What are some good questions to ask a breeder to make sure that you are getting what you expect?

I, personally, always adopt. Always have, always will. The only things I look for is a connection between me and the dog. Otherwise, I'm willing to work with the dog on anything that needs working-on. My parents (whom I live with) are not so agreeable. As far as buying a puppy goes, I would be sure the dog came from a very reputable breeder (I would need at least five other breeders to recommend this one, then would ask everyone on YA what they thing, do a background check on the breeder, check out the home where the puppies are, etc. etc.). I suppose its a good thing I don't buy. It would take me upwards of three years to find a place I was satisfied with. Good question though. EDIT: Why did I get a thumbs down for this? Everyone is entitled to their own opinion...I would just like to know what the opinion of the person is who though my answer was so wretched that it deserved a low rating.

The two websites below have a lot good of information on them.

Funny answer only - How soon can I take it home?

I think the most important thing to ask any breeder is WHY they breed. And if the answer is any other reason besides to better the breed, walk away. Ask around because a lot of the best breeders don't advertise much because they don't have to. People "in the know" with the breed are already familiar with them. Ask how long they've been breeding, what genetic testing they do, how many litters they produce (if it sounds like a lot, it probably is--not good!), if they require spaying and neutering for animals sold as pets that are not for showing (they should), and when they release puppies to new owners (this should be done no earlier than 8 weeks in my personal opinion). Research, research, research. Know that puppies are a HUGE amount of work and consider a young adult dog from a rescue or shelter if that might suit your lifestyle better.

You should probably go out and see the puppies as well as looking at parents. There could also be an issues with inbreeding, disease, poor nutrition, etc.

ask if they have only one breed if so then you can be more sure you are getting a full breed next if they are AKC reg the AKC keeps a closer watch on the breeders then CKC ect Ask if the pups have had the shots up to date and by who true breeders let a vet do it ask if the pups have been vet checked again true breeders will have each pup vet checked before letting it go to a new home they will not send a sick pup with people ask how long it has been since it had the shots a good breeder will keep it a week after to be sure it does not get sick from the shot ask about the mom and dads if the breeder owns them and if the male was used out for stud no true breeder will stud there males out it is to dangerous ask about the contract most will give so many hours to have it rechecked by your vet if they have a website they will have everything on it for you to read before you decide to get one of there new babies they will not ship there pups they must meet the owner in person to go over everything on what to watch for when you take your new baby home they will not just let anyone in to be near the mom and babies they know the danger and illness that people could cause this is just a few off the top of my head but like I said a true breeder will have all the information on buying one of there pups on there site and will always put the health of there pup before any sell

Very first question - Can I come see your facility? If they say no, then you don't want to do business with them. If they give you a maybe because they breed out of their home that is understandable. You don't want total strangers coming to your home. They could be ax murderers. So talk to them about working something out like coming later when the spouse is home or something like that. You don't want a puppy from a puppy mill. The animals are treated horribly and kept in deplorable conditions. The only way to shut these folks down is to not buy from them. There are many responsible breeders out there that can provide you with a healthy appropriate puppy or kitten. Most breeders will ask you to sign a contract of some sort. That shows that they care about what happens to the pet when it leaves them. They'll ask you questions about what you are looking for and to find out if you are prepared to take on a lifelong responsibility for a pet. Most reliable breeders will be members of reputable organizations like AKC or CFA and have their catteries/kennels registered with those organizations. You asked what to expect when purchasing a puppy. Expect to clean up messes. Even if a puppy or kitten is trained when they leave the seller, it is likely a move to a new home will cause accidents. Buy a book about puppy training. You don't need an encyclopedia, just a paperback with hints on training a new puppy. Have a bed and a kennel available. Kennel trained dogs are much better acclimated to being left alone and you can be sure your home isn't destroyed if you leave the puppy inside while you go out. Have separate feeding bowls and water bowls, The two in one are a pain. Have on hand appropriate food for the puppy's age and weight. Keep some treats on hand to help in training. Be prepared for vet bills. Animals get sick. No matter how clean or wonderful the home is where you purchase your puppy, when there are a lot of dogs in one place they are going to pass around runny noses, stomach upsets, etc. Even the travel from where you purchase the pet to your home can stress them and by the next day you have a sick puppy or kitten. They get dehydrated very fast. Moving them from a familiar place can 'put them off their feed'. Sometimes you can fix it yourself by encouraging them to drink and eat some wet food. But if they get too weak, its off to the vet. Be prepared to pay vet bills which can add up very fast. Have a good vet chosen prior to getting the pet. Ask around to friends and neighbors with animals. Ask the breeder if their pups are socialized with people. Ask if they've been given any vaccines. Most breeders, not all, give age appropriate puppy/kitty vaccines. Ask about the dam and sire - size, age, disposition. Ask if the animal is registrable, and if so with what organization. Ask if the animal is altered and if not is their a contractual mandate that you get it altered. Most breeders require you alter the animal or they alter it prior to you buying it. If you want to breed the animal, it will cost more for breeding rights and the papers will indicate you are purchasing the animal with breeding rights or for show purposes. Ask the breeder about the breed itself and do your homework first. Buy a little book at a pet store and/or look on the internet about the breed you want and see if it has the personality, temperament, and behaviors you really want. Then if the breeder's description is totally off from what your research has told you about the breed, you may want to find another breeder. Ask about health gaurantee's. Basically spend some time talking to the person and see if you can figure out if they are someone you want to do business with. Remember that buying a pet is a lifetime committment. Make sure you and the rest of your family doesn't have allergies. Be prepared to have some of your most precious things destroyed by a boisterous puppy. Do you have a fenced in yard that is appropriate to the type dog you want. Leashes, collars, obedience training, etc. - are you ready for that if necessary? Do you have time to devote to a pet? They need attention too. After careful consideration of what you want and if you are ready, there is nothing more rewarding than the unconditional love you recieve from a pet. I own a small cattery and my cats are a huge part of our family life and give us hours of joy and entertainment. If you aren't interested in a registered purebred animal, go to the shelters. There are wonderful animals in there that need homes. Some are very socialized and well trained already. Just do your homework about the breed prior to committing. Good luck. Don't worry about Christmas sales. Most breeders purposely breed for the season. There is nothing wrong with that. You can find an abundance of pups and kitties around Valentine's also.

This is my list of questions I would ask and the questions I would receive from a good breeder. 1) Do you show your dogs? Yes, very frequently. 2) How often do you breed? No more than three times a year; I NEVER breed bitches more than twice yearly. More litters and it will be detrimental to their health. 3) What kind of genetic testing do you do? Hip, eye, heart, elbow [those are the BARE minimum]; ideally the breeder will also list all genetic diseases that he/she tests for.

I would ask about genetic testing & history of the parents. I would also ask are the puppies parents champions, were they shown, what was your goal in breeding the two parents together? I would have read up on the breed, know what the standard consist of, would know how to recognize a good looking speciman, I would know thier temperments and personalities and if they would be a good breed for me and my family. I would have made sure I contacted a breeder that was a member of the national breed club and local breed club. I would check on the reputation of the breeder as well.