🐾 10 Questions to Ask a Breeder Before Bringing Your Puppy Home

My first puppy, Bella, at just a few days old

Thinking about adding a puppy to your family? Exciting times! 🎉 But before you fall for those big eyes on a website or a too-good-to-be-true advert, it’s worth knowing how to spot a responsible breeder.

Sadly, not all breeders put the welfare of their dogs first. The good news? With the right questions, you can make sure your new pup has the very best start in life.

Here’s your go-to guide.

1. How old will the puppy be when I take them home?

👉 Puppies must stay with mum until at least 8 weeks old — ideally closer to 8–10 weeks. Why? Those early weeks are when puppies learn bite inhibition, body language, and how to be confident little dogs. Leave too early and pups are more likely to be anxious, nip a bit too hard, or struggle with other dogs later in life.

2. Can I meet the puppy’s mum (and hear about dad)?

You should always meet the puppies with their mum — ideally see them together, so you know she’s genuinely theirs. Mum should look healthy, alert, and comfortable around her pups.A good breeder will also show you photos or information about dad (the sire). You might not meet him in person, but you should know:

• What health tests he’s had

• His temperament (is he confident, friendly, steady?)

• Why this pairing was chosen

Responsible breeders match dogs for both health and temperament — not just looks.

3. Where are the puppies being raised?

The best breeders raise pups inside their home. That means your pup is already used to:

• The hoover roaring

• The doorbell ringing

• Pots and pans clattering

• People coming and going

Puppies raised in a barn or shed often miss out on this early exposure, which makes them more likely to find normal life overwhelming.

4. What health tests have the parents had?

Different breeds have different recommended tests. Here are the top 3 most popular breeds in the UK right now and what you should ask to see:

Breed	Health tests to ask about	What they screen for
Labrador Retriever	Hip & elbow scoring; eye tests; DNA for PRA, EIC, CNM, STGD, MCD, SD2	Joint dysplasia (pain/arthritis), vision loss, collapse, muscle weakness, corneal disease, dwarfism
Cocker Spaniel	DNA for PRA & AMS; best practice: AON, FN; eye tests with gonioscopy; hip scoring	Vision loss, insensitivity in feet, neuropathy, kidney failure, glaucoma risk, hip issues
French Bulldog	BOAS respiratory grading; best practice: hip & elbow scores, eye test, HC DNA	Breathing difficulty, painful joints, eye problems, hereditary cataracts

💡 Tip: Always ask to see certificates or official results. Don’t accept “they’re clear” without proof.

5. How many litters has the mum had?

Healthy, ethical breeders don’t over-breed their dogs. A dam should:

• Have no more than 4 litters in her lifetime

• Be at least 2 years old if it's her first litter - although female dogs reach sexual maturity as early as six months, breeding them too early can cause significant health problems for the mother and offspring

• Have at least a year’s rest between litters

• Be in good body condition when you meet her

If mum looks worn out or nervous, that’s a red flag.

6. What’s the temperament like?

Health isn’t the only thing that matters. A good breeder knows their dogs’ personalities inside out and will talk about:

• Whether mum and dad are steady, friendly, or shy

• Which puppies are bold, which are quieter

• How they match the right pup to the right family

Breeders who care about temperament will ask you as many questions as you ask them — to make sure it’s the right fit on both sides.

7. What socialisation have the pups had?

The best breeders give pups a head-start by gently introducing them to:

• Household sounds (vacuum, washing machine)

• Handling by different people

• Car rides

• Toys, tunnels, and safe exploration

This sets them up to be resilient and curious when they move to your home.

8. Are the puppies microchipped and vet checked?

Since 2016, it’s a legal requirement in the UK that puppies are microchipped before going to new homes.

🔹 What’s a microchip? It’s a tiny electronic chip (the size of a grain of rice) implanted under the puppy’s skin. It carries a unique ID number linked to your contact details. If your dog is ever lost or stolen, a vet or rescue can scan the chip and reunite you.

Puppies should also be vet-checked, wormed, and started on vaccinations before they leave. Ask to see the paperwork.

9. What support will you give me after I take the puppy home?

Good breeders don’t wave you off at the door. They’ll usually:

• Offer lifetime advice

• Be happy to answer questions (no matter how small!)

• Take the dog back if life changes and you can’t keep them

This safety net shows they truly care where their pups end up.

10. Do you use The Puppy Contract?

The Puppy Contract is a government-backed document that sets out the pup’s background, health tests, and what you can expect from the breeder. It protects you and the puppy — and responsible breeders are proud to use it.

🚫 Why avoiding puppy farms matters

For mums: they’re often bred repeatedly, with little rest or vet care. They may live in poor conditions (think a small cage), anxious and exhausted.

For pups: higher risk of disease, poor socialisation, and behaviour issues like fear or aggression later in life. They are often removed from their mum far too early.

Puppy farmers often try to disguise themselves as “loving family homes” — showing you puppies in a front room that they don’t actually live in, or bringing in a “fake mum”. Always trust your gut.

🌟 Where to find good breeders

• Kennel Club Health & Welfare Standards – the old Assured Breeders Scheme has now closed (end of 2024). From 2025, the Kennel Club highlights breeders who follow its new Health Standard (breed-specific health tests) and Welfare Standard (socialisation, husbandry, environment). When you use the KC’s Find a Puppy service, these breeders are prioritised — making it easier to spot those doing things properly.

• Champdogs – a long-standing, trusted directory where many responsible breeders advertise litters. Health test results are often listed, and you can search by breed and location.

• Classified sites like Pets4Homes – widely used and convenient, but be cautious. Always visit the breeder’s home, see the puppies with their mum, and never hand over money before you’ve met them in person.

🎁 Free Download: Puppy Buyer Checklist

To make things easier, I’ve put together a one-page checklist you can take with you when visiting breeders.

💡 Remember: The very best breeders will welcome your questions. They’ll happily show you health certificates, photos of dad, and talk about why they paired those particular dogs. If a breeder seems rushed, vague, or unwilling to share details, that’s your cue to walk away.

👉 Download the Puppy Buyer Checklist PDF

🐕 Final Thought

Choosing the right breeder might feel like a lot of work, but it’s one of the best investments you’ll ever make.

A puppy that’s been carefully bred, raised in a loving home, and matched thoughtfully to your lifestyle is more likely to grow into a happy, confident, healthy companion.

Take your time, ask the questions, and enjoy the journey — your future best friend is out there waiting. 💕

🐾 Ready for the Next Step?

Once you’ve found your perfect puppy, the real adventure begins! 💛

At Mutterly Hampshire, we’ve hand-picked the very best local businesses to support you and your pup every step of the way. In our directory you’ll find:

• Trusted puppy trainers – using only kind, reward-based methods.

• Reliable local dog walkers – for when you can’t be there.

• Secure dog fields – safe, private spaces to let your pup off lead.

• Vets & groomers – professionals who really understand dogs.

• Dog-friendly cafés & pubs – because socialising is for humans too!

Every listing is force-free, welfare-friendly, and vetted by us — so you can explore Hampshire with confidence.

👉 Browse the Directory and start planning your pup’s new life today!