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16 Questions to Ask a Dog Breeder
This may seem like a simple question, but the answer may not be clear from the breeder’s website—or even at their home or facility. When you ask a dog breeder this question, you’re looking to find out how dedicated they are to their pack. There’s no hard and fast rule or number here, because variables like space, time and finances all come into play, says Becky Smith, president of the French Bulldog Club of America. In general, she says, “They should not have so many dogs that they cannot give each one individual attention.” Smith also suggests asking how often they breed their dogs, which can give you a sense of how they treat the puppies’ mother, often referred to by breeders as the dam. Again, there’s no exact rule for how often a dog should produce a litter—only that breeding is done with care and respect for the mother. “The main element is to make certain the mother has fully recovered before breeding again,” she says. “Breeders most certainly should not be churning out puppies with no regard to the health and well-being of the dam.” ,You’ve made that first big decision—you’re going to get a new dog. Congratulations! Your next choices are just as important: What breed of dog will you bring home, and will you look for them at a reputable breeder or a shelter or rescue? Doing research is crucial, and it helps to know exactly which questions to ask a dog breeder during your search. “But wait,” you may be thinking, “why would I contact a breeder if I’m considering adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue?” In fact, there are plenty of great reasons! Even if you ultimately adopt from your local shelter or rescue, talking with responsible dog breeders can give you the inside intel on their breed and even help point you toward breed-specific rescue groups. If you do decide that you’d like to purchase a dog, how can you be sure you’re buying a dog from an ethical, responsible dog breeder? Again, the answer is research. We spoke to representatives from two national dog breed clubs to learn some of the most important questions to ask a dog breeder as you search for the newest member of your family.
