Puppy Buying Checklist

Rakwar
Jun 7, 2017
3 min read

The Parents of the Puppy?

Genetic background.

You will want to examine the bloodline of your dogs, to make sure they are genetically good quality. For pure breed dogs, you can obtain their bloodlines from the registering authority.

For "mixed breed" dogs, the only background you may be able to obtain is the Stud and Dam who birthed them.

You will be trying to determine if the genetic history of your prospective mating partners will yield pups with the specific qualities you are looking for. You must also ensure the pair are not directly related, to prevent genetic defects of "inbreeding".

Physical characteristics.

Look at your breeding pair closely to ensure you have the physical attributes of the breed you desire, with no deformities or undesirable qualities.

Temperament.

This is a quality passed on from the Stud and Dam to pups which is of utmost importance in breeds which have aggressive tendancies, like Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers, so you should investigate the Stud and Dam's temperaments before deciding to breed them.

How old are the puppies?

They must be at least eight weeks old to leave their mother.

Are the puppies weaned?

At seven weeks they should be fully weaned. If they are not, they could be younger than the breeder claimed.

How old is mum?

She should be over a year old, but not obviously very old.

How many litters has mum had?

It is against the law to breed a bitch more than six times in her lifetime.

Have the puppies been dewormed ?

All puppies have worms at birth. Worming should start with the breeder at about two weeks old, be repeated every two weeks and be continued by you.

Have the puppies had any vaccinations? If so, when is the next dose due?

Puppies should be vaccinated at 6-9 weeks of age and then again at 10-12 weeks. They will become fully protected two weeks after the second vaccination. You will need to do this if the breeder has not.

Does the puppy look healthy – clean eyes, ears and bottom?

If the puppy is unwell, collect him another day. If he’s still ill then, do not take him and try another breeder.

What should I feed my puppy?

A good breeder will give you enough food to continue exactly the same diet for a couple of days. They should also give you a diet sheet that shows how feeding should change as your puppy grows.

What sort of socialisation or experiences has my puppy had so far?

Puppies should preferably be raised in a home environment with all the noise and through traffic of a normal home. Those raised in kennels away from the house will need more intensive socialisation training to ensure they can cope with daily life as a pet. If puppies have already met other dogs, domestic animals and people they will have more confidence than those that have not.

Can I return the puppy if there are any health problems?

You should take your new puppy to a vet for a health check within 48 hours. A good breeder will offer to take the puppy back at any point should you be unable to keep him.