Your Practical Checklist: What to Ask & What to Expect
If you’re looking for a puppy, it’s important to know what questions to ask — and how to spot the difference between a responsible breeder and a red flag operation. Use this guide to help you navigate the conversation with your breeder, recognize the signs of quality and care, and make sure you’re bringing home a healthy, well-raised dog.
| What to Ask | Green Flag ✅ | Red Flag 🚩 | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can I meet the puppy’s mom? | “Yes, she’s here. I’ll introduce you.” | “No, we don’t allow visits.” | Shows the breeder owns the dogs and raises puppies on-site. |
| How many litters per year? | “One or two at most.” | “We always have puppies.” | Frequent litters suggest high-volume breeding. |
| How many breeds do you sell? | “One or two.” | “We breed 5+ kinds.” | Specializing shows knowledge and focus. Many breeds = puppy mill risk. |
| Can I take two puppies? | “No.” | “Yes.” | No responsible breeder would allow you to take two puppies. |
| Health tested parents? | “Yes, here are the results.” | “They’re healthy — no tests needed.” | Prevents genetic disease. No tests = unknown risk. |
| Seen a vet? | “Yes, first shots and deworming done.” | “No — that’s up to you.” | Vet care confirms puppy health before adoption. |
| When can puppies go home? | “At 8 weeks or later.” | “6 weeks is fine.” | Puppies need 8+ weeks with mom for healthy development. This should be reported to Animal Control and the state's Department of Agriculture. |
| Return policy? | “Yes — you can return anytime.” | “No returns.” | Shows the breeder cares about long-term placement. |
| Do you have a license? | “Yes, here’s my USDA license” | “I don’t need one.” | Having a license is the absolute bare minimum. If shipping across state lines, needs USDA license. |
| Can I see the facility? | “Yes, let’s schedule a visit.” | “No — we meet off-site.” | Seeing conditions helps verify quality and safety. |
| Do you provide a contract or receipt? | “Yes — with health info and terms.” | “I don’t do paperwork.” | Paper trail protects both buyer and seller. |
| What health issues are common in this breed? | Names common risks and how they’re tested | “None — they’re super healthy.” | Shows knowledge and commitment to screening. |
| What kind of home is this breed best for? | Gives a thoughtful, realistic match. | “They’re perfect for everyone.” | Good breeders match puppies with appropriate homes. |
| What’s the grooming like? | Explains coat care, trimming, shedding, etc. | “Not much.” (for a high-maintenance breed) | Honesty here prevents neglect and regret. |
| How much exercise does this breed need? | Describes realistic daily needs. | “Not much.” (for an active breed) | Matching energy levels prevents behavior problems. |
| What do people misunderstand about this breed? | Shares insight based on experience | “Nothing — they’re easy.” | Shows lived experience and care. |
See a Breeder Who Raises Red Flags?
If you’ve come across a breeder who shows signs of possible violations — like no license, questionable conditions, or selling puppies under 8 weeks — you can help bring transparency to the system.
Add them to the Pawthenticity Breeder Registry.
Upload what you know: a name, screenshot, receipt, listing, or even just a phone number
You don’t have to be a buyer — anyone can contribute to making dog breeding more accountable
Submissions are public, searchable, and completely free
You can stay anonymous
The more people who register what they’ve seen, the harder it becomes for harmful practices to stay hidden. Transparency helps protect dogs — and makes it easier to find responsible breeders.