Puppies are cute and irresistible. It’s hard to say no. But don’t let your emotions take control. There are important questions to ask dog breeders before buying your Boxer puppy. It is important to do your homework and ask questions.
So what questions should you ask a breeder?
We encourage our potential families to ask a lot of questions. It gives me an idea of how serious they are about adding a puppy to their family. In fact the more the better in my opinion. As a Boxer breeder, I welcome questions.
First, there are a lot of dogs in shelters and rescue groups. A rescue dog may be right for you. Or it may not. No judgment here. But if you decided a puppy is for you then here are some questions about how to buy a puppy.
Sometimes choosing a breeder is a gut instinct. If it doesn’t feel right or they are defensive about answering your questions, RUN. Don’t walk away, run away.
How long have you been breeding Boxers?
There is no real correct answer here. Some AKC (American Kennel Association members) have been involved in showing and breeding Boxers their whole life. It’s in their blood. They love the breed and are very serious about improving and keeping the breed healthy.
Don’t be nervous about the person who has been breeding Boxers for just a couple of years if they answer your questions.
Do you breed any other breeds of dogs?
This is really to find out if they are a puppy mill. You could also rephrase this to “Do you have any other breeds for us to choose?” Some people do have another favorite breed, normally they are closely related to style as Boxers, such as Mastiffs.
How many litters do you have per year?
This answers the above question probably better. If the answer is “We will have more litters to choose from next month and the month after if we don’t have what you are looking for now” RUN.
Responsible breeders, even ones who do this on a full-time basis really only want to raise one litter at a time. They know how much time and energy it takes to give them the attention they need.
If they have more than one female they might have 2-3 litters per year. But I’m here to tell you, puppies are fun but also exhausting!
You need a break between litters.
Are the parents registered?
The benefit of registration is pedigree. There are two options in the United States, the American Kennel Club Association (AKC) and the CKC (Continental Kennel Club). They sound on the surface both like credible certifications but are different
With AKC registration, you are assured your dog is a purebred Boxer from registered parents. The AKC has also built the world’s largest DNA profiles for genetic identity.
With CKC there is a little bit more leeway. CKC allows photo submission and “witness” verification. You may get a dog that looks like a Boxer the first generation but then the next generation shows different breed traits.
Will there be any restrictions on the pup’s registration?
It is common for puppies to be sold with a “restricted” AKC registration which means they cannot be bred. Many breeders even withhold the registration papers until proof of spay or neuter.
If the dog is bred then the pups from that litter can NOT be registered with the AKC nor any of their progeny.
What age can we pick up our puppy?
The minimum age a pup should leave go to their new home is between 8-12 weeks of age. Do NOT agree to pick up your pup at less than eight weeks. There are currently 25 states which require puppies to be at least 8 weeks of age and fully weaned.
Although Boxer pups may be weaned and eating solid food earlier there are socialization skills puppies learn from their littermates and Momma. Pups removed from the litter too early have limited social skills and may have bad biting and nipping habits.
What type of socialization and training will our pup receive?
You should receive a long list of socialization techniques from the breeder. If it’s just “We play with them and our kids play with them” then your pup probably didn’t get a lot of socialization.
Puppy socialization includes not only daily handling but exposure to external stimulus and may include the following.
- Daily handling: paws, mouth, tail, positioning on back, side etc.
- Brooms, mops, vacuums
- Toys, balls, tug toys, squeaky toys
- Various types of people: men, women, kids, beards, hats, glasses
- Other animals: dogs, cats, pets
- Different surfaces: carpet, tile, grass, dirt, mud
- Training: ENS (early neurological stimulation), bite inhibition, potty training, and “sit & be petted.”
Can we visit our puppy before we take her home?
We let people visit as often as they like. That way people can bond with their puppy, the puppies get additional socialization, and we get to know the families as well.
However, there are some breeders which may live far away and they may be sensitive to potential disease transmission. That’s okay, technology is amazing and you can visit your pup via video phone calls and Facetime.
Ask for a video interview with your breeder. Ask to see the nursery area, the parents, the puppies and ask questions. If a long-distance breeder will not do a video call RUN! Don’t walk.
Do you provide veterinary records with visits and proof of vaccination?
This should be a given. Veterinary records or proof of vaccination and deworming is critical in assuring the health of your puppy.
Do we receive a puppy contract and can we see it in advance?
Responsible dog breeders provide a puppy contract with a health guarantee, puppy return policy, and contact information.
Is there an application process required?
Not all dog breeders have a formal application process, some screen their potential families on the phone or on email.
Can you provide veterinary and family references?
The trust factor with a Boxer breeder who provides veterinary references and contact information definitely increases.
What type of support do we receive after we go home?
Responsible Boxer breeders provide lifetime support for questions. They will also take back any puppy that doesn’t work out or provide rehoming assistance.
The purpose of the above questions is to not get all the questions right. But to get enough of the important ones answered correctly so you can feel comfortable that you are getting a healthy well-adjusted Boxer puppy.
