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Picking the right breeder is important. You want to make sure the breeder is responsible, cares for their dogs, and will be a valued resource for you throughout your dog’s life. And of course you want to make sure that you are bringing home the best puppy possible.
Getting a puppy is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. When you’re looking for a dog, you want to make sure you get the right one for you—and that starts by talking to a responsible breeder. But how do you find a responsible breeder? Try AKC Marketplace and have this list of questions handy to get to know your breeder, your breed, and your potential puppy better.
Make Sure There’s An Electronic or Paper Contract With Your Puppy
Trusted breeders often have a thorough application process to screen potential buyers and ask their puppy parents sign a contract in order to ensure their pups are legally protected.
Examples of what one would expect to find in a standard contract would include a commitment to spay/neuter your doodle, the terms of the health guarantee (another important marker of a reputable breeder) and what should happen in the event you must return or rehome your pup.
Another aspect of the contract is that there should be some way to identify which pup you are getting. The lack of a contract would be a red-flag when it comes to irresponsible breeding or scams.
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How To Buy A Puppy Questions To Ask A Dog Breeder
In our current era, you can find a puppy to add to your family at the click of a button. However, separating the reputable puppy breeders from the irresponsible ones and/or dog scammers is another task entirely!
This is a topic that comes up time and time again as we talk to various puppy parents — some have been scammed in the past. Others are very new in the search process and just have no idea what to expect when working with a reputable breeder.
One common question and one that is fairly straightforward to answer is “What documentation or other papers should come with my puppy?”
For starters, this is a great question to ask your breeder as many send home a “goodie bag” of sorts with starter items such as toys, puppy pads, etc. In addition to some fun extras, there are some more critical items that you should be on the lookout for when you pick up your new doodle.