Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

Kayliana asked in PetsOther - Pets · 1 decade ago

What are your top 10ish "must ask" questions for breeders?

I already have a pretty good list compiled, but will be meeting breeder in person for first time to see her, her dogs, and to make sure that everything is hunky-dory. Just thought I'd get some additional feedback. I won't list the questions I already have written down, but be assured I'm going to be checking to make sure the dogs of are good health, temperament, and well taken care of before deciding anything!

What questions do you consider "must know before purchasing" when meeting a dog breeder?

Update:

It's a Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael) puppy. We'll be going to her house and all the dogs will be available for us to see. She does say we can see pedigrees upon request, and that she's part of the Ethics club for breeders and only breeds dogs who do not have signs of epilepsy or hip problems.

Looks like the most important thing to do is see the dogs in person, including the parents, which we're doing this weekend. So I think I'm alright with the questions I have.

3 Answers

Relevance
  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    I would want to see her breeding facility, the dogs, vet records on the puppy, pedigree, ask if there are any genetic health problems, what is the best food to feed the puppy, how much exercise and general info on this certain breed, any health guarantees, and if the puppy can be registered. A professional breeder will gladly show you the dogs and answer your questions. Be wary of someone who wants to meet somewhere instead of their house, they are probably a puppy mill or back yard breeder and you could get a sick puppy with problems.

  • 1 decade ago

    You didn't say if you were buying a puppy or a grown dog, but if it's a puppy I would ask if the parents are on the premises. If so, you could meet them. If they seem happy and healthy this is a good sign of a reputable breeder. You could also ask if the puppy/dog you are interested in has been introduced to children and/or other animals.

    I would also ask about grooming and exercise requirements for the breed and how big they will be expected to get.

    Good luck! :)

    Source(s): Here's a good site with more tips. http://dogplay.com/GettingDog/checklist.html
  • 1 decade ago

    I'm sure you already plan to make sure of shots etc., and I don't know what type of dog you plan to get. I've had a lot of experience with small dogs, and if you ever plan to try to breed with another dog, you may want to check things about that. Make sure things are in good working order there, and know that inbreeding does happen which can cause problems down the road.

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.