Puppy Buyer Etiquette

One of the classic mistakes is buyers saying, “I need a puppy at the start of the school holidays,” so they go out looking for puppies in July. Puppies are not interchangeable; one litter is not the same as another litter.

Start by looking for a breeder rather than a puppy. Make a personal connection with a breeder who shares your main priorities, and then wait for a suitable puppy from them.

They may already have a litter, which is wonderful, but they may not be planning another litter for several months or even a year. In that case, ask for a referral to another reputable breeder with similar priorities and a good support ethic.

However it works out, research the breeder first and then ask about a puppy. Expect to wait. It is unusual to wait less than a couple of months, and four to six months is quite normal. Even breeders cannot simply choose a puppy whenever they want. We all have to wait and be matched with a suitable puppy by its breeder.

Introduce yourself. Your first email should include more than simply asking whether puppies are available. Explain who you are, your home circumstances, your experience with dogs and the type of home you can offer.

When you make contact, clearly communicate three things: that you are ready for a puppy, that you are prepared for a puppy of this breed, and that you understand what sets this breeder apart from others.

Describe your plans for the puppy and be truthful. If you cannot attend several training classes, say so. It is important that the breeder can match you with a puppy whose personality and needs suit your lifestyle.

It is perfectly acceptable to ask about price, preferably towards the end of a successful first conversation or in a follow-up message. You could say, “If you don’t mind me asking, approximately how much are your puppies? I would like to make sure I am prepared.”

Be willing to be told no. Not every person is the right match for every breed. Some dogs may simply be unsuitable for your home, circumstances or lifestyle.

If a breeder says no, ask why. If the reasons make sense, do not continue contacting breeders until you find someone willing to sell you that breed. Be honest with yourself about the type of dog that would genuinely be right for you and your family.

This next point is particularly important. It is very frustrating to discover that buyers are on several breeders’ waiting lists, or that they have already obtained a puppy but did not have the courtesy to say so.

Being on several lists without telling the breeders suggests that you simply want the first puppy available, rather than a puppy from a carefully chosen breeder.

As soon as your name is placed on a breeder’s list, that breeder may begin turning other suitable homes away. If they later discover that you have purchased a puppy elsewhere, they may have lost several potential homes unnecessarily.

Always be honest. If you are already on another breeder’s list, explain the situation. Most breeders will understand if you say, “I am currently on another waiting list, but the breeder does not think there will be a puppy for me. I would also love to be considered for one of your puppies and will let you know as soon as my circumstances change.”

Breeders are part of a close community and regularly speak to one another. If you have paid a deposit or agreed to purchase a puppy elsewhere, please say so immediately. A breeder may otherwise continue turning suitable buyers away because they believe they are reserving a puppy for you.

Please do not expect to choose your own puppy. The breeder will usually be keeping a puppy and may not make their final choice until shortly before the litter is ready to leave. A responsible breeder will also match each puppy’s personality and needs with the most appropriate home.

Behind every responsibly bred pedigree puppy is a dedicated breeder. A reputable breeder does not breed puppies without registration papers. These papers provide a record of lineage and allow health information within the bloodline to be researched.

Telling a responsible breeder that you do not care about papers can suggest that you do not appreciate the importance of pedigree records, health testing and responsible breeding.

A responsible breeder accepts a lifelong commitment to every puppy they produce. They sacrifice holidays, sleep, personal space and a considerable amount of time to care for their dogs and puppies.

A truly passionate breeder puts their heart and soul into every litter. Their commitment continues after the puppies leave, and their owners become part of an extended family. Breeders worry about their puppies throughout their lives and will usually take a dog back if its owner can no longer care for it.

Breeders deal with every aspect of birth and puppy care. They arrange health tests, X-rays, veterinary examinations, emergency caesarean sections, vaccinations, registration, pedigree research, worming, microchipping and specialist assessments.

A responsible breeder carefully chooses the homes their puppies go to. The price of a puppy does not compensate for the time, emotional commitment and financial investment involved. Therefore, the breeder needs to be confident that each home is the right fit.

Breeders may have additional requirements for anyone wishing to breed from one of their puppies. Breeding should never be undertaken lightly. It is a serious responsibility and a lifestyle commitment requiring knowledge, time and sacrifice.

A dog is never “just a pet”. It is the breeder’s legacy, a child’s best friend, an elderly person’s companion, a valued member of the family and, very often, someone’s whole world.