereditary Issues:
Ethical breeders invest in health screening and genetic testing before pairing dogs. This helps reduce the risk of passing on genetic disorders or breed-specific health problems. If a dog is known to carry a condition that could be harmful to its offspring, a responsible breeder will either remove that dog from their breeding program or only breed it in a way that minimizes the risk to the puppies (e.g., using a genetically clear mate). - Prioritizing Health and Temperament Over Appearance or Profit:
While it’s tempting for some breeders to focus on popular physical traits—like coat color, size, or “trendy” features—a reputable breeder always puts health, soundness, and personality first. This helps ensure that puppies will thrive in their new homes and contribute positively to the breed’s future. - Providing Lifelong Support to Puppy Owners:
A breeder’s responsibility doesn’t end when the puppy leaves their care. Truly ethical breeders offer ongoing guidance, support, and resources for new owners. They are happy to answer questions months or even years later, whether it’s about training, nutrition, or health concerns. Many will also include a clause in their contract stating they will take the dog back at any point in its life if the owner can no longer care for it—no questions asked. - Carefully Screening Potential Buyers:
A breeder who follows a code of ethics will also want to ensure their puppies are going to responsible, prepared homes. Expect them to ask you questions about your experience, lifestyle, and environment. This shows they care where their puppies go, not just that they go quickly. - Maintaining Humane and Clean Living Conditions for Their Dogs:
An ethical code also includes proper care for the parent dogs and puppies. Dogs should live in clean, safe, and enriching environments—not in outdoor pens or isolated barns. Puppies should be socialized in the home, exposed to everyday sights and sounds, and handled with care from birth.
If a breeder claims to follow a code of ethics, don’t hesitate to ask to see it in writing. Many breeders who are members of organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) or The Responsible Dog Breeder Network will either have their own code or follow the one outlined by the organization.
Why it matters:
A written code of ethics is a sign of professionalism, transparency, and accountability. It reflects the breeder’s long-term commitment to the breed, their dogs, and the families they serve. If a breeder is unwilling to share their code—or doesn’t have one—that should raise serious concerns.
Pro Tip:
Ask the breeder how they put their ethical commitments into practice. For example:
- What do they do if a puppy shows signs of a health problem after going home?
- Have they ever removed a dog from their program due to temperament issues?
- What kind of screening do they do for new puppy buyers?
These follow-up questions can give you insight into whether their ethics are just words on a page—or truly a way of life.
3. Can I Meet the Parents?
Meeting at least the mother (dam) gives you insight into:
- Temperament
- Size
- General health and cleanliness
Why it matters: Seeing the parents helps predict what your puppy might be like.
4. How Many Litters Do You Breed Per Year?
This may seem like a simple question, but it can reveal a lot about a breeder’s priorities and practices. The number of litters a breeder produces annually—and how often they breed each individual dog—can help you determine whether you’re dealing with a responsible, small-scale operation or a breeder who may be prioritizing quantity over quality.
Reputable breeders are highly intentional about how often their dogs are bred. Most responsible breeders limit their program to a small number of litters per year, often just one or two, and they give each breeding dog ample time to rest and recover between pregnancies. This not only preserves the health and well-being of the mother (also known as the dam) but also ensures the breeder has the time and resources to provide high-quality care and early training to each puppy in the litter.
Overbreeding, on the other hand, places immense physical and emotional strain on the dam. It increases the likelihood of complications during pregnancy and delivery, can lead to malnutrition or long-term health issues, and often results in puppies that receive inadequate attention during their critical developmental stages.
Why this matters:
Breeding dogs responsibly means putting the health and welfare of the dogs first, not churning out as many litters as possible. Ethical breeders know that raising puppies the right way takes time, energy, and patience. From daily care and enrichment to vet visits and socialization, every litter requires intensive hands-on effort. That’s why breeders who truly care about their dogs tend to have waitlists for their puppies—because they prioritize quality over speed.
Here are some key points to look for when discussing litter frequency with a breeder:
- The number of litters per dog: A responsible breeder will usually limit a female dog to no more than three to four litters over her entire lifetime, depending on her health and recovery after each pregnancy.
- Breeding intervals: There should be a minimum rest period of one heat cycle (typically 6–12 months) between pregnancies to allow the dam to physically and emotionally recover.
Red Flag:
Breeders who breed the same dog continuously without breaks—are likely more concerned with profit than proper care. Avoid any breeder who seems unwilling to talk about their breeding schedule, can’t provide documentation, or dismisses your concerns with vague answers.
Pro Tip:
Ask the breeder how many dogs they currently have in their breeding program, how many litters they had last year, and how they determine when to retire a breeding dog. Ethical breeders will be transparent and confident in their answers—and they’ll often be proud to show you how well they treat their dogs throughout every stage of their lives.
