VanillaLatte

Even though we won't be thinking about getting a puppy for at least five more years I was wondering what were some questions that I as a buyer should be asking the breeder? I know they ask us a lot of questions to make sure their dogs are going to great homes but what should we be asking them to ensure we're getting the best quality of dog?

Some of the ones I was thinking of asking (not in any particular order):
1. Can I see where the puppies are kept inside and outside?
2. How old are the puppies before you allow them to go to new homes?
3. May I see the mother and father?
4. How have you been socializing the puppies?
5. How have you been training the puppies?
6. Do you have any references that I could contact?
7. Do you have a Puppy Health Contract?
8. The question where you ask about the parents health checks.. I can't think of how to phrase it right now.
9. What happens if I lose my job or something devastating happens and I am no longer able to care for my puppy?
10. Do the parents have any awards or special training?
11. Do you have a place where buyers who have put down a deposit on a particular puppy can go to have weekly updates? (youtube/blog/website, this one isn't really such a biggie but I would love to be able to see my 'puppy' when he or she isn't at home with us because they're too young)
12. What happens if something genetic shows up in my puppy later on in life?
13. Will you be available for questions through email or telephone should I have one about my puppy?
14. What and how much do you feed your dogs?
15 What shots will they have had when I bring my puppy home? May I have a copy of these records for my vet?
16. Have these puppies started being desensitized to grooming procedures?
17. Will I be able to visit my puppy while he is growing up?
18. Are the puppies microchipped?

Wheeew, okay. Those are the ones I could think up of for the past few weeks. Should I add more? Detract some?

ArreauStandardPoodle

I think #8 might be: May I see copies of all of the Sire and Dam's health testing certificates. Hearing from a breeder that it has been done is a lot different than seeing that it has. And you do not want a vets opinion. You want to see certification. They should include hips, elbows, eyes, S/A, cardiac, VwD and NE.

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VanillaLatte

Yes! That was what I was looking for but I couldn't pull it out of my brain. Thank you!

ArreauStandardPoodle

Hahaha!! My pleasure!

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MaryLynn

I would also ask them how their breeding program improves the integrity of poodles.

I would ask them what there litter planning looks like. How do they decide to breed two different dogs as well.

These may seem pretty abstract, but I think the care and quality you will receive from a breeder who loves their dogs and are breeding with a purpose will outweigh those who are not.

Poodlelvr

I know you are planning ahead, but if you hit any breeder or human being with all those questions at once, they may not want to have any further contact with you. I think you should look over your list and see what the real deal breakers are for you and present those on first contact. For example, "Will I be able to see health certificates of the sire and dam?" Others can be asked once you have a beginning relationship with the breeder. While weekly updates on a puppy would be lovely, it shouldn't be a deal breaker. Not all breeders are totally computer savy, but if all other signs are good, trust your instinct.

I am not now, nor have I ever been a breeder. I bless all the good breeders whose dogs I have loved. As a human being I would not welcome an email from a total stranger with a list of 20-30 questions requiring detailed answers.

Carley's Mom

I agree , not so many questions in the first e-mail of meeting. I would pick my deal breakers only. For me that was health testing and I would want to meet the parents or in my case, I got a grown dog , so I wanted meet the dog and see where she lived and how she was cared for. I need to make sure that I want to support that breeders breeding program. If I would not want to see them have anymore puppies ect. I walk ...

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MaryLynn

I would ask however many questions you feel that you need. You need to be comfortable with the breeder, and most of the breeders that I have ever talked to have been more than happy to answer questions. You want a breeder who is actually going to give you the lifetime support that comes with the puppy, not one who gets annoyed by inquiry.

A lot of the information you are asking should be able to be found with a copy of the puppies contract, or the breeders website. If you do not know their website ask them if they have one, if not, ask them to fax or email you a sample of their contract and then ask whatever is missing off of your list perhaps.

PoodlePowerBC

Totally agree with MaryLynn here. The puppy you choose (and she sells) is going to be part of your family for a lot of years and I believe you have every right to ensure you make the right decision. And if the breeder actually cares, the more questions the better. So what if she has to take 15 minutes out of her day to answer your questions? If she protested, I personally would head on down the line.

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"There is nothing that any breed can add to a poodle to improve it"

ArreauStandardPoodle

I think most breeders are delighted when a prospective client is armed with a mitt full of questions. But, we can be busy. So, I would email breeders you are interested in with your list of questions, and ask them if there would be a good time to call to chat and get answers. That way you give them time to gather their info, and let them pick a time when they are not in the middle of grooming or cleaning puppy pens.

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