Puppy Buying 101: How to Find the Right Start for a Lifetime Companion

Bringing a puppy into your home is one of the most joyful decisions you can make—but it is also one that deserves patience, intention, and care. A puppy is not a short-term commitment or an impulse purchase. It is a living being who will rely on you for guidance, safety, and love for the next 10 to 15 years.

The good news is that there are ways to ensure that your search leads you to a healthy, well-raised puppy and a breeder who truly stands behind their dogs. Puppy buying doesn’t have to feel overwhelming when you know what to look for and what questions to ask.

This guide is designed to help you navigate the process with confidence.

Observation: What You See (and What You Don’t)

At some point in your search, you will want to observe where and how the puppies are being raised. In today’s digital world, this does not always require an in-person visit right away. Clear photographs, videos, and regular updates can provide valuable insight into living conditions, cleanliness, and how dogs interact with their environment.

It’s important to understand that many responsible breeders limit or carefully manage visits, especially when young puppies are present. This is not secrecy—it is protection. Puppies and nursing mothers are vulnerable to viruses and diseases that can be unintentionally carried in by visitors.

If you do visit in person, follow all precautions requested by the breeder. And if you cannot visit, it is reasonable—and encouraged—to ask for photos or videos. A breeder who is proud of their program will not hesitate to share appropriate documentation of how their dogs live and grow.

The Interview: A Two-Way Conversation

A reputable breeder expects questions—and they will ask some of their own.

You may be asked about:

• Your work schedule

• Who lives in your household

• Your yard setup and fencing

• Whether you rent or own your home

• Your experience with dogs

While these questions may feel personal, they come from a place of responsibility. A breeder who truly cares wants to ensure that each puppy is placed in a home where it can thrive.

Be cautious of breeders who ask no questions at all. That often signals a transaction, not a relationship—and responsible breeding is always about the long term, not just the sale.

Health Clearances: Documentation Matters

Health testing is one of the clearest indicators of responsible breeding.

Ask to see actual health clearance certificates for the puppy’s parents. For many breeds, this includes hips and elbows, often evaluated through registries such as OFA or PennHIP. If clearances were completed through foreign registries or systems without public databases, you should be shown the original documentation.

Do not rely on statements such as “the vet said everything looked fine.” Proper clearances involve standardized evaluations and official records.

It is also wise to familiarize yourself with breed-specific health recommendations by visiting a national breed club or parent club website. Different breeds have different priorities, and a knowledgeable breeder will understand this clearly.

Expect Updates and Photos

As you wait for your puppy to grow old enough to come home, you should expect ongoing communication. Responsible breeders typically provide photos, updates, or posts showing how the puppies are developing.

This is not just reassurance—it reflects involvement, transparency, and pride in their puppies’ progress.

Contracts: Read Every Word

A breeder’s contract is not just paperwork—it is a reflection of their ethics.

Ask for a copy of the contract before your puppy goes home, and read it carefully. A reputable contract typically addresses:

• Health guarantees (and for how long)

• Spay/neuter requirements, if applicable

• Expectations for lifetime care

• A return-to-breeder clause if you can no longer keep the dog

Never feel pressured to sign a contract at the last minute without time to review and understand it fully. A good breeder wants clarity, not confusion.

Bill of Sale: A Required Record

You should receive a bill of sale at the time of purchase. This document should clearly outline:

• Purchase price

• Deposits paid

• Any applicable sales tax (required by some states)

• Identification of the puppy

This protects both you and the breeder and ensures transparency in the transaction.

References: Ask and Follow Up

It is reasonable—and encouraged—to ask for references from:

• Past puppy buyers

• The breeder’s veterinarian

Speaking with others who have firsthand experience can provide valuable insight into what life looks like after pickup day.

Guidance Beyond Pickup Day

Reputable breeders do more than sell puppies—they help match the right puppy to the right home. They offer guidance on care, feeding, training, and transitions, and they remain available for questions throughout the dog’s life.

When you find a breeder who is knowledgeable, transparent, and invested in their puppies’ futures, the process truly does become simpler.

In Closing

Buying a puppy should never feel rushed or transactional. When done thoughtfully, it is a process built on trust, education, and shared responsibility.

Take your time. Ask questions. Observe carefully.

When you choose a reputable breeder, you are not just bringing home a puppy—you are giving that puppy the best possible beginning.

And that makes all the difference.

Looking for more guidance? Be sure to read our Checklist of Potential Questions to Ask Breeders, designed to help you feel confident and prepared every step of the way.