5. Where Do the Puppies Live?
Ask to visit the location or get a video tour. Puppies should be raised:
- In a clean, safe, indoor environment
- With regular human interaction
- With plenty of enrichment activities
Avoid breeders who raise puppies in isolation or dirty areas.
6. Have the Parents Been Health Tested?
A responsible breeder will perform genetic and health tests, such as:
- OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) testing
- CERF eye exams
- DNA screenings for breed-specific diseases
🔗 External Link Suggestion: OFA Testing and Certification
7. Do You Provide Health Clearances and Documentation?
Ask to see official health certifications and vet records. These might include:
- Vaccination history
- Deworming records
- Microchipping
- Spay/neuter details (if applicable)
Never accept verbal assurances alone.
8. What Socialization Practices Do You Use?
Proper early socialization helps reduce anxiety and aggression. Ask:
- Are the puppies exposed to various sights, sounds, and people?
- Have they been handled daily?
Breeders may also use specific programs like Puppy Culture or Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS).
9. What Happens If I Can No Longer Care for the Puppy?
A reputable breeder will take their puppies back at any point in their lives.
Why it matters: This shows they are committed to the dog’s welfare, not just making a sale.
10. Can I See Reviews or Talk to Past Puppy Buyers?
Good breeders have a network of happy puppy parents willing to share their experience.
Ask for references or check social media, forums, and review sites.
11. Do You Require a Contract?
Most responsible breeders use contracts that include:
- Health guarantees
- Return policies
- Spay/neuter requirements
- No breeding clauses
Why it matters: Contracts protect both the buyer and the puppy.
12. How Long Have You Been Breeding?
Experience isn’t everything—but it can indicate a higher level of knowledge and commitment to the breed.
13. Can I Visit in Person or Do a Virtual Meeting?
Transparency is key. A breeder unwilling to allow a visit (physical or virtual) is a major red flag.
14. What Support Do You Offer After I Bring the Puppy Home?
Reputable breeders offer guidance on:
- Feeding
- Training
- Health care
- Behavior
They should be a resource throughout your dog’s life.
15. Are Your Puppies Registered with a Recognized Organization?
Breeders should register their puppies with recognized bodies like the AKC or UKC.
Important: Registration is not a guarantee of quality—but it’s a good sign of legitimacy.
16. At What Age Can the Puppy Go Home?
Puppies should never leave their litter before 8 weeks of age. Ideally, many breeders wait until 10–12 weeks.
Early separation can cause behavioral and health problems.
17. Do You Offer a Health Guarantee?
Most reputable breeders will provide at least a one-year health guarantee against genetic defects.
Make sure it’s outlined clearly in the contract.
18. Do You Limit the Number of Times a Dog is Bred?
Ethical breeders give their dogs rest between litters and retire them after a few.
Why it matters: Overbreeding leads to physical and emotional stress.
19. Do You Breed More Than One Type of Dog?
Some breeders focus on one breed, while others handle two or three. That’s okay—as long as they’re not running a large-scale operation.
Be wary of breeders with too many breeds or mixed litters.
20. Can You Tell Me About the Breed’s Common Health Issues?
A knowledgeable breeder will be open about:
- Potential breed-specific health risks
- What they’re doing to mitigate them
- What you can expect in terms of care
🔗 External Link Suggestion: Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)
Red Flags That Indicate a Bad Breeder
Even if a breeder answers your questions, here are some warning signs that they may not be reputable:
- Reluctance to show health clearances or paperwork
- Refusal to let you meet the parents or see the facility
- No interest in your experience or preparedness
- No contract or written policies
If you encounter any of these, walk away—your future puppy deserves better.
Why Supporting Ethical Breeders Matters
Choosing a responsible breeder doesn’t just benefit you—it supports the health of future generations of dogs. You’re saying no to:
- Puppy mills
- Backyard breeders
- Inhumane conditions
- Shortcuts in care
Instead, you’re supporting people who love dogs, understand the breed, and are passionate about ethical care.
Final Thoughts
The excitement of choosing a puppy should never outweigh the importance of doing your research. By asking these 20 questions and staying vigilant for red flags, you’ll ensure that you’re bringing home a happy, healthy, and well-socialized puppy from someone who truly cares.
A responsible breeder will respect your questions—and will be glad you asked.
Quick Recap: Top 5 Must-Ask Questions
- Can I meet the puppy’s parents?
- Have the parents been health tested?
- Where are the puppies raised?
- Will you take the puppy back if I can’t keep it?
- Do you offer a contract with health guarantees?