What to Ask a Breeder When Buying a Puppy?

Buying a puppy is a decision for the next ten or fifteen years, and how the animal was raised in the first months of its life directly influences its health and behaviour in the future. Before paying any deposit or payment, there are a set of questions you should ask the breeder – and how they answer says a lot about the integrity of the process. This guide helps you prepare for that conversation.

Documentation you should demand

In Portugal, the buying and selling of companion animals is regulated by law, and the entire process leaves a documentary trail. Ask the breeder for their registration number with the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary Affairs (DGAV), which is mandatory for anyone engaged in this activity commercially. This number should be included in the sales advertisement, and the breeder should be able to present it without hesitation.

If the puppy is a purebred, ask for its registration number in the Portuguese Pedigree Book (LOP), managed by the Portuguese Kennel Club, and ask to see the pedigree of the parents. A serious breeder never has a problem showing these documents.

At the time of delivery, you should receive the transfer declaration or sales contract with the respective invoice, proof of the puppy's electronic identification (microchip), the health record with the vaccinations and deworming already carried out, and a veterinary medical certificate attesting that the animal is in good health and fit for sale.

Questions about the health of the parents and the litter

Ask if the puppy's parents have undergone breed-specific health tests, such as hip or elbow dysplasia in larger breeds, or genetic tests for known hereditary diseases in the breed in question. A responsible breeder knows and shares these results without any reluctance.

Also ask how many times the female has had litters and at what interval, as breeders who exploit females with excessively frequent litters, without adequate rest between pregnancies, raise a red flag about animal welfare on the farm.

Confirm whether the puppy has already been dewormed and vaccinated according to its age, and ask to see the updated health record with the registration of these interventions, signed by the responsible veterinarian.

Questions about breeding and socialisation conditions

Always ask to see the puppy's mother along with the litter, in the place where the animals live. This is perhaps the most important question of all – if the breeder refuses to show the mother, suggests meeting in a neutral location, or says the mother "is somewhere else", this is a strong indication that it is an intermediary or a less-than-transparent operation.

Ask about the environment in which the puppies were raised – indoors, in contact with people and everyday sounds, or isolated in a kennel without stimulation. Puppies raised in a domestic environment, gradually exposed to different stimuli, tend to socialise better and cope more calmly with new situations throughout their lives.

Also confirm at what age the puppy will be handed over. In Portugal, legislation and good practices recommend that puppies should not be separated from their mother before eight weeks of age, as this period is fundamental for the animal's behavioural and immunological development.

Questions about follow-up and responsibility

Ask if the breeder offers any kind of follow-up or support after the sale, should questions arise about the puppy's feeding, behaviour, or health in the first few weeks. Serious breeders usually maintain a close relationship with the new owners, at least during the initial adaptation period.

Warning signs to look out for

Be suspicious if the breeder refuses to show the mother or the place where the puppies live, if they propose delivery in a car park or neutral location, if they have several different breeds and litters available at the same time, or if they pressure for an immediate decision and payment. Prices well below the average market value for the breed in question also warrant caution, as responsible breeding involves real costs for veterinary care, quality food, and health tests.

Frequently asked questions

Is it mandatory for the breeder to have a registration number with the DGAV?
Yes, anyone engaged in the commercial breeding and selling of companion animals in Portugal must be registered with the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary Affairs, and this number must be included in sales advertisements.

At what age can a puppy be separated from its mother?
Good practices and legislation recommend that separation should not occur before eight weeks of age, a fundamental period for the animal's behavioural and immunological development.

What documents should I receive when buying a puppy?
A transfer declaration or sales contract with invoice, proof of electronic identification, health record with vaccinations and deworming, and a veterinary certificate attesting to the animal's good health.

Why is it important to see the puppy's mother?
It allows you to assess the actual breeding conditions and confirm that you are not dealing with an intermediary. Refusal to show the mother is one of the main warning signs associated with irresponsible breeding.

Is a very low price always a warning sign?
It is not a guarantee of a problem, but it deserves extra attention. Responsible breeding involves real costs for health tests, veterinary care, and quality food, so prices well below the market average should be questioned.