What to ask a breeder – a practical GUIDE for a puppy buyer

Don't ask about the price straight away

Once you have chosen a ZKwP/FCI breeder of your dream breed, you should prepare for a conversation with the breeder and arrange to meet them at their breeding establishment. This is important for both you and the breeder. Remember, if your first question, for example during a phone conversation, concerns the price, you must be prepared for the conversation not to continue. There are many other interesting questions you can ask the breeder. There will be time for the price question later. 

Questions to ask a breeder

So what should you ask a breeder to find out as much as possible? Ask about everything that interests and concerns you, such as:

• what led to this particular breed being chosen for breeding?
• what are dogs of this breed like? (although when choosing a particular breed, you should know at least something about it)
• were the parents tested to exclude hereditary diseases that occur in your chosen breed, and is it possible to view the documents?
• why were these particular dogs from the breeding establishment chosen to be parents? What are their characteristics?
• do the parents of the puppies have breeding rights, as not every dog registered with ZKwP can be a parent?
• is it possible to view a document confirming the registration of the breeding establishment with the Polish Kennel Club ZKwP and to see the pedigrees of the dogs?
• do the parents of the puppies (depending on the breed) have passed temperament tests, undergone appropriate training such as obedience, or participate in canine sports?
• what temperaments do the parents of the puppies have?
• are both parents of the puppies at the breeding establishment and can they be seen? With regard to the father of the puppies, he is not always at the establishment, as the mating may have been with a dog from another breeding establishment.
• when will it be possible to see and collect the puppy? Breeders do not always agree to visits to the breeding establishment if the puppies have not yet been vaccinated for safety reasons. That's why it's worth arranging such a meeting when the puppies are a bit older. 
• have the puppies already undergone a breeding health check?
• I'm interested in a puppy that is typical of a "pet", I won't be taking him to dog shows
• I'm interested in a puppy with good anatomy and good show prospects. Is there one in this litter? 
• how are the puppies socialised?
• what temperaments do the individual puppies have?
• are they being trained in cleanliness, or are they being trained to walk on a lead?
• how should I groom them? How should I feed them? Should I give supplements? When should they be vaccinated?
• what problems might we encounter when raising this dog?
• can I see the purchase and sale agreement?

Once you have received satisfactory answers from the breeder, then is a good time to ask about the PRICE!. 

Questions from the breeder to you

During such a meeting, or telephone conversation, you must be prepared that not only will you be asking questions. The breeder may also bombard you with various questions, such as:

• why did you decide on this particular breed and not another?
• what prompted you to choose my breeding establishment?
• are you familiar with the characteristics of the breed you are choosing?
• have you ever had a dog?
• do you have experience with dogs?
• where do you live – is it a city, countryside, a house with a garden, or a flat?
• are there children in your home, or are children planned after the dog arrives?
• how much time are you planning to spend with the dog?
• do you work professionally?
• will the dog live in the house or in the yard?
• are you planning to take him to dog shows, or pursue canine sports?
• what does your daily schedule look like?
• are you prepared for the costs of keeping a dog (and this depends on which breed you have chosen)?
• do you want to start a breeding establishment in the future?
• what will you do with the dog when school holidays and summer holidays come around?

When you hear such or other questions from the breeder, you should not be surprised or offended. The more questions asked, the better for you and your future puppy. Remember that for the breeder, his puppies are a great love and happiness, and everyone wants the best for them. When we send our children to summer camp, we also check the conditions they will be living in and whether they will be safe.

It's also worth knowing that a breeder may, for some reason, refuse to sell you a puppy, and has the right to do so. And one more important thing. It is usually the breeder who chooses a puppy from the litter for you, because they know their own dogs best. Breeders value contact with their dogs' owners. Therefore, don't be surprised if the breeder asks you for photos of the puppy and information about how things are going with you, or arranges to visit your home. You can also count on help and advice from the breeder if you have any questions after purchasing the puppy.

It should also be remembered that even among breeding establishments affiliated with ZKwP, there can be "rotten apples". So don't be afraid to ask – the more you find out, the better. It's often worth waiting longer for your dream dog, but choose him with full consideration.