Questions to Ask a Breeder

[Morkie4]

Here are eight simple questions you might want to consider asking a breeder that you are considering purchasing a puppy from.

1. What food should I feed my puppy/how much and how often?
2. What vaccinations has the puppy had/when is the next set due?
3. What kind of training is best for this breed?
4. How much training and socialization have you done?
5. What type of housetraining do you recommend?
6. Is crate training a good idea?
7. How often should I brush, bath and otherwise groom my puppy?
8. How should I introduce the puppy to my dog/cat/child?

**This information was taken from the April 2007 Dog Fancy Magazine

[Zanadu'sMom]

Also ask how many litters they have a year.:blush:

[Morkie4]

Also ask how many litters they have a year.:blush:

To my knowledge, most breeders will not sell you a pup to breed. They actually have it in their contracts that you "can not" breed when you purchase from them. So if you ask them that, they will most likely NOT sell to you. But if you are looking for a "show dog".....that would be a good question to ask and also the background, pedigree, etc. of the dog. And of course a dog that could be in show would be a LOT more money than say a maltese that will be just a pet.

[Zanadu'sMom]

To my knowledge, most breeders will not sell you a pup to breed. They actually have it in their contracts that you "can not" breed when you purchase from them. So if you ask them that, they will most likely NOT sell to you. But if you are looking for a "show dog".....that would be a good question to ask and also the background, pedigree, etc. of the dog. And of course a dog that could be in show would be a LOT more money than say a maltese that will be just a pet.

:confused:HUH:confused:
No I meant for the person who is buying the pup to ask the breeder how many litters they have a year (Personally) not the dog they are buying
Seems to me some keep **POPPING** them out:D

[Morkie4]

:confused:HUH:confused:
No I meant for the person who is buying the pup to ask the breeder how many litters they have a year (Personally) not the dog they are buying
Seems to me some keep **POPPING** them out:D

Oh gottcha!!! And yes guess that would be a good question, would tell you if a breeder is overproducing puppies. :) :)....or is just an occasional or hobby breeder of one of their pets.

[zeek's mom]

Oh gottcha!!! And yes guess that would be a good question, would tell you if a breeder is overproducing puppies. :) :)....or is just an occasional or hobby breeder of one of their pets.

Carol I have to say when I read your reply I was thinking huh.

That is a wonderful question to ask a breeder. Some will be honest. But there are a lot of them that will lie about it. Sad but true.

[jazzysmom]

Good post thanks

[Eklectic]

No I meant for the person who is buying the pup to ask the breeder how many litters they have a year (Personally) not the dog they are buying
Seems to me some keep **POPPING** them out
I do think this is a very good question to ask of a breeder but, at the same time I am curious as to what the answer should be!! Once a year?
As well, at what age do you start breeding a female and when do you retire her?
When I was looking for my first Maltese, one of the breeders told me the bitch was 7 years old. I thought it was to old! Was I right?

[Morkie4]

I do think this is a very good question to ask of a breeder but, at the same time I am curious as to what the answer should be!! Once a year?
As well, at what age do you start breeding a female and when do you retire her?
When I was looking for my first Maltese, one of the breeders told me the bitch was 7 years old. I thought it was to old! Was I right?

I would lean towards saying yes especially if she has been bred over the seven years...........I don't know how many liters would be a safe amount for a female...........but I think you can overbreed a female. I think if I was breeding, I would want my female over a year old and would not breed her past four years old so she still has some life left to have fun being a pet. This is JMHO and I am not a breeder.:tounge:

[Sophie-K]

Another great post, thank you! I have already been writing down questions as they pop up in my head for some time now. Will probably be hundreds, but better well prepared than unprepared :D

[Morkie4]

Another great post, thank you! I have already been writing down questions as they pop up in my head for some time now. Will probably be hundreds, but better well prepared than unprepared :D

Absolutely and don't be afraid to present your questions. A reputable breeder will be glad to answer your questions.