getting a dog, what questions do I need to ask the breeder?

Question

I going today to see my new puppy, he is still with his mother so I can't take him. I have not had a dog in a long time, the last dog I had was when I was probably 11 or so and I am now 23. My husband and I are getting a Maltipoo for my 16 month old. I have researched this dog to find they are smart and good with children. I just have never bought I dog before from a breeder we always had mutts when I was growing up and I just needed advice on what kind of questions I needed to ask. and what I needed to look for when I went to visit.

Answer 1

Well, more important than questions, perhaps, are what "proof" the breeder gives you. You'd want shot records, a signed paper from the breeder that the dog is free of congenital or hereditary problems, perhaps some kind of refund warranty if the dog gets ill within a certain amount of time, etc. There's a lemon law in each state for dogs that should cover you regardless, but it's always helpful to have things in writing from the breeder.

Questions for the breeder would include: dog's current diet, sleep schedule, etc. Be sure to observe the dog for a while, while your family, the breeder, and other dogs are present, as well. If you just ask the breeder if it's a good dog or not, I'm sure you'll get a yes. Trust your eyes, though! :)

Answer 2

There are lots of things you can ask a breeder about the dog, but the most important would be these. 1.) If it's purebred (I'm not familiar with that breed, but if you are then you don't have to ask) ask if it's been AKC registered. 2.) Has he/she had all of it's shots and been to the vet? 3.) What kind of pup food is it used to eating? (Getting a dog a new variety can make them sick, you got to introduce new foods slowly to relieve tummy stress) 4.) Is it high strung and very energetic? Obviously all dogs are when babies, as are all animals, but will it stay that way as it gets old? Some dogs are like that, and if you can't handle it you should know before you pay for it so you can either plan accordingly (sometimes just a big fenced in back yard helps with some walks every other day) And basically just ask about specific information on the breed. Each breed of dog is different and it's good to know before bringing 'em home. Also, you may want to ask about how easy it is to train to go outside, some dogs do better with puppy pads then going outside for potty, if they're better for puppy pads then it can take months and months of training before they stop going in the house.

Answer 3

Well, technically you are still buying a mutt. However, ask to see the sire and the dam. Check them over to see if they look healthy. Ask what food the pup will be on so you can have that on hand when you bring the dog home. Are they show lines? Ask if you can see their papers, vaccination records. Get the info for the vet they use and contact the vet about the breeder, find out if they've had problems. Get numbers from past clients and call them to see how their puppies turned out. Ask the breeder how many rounds of shots the pup is going to get before you bring him home. Ask how old he's going to be before they will let you take him. A responsible breeder won't let you take a dog before it's 8 weeks old. If they say you can take it before, ask if the breeder will hold onto it for you until it is 8 weeks old. Puppies learn alot from their littlermates during this time and caring for them is very time intensive, they need to go out often when they are so young. Hope some of this helps.

Answer 4

HOLD ON.... You are buying a small breed dog for your 16 MONTH OLD CHILD????
Please think about this carefully. This puppy will be so easily hurt. Is it fair to the dog and the child?
As for what to ask the breeder if you decide to go ahead with this. . So look up the genetic health problems of both breeds that are the parents of the puppy and find out what genetic problems are in the breeds.
Discuss those with the breeder, and also ask for a copy of the Vet exam that the puppy had. Make sure he/she had a full fecal test, shots up to date, and a physical exam. Puppy needs to be at least 8 weeks of age.
THIS IS A MIXED BREED PUPPY, IT CAN NOT BE REGISTERED WITH THE AKC.
Good luck.

Answer 5

Get all information on shots and worming that the puppy has had . Also big Question is if the puppy dies or an illness in a short length of time what will the breeder do . Some have a 30 day health warranty,but most of the time u are just taking a chance.. Where I got mine there was no guarantee. I paid $300.00 for a Tea Cup Chi. when I first got him home he had a virus like asthma in a human, ( but meds fixed him up) after he was 6 months old found out one of his testicles did not drop. Which he would have gotten cancer. So in order to save his life I had to have him nuetured which I was very sad..As I wanted to breed him. But thats how it goes sometimes. But it still would'nt hurt to ask what is their guarantee

Answer 6

Make sure you're dealing with a responsible breeder. Have they bred other dogs? And how often? Look around at the setting. Are the pups in a clean pen? Do they appear well cared for? Are they in contact with people so that they get socialized? Just try to get a sense of whether the breeder cares about the dogs in their care, not just the money the pup will bring in.

Answer 7

Unfortunately, the fact that you're buying from someone who would make a mixed breed on purpose sends up the red flags already. Not to mention a "breeder" who would sell what will essentially be a small, toy dog to someone for their toddler. That screams disaster waiting to happen, and I know of no responsible breeder of Toy-breed dogs who would do this.

I know these are things that you don't want to hear, but they are facts.

That said, if you really feel you have to go through with this, here are some links with questions that will help you:

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/responbr.html
http://www.dogplay.com/GettingDog/checklist.html
http://www.inch.com/%7Edogs/breeders.html
http://www.dogplay.com/GettingDog/where.html#red

You might also find this link interesting:
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/NoPuppyMillsVA/Poo-dogs___Designer_Mutts/poo-dogs___designer_mutts.html

Someone mentioned asking about hereditary problems/diseases. Well, this is a great idea but -- once again -- I doubt your "breeder" will know anything about them. They will tell you that the dogs "have always been healthy", and the vet says they always look great when they go in. Well, that's not enough. Ask the breeder if they know anything about the genetic problems common to Maltese and Poodles (which could very well end up in your puppy, mixed or not). If you'd like to find out about them yourself, check these links:

http://www.dogpack.com/health/healthproblems.htm#M
http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/breeds/maltese2.htm
http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/breeds/poodle2.htm

Consider adopting a poodle or Maltese mix puppy from a shelter or rescue group, if that's what you really want. Don't support someone just trying to make money off a fad.

Good luck!

Answer 8

Be aware there are some schiesters out there. It is a good sign that the breeder is allowing you into the facility to see the puppies. Pay attention to the upkeep and conditiion of the area. Always ask questions. Check with your local animal control as well to find out about any complaints, if any at all, about the breeder. Find out veterinary references, find out what type of care the animals recieve. Find out about vaccinations, type of food being given. Ask the breeder how long he has been breeding these type of dogs and what he/she reccommends on care. These are the most important things.

Answer 9

The number one question I ask any breeder:
"Why did you choose that sire and that dam to breed your pups?"
"What attributes do those dogs have that you're looking to perpetuate in your breeding program?"

Seeing as how your breeder intentionally crossbred in this case, you might not be too happy with the answer you receive. Then again, maybe you will be happy with the answer. Either way, you should walk away with a good feeling before you decide that you have to have one of these pups. Your breeder should also have a good feeling about you before selling you a puppy.

Answer 10

You will most definately need to ask these questions:
1. First look for cleaness of home ,kennel area,and other pets
2. Ask how long this breeder has been in business
3. Ask if breeder has references,and take ph. #s and call each
4. Look at parents of pup
5. Ask if pup is registered,and see if registration is available at time of purchase.
6. Ask for any guarantees on pup,and get contract in writing
7.Check with breeders Vet to see if pup has been checked
8.Ask for pups Vaccination/deworming record
9.Ask type of food pup is eating
10.Don't take pup if you see signs of diarrhea
11. Would check out any breeder before purchasing