Questions Your Dog Breeder May Ask
Learn What to Expect From a Reputable Breeder's Interview
Oct 19, 2009
Reputable breeders really care about their prospective buyers. Indeed, do not be surprised if your breeder treats you as if he or she is not really that motivated to give away the puppies to you. This is part of the selection process as he wants to ensure his puppies go out to the best homes. You may not be the only one interested in the puppies and some breeders may be quite selective. This is a good sign. It is not unusual therefore to have prospective buyers undergo an interview to ensure the pups are placed in the right homes.
Reputable breeders are a far cry from BYB breeders (back yard breeders). BYB breeders typically will sell their pups to anyone and you may never hear again from them. They may never return phone calls even if you are experiencing problems. Reputable breeders will be there for you instead. They also are willing to take back the puppy if things do not work out for you.
Following are some of the most important questions breeders may ask you upon viewing the puppies or even the day before the litter is born:
Are You a First Time Dog Owner?
Some dog breeds may be challenging to deal with and require owners with some experience. It is best to be honest here because you do not want to end up with a dog that is a far cry away from the dream dog you have always wished for. Being honest will also help the dog breeder match you up with the puppy that meets your needs. If you have no experience he or she may likely suggest the most submissive puppy of the litter and leave the more dominant ones for experienced owners.
Why Do You Want the Dog?
This will tell the breeder how committed you are to dedicate time and care to a dog. It will also help to understand what you are planning to do with your dog and what motivates you to have a dog. Generally answers such as: the dog is a gift for our toddler or I just recently lost my dog and need another dog to fill the gap will not give a good impression.
How Much Time do You Have?
Puppies need lots of time, there is no way around it. Leaving a puppy all day alone while at work will be a recipe for disaster. Puppies need a lot of guidance, patience and training during their first months of life and this cannot be accomplished in a few hours a day. They need to be housetrained and taught to obey commands from an early age. There should be ideally somebody at home to cater to the puppy if you are away from home most of the day.
Will You Exercise the dog?
A yes is a must here and it must be sincere. Dogs need daily exercise. Let the breeder know that you are willing to walk your dog every day. A breeder will be very wary of owners that state they have a big yard. Dogs still need daily walks no matter how big the yard is. Dogs are meant to walk not linger in the same old yard all day.
Do You Have Any Children?
Depending on the dog breed, breeders may be reluctant to give out pups to households with small children. Some feel more comfortable if the children are around school age so they better understand how to respect dogs.
Do You Have Any allergies?
Some dog breeds are known to cause allergies much more than others. It is best to point this out before getting attached to a puppy and then have to return it only days later because of unbearable sniffles.
What are Your Thoughts About Training?
Training could have been bypassed years ago when dogs were put to work and allowed to obey commands and drain a lot of energy. But nowadays, obedience training is a must. Dogs must be leashed at all times in most cities and they must be well under control. A small puppy may look easy to manage but once it turns 100 or more pounds, you may have some problems.
Where will Your Dog Go for Care?
A breeder likes to know that you already have in mind a veterinarian that will take care of the dog. You will also need to have the puppy seen right away for its booster shots and a wellness exam upon adopting it,
Does Your Living Quarters Allow Dogs?
This may sound like a quite obvious question, but more and more apartment complexes nowadays do not allow dogs or have breed restrictions. You may need to prove that the place you live will allow the type of dog you are planning to purchase.
What are Your Plans?
The breeder is trying to sort out if you want the dog for simple companionship or if you have other plans such as breeding, showing or keeping the dog for special work such as hunting, guarding or engaging the dog into sports.
There is no right or wrong answer in the interview. Just be honest so that the breeder will match you up with the best pup and provide the best advice. Remember that reputable breeders have both the puppy's and your interest at top of their priorities whereas a BYB is only looking for fast profits.
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