Walking into a conversation with a breeder unprepared puts you at a disadvantage. These ten questions will help you quickly separate serious, responsible breeders from those who are cutting corners.
Ask all of them. Pay attention not just to the answers, but to how confidently and transparently they're delivered.
- What health testing do you perform on your breeding dogs? (OFA hips, elbows, cardiac, and patella clearances are the minimum standard.)
- Can I see the health clearances for both the sire and the dam?
- How do you socialize your puppies before they go home?
- What is your health guarantee, and what is your return policy if I can no longer keep the dog?
- Do you require a contract? What does it include?
- How do you match puppies to families, and what information do you need from me to make that match?
- Can I visit your facility and meet at least one of the parents in person?
- What do you feed your dogs and puppies, and what feeding protocol do you recommend for new owners?
- What support do you offer after the puppy goes home? Can I reach out with questions as the dog grows?
- How many litters do you produce per year, and what is your breeding goal with this pairing?
A good breeder will answer every one of these questions without hesitation. Here's what confident, transparent answers look like:
- Health clearances — shown on their phone or posted publicly on the OFA database
- Socialization program — detailed description including household sounds, surfaces, car rides, and handling exercises
- Written contract — clear terms they can walk you through line by line
- Buyer screening — they ask about your experience, home setup, and training plans before discussing placement
- Breeding frequency — one to three litters per year at most, with a specific goal articulated for every pairing
Watch the Reaction, Not Just the Answer
If a breeder gets defensive, evasive, or vague in response to these questions, that tells you everything you need to know. A responsible breeder welcomes scrutiny — they're proud of the work they put in and eager to share it.
Sources & Further Reading
- American Kennel Club (AKC) — Questions to ask a breeder before purchasing a puppy
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) — Searchable database for verifying health clearances by registered name
- Cane Corso Association of America (CCAA) — Breeder code of ethics and recommended practices