Life: What Questions to Ask When Buying a Puppy

As it nears Christmas, this is the time a lot of people think about getting a puppy, however a lot of people don’t really know what to look for or what questions to ask when looking at potential pups. There has been a lot of attention in the media recently on the rising number of puppy farms so I wanted to post a basic guide on what to look out for to avoid buying from a puppy farm. A few of my friends have recently bought puppies and asked me various things on what to look out for so I thought it would be worthwhile to share this information so you can make sure you are buying a healthy, well looked after pup from caring and dedicated breeders.

As we had a litter from my dog Jess a couple of years ago and my parents in-law are registered KC breeders, I’ve gained a lot of knowledge in the world of dogs over the years and feel its important that people know puppy farms are more common than we think and the deceptive lengths they will go to make you think otherwise.

What To Ask and Look Out for When Buying a Puppy.

• When you visit the puppies, look for evidence that the mum and puppies have been there the whole time – a pen set up with bedding, food bowls visible etc. Even if it isnt a farm you are going to, puppy farmers sometimes take the puppies to a domestic house to give an illusion.
• Make sure you can can see the mum with the puppies – this is essential. If the mum isn’t there – this would be very worrying and I wouldn’t consider the puppies as they would more than likely be from a puppy farm. Do not accept any excuse for this, the mum should be there. If the dad isnt there, that’s pretty normal but ask for details.
• Ask about vaccinations and which ones are still required. They should have had their first set of vaccinations at 8 weeks old with documents to prove it and should also have been to the vets for their first vet check. Sometimes breeders can decide not to give puppies their first set of vaccinations because different vets have different courses of vaccinations which cannot be used together so it could be a waste of money if the vet you will be going to uses a different course. This is perfectly acceptable. Talk to the breeder and your vet about this.
• If you are buying pedigree, ask to see their documentation and take photos of it to check it out (this can be checked via the Kennel Club). Do not accept any excuse for no documentation for a pedigree and do not part with any cash until this is verified.
• Again, if you are buying a pedigree, ask about the dog’s health screening. This is a new thing and is only generally used for pedigrees, ideally you want to buy a puppy whose parents have been health screened and are ‘clear’. More information on health screening here.
• If they offer you the puppy before it’s 8 weeks old, this is not a good sign. Puppies should always be with their mum until 8 weeks but should be gradually weened and completely weened by 7 weeks.
• Ask if the puppies have been wormed etc, this should be done every 2 weeks from 2 weeks old. Worming dose is done via the puppies weight so the breeder should have documented the puppies weight which you may be able to see.
• Ask what food the puppies are being fed. Good breeders will supply food for the puppy when you take them to last them a few days. If you want to change their food to something else, gradually introduce them to it mixed in with the food they are used to. Sudden changes in diet can result in a very upset tummy.
• Good breeders will have started toilet training however this shouldn’t be expected.

If you do suspect you have visited a puppy farm, phone the RSPCA.

More questions can be found here and here.

Good luck on your search for a puppy!