Questions Every Puppy Buyer Should Ask Their Breeder About Health and Registration

When you’re looking for a puppy, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to get your new furry family member. A reputable breeder who is committed to the health and well-being of their dogs can make all the difference in ensuring you get a healthy, well-socialized puppy.

Unfortunately, not all breeders are equal. Some may not prioritize health testing or the proper documentation for their breeding dogs, which could lead to unforeseen health problems or behavioral issues in the future. Here’s why it’s crucial to ask a breeder about their health testing, the results of those tests, the registration paperwork of the parents, and how you can confirm that everything they say is factual.

Health Testing: A Vital Step to Prevent Inherited Diseases

When you’re in the market for a new puppy, one of the most important considerations is the health and well-being of the dog you choose. Ethical breeders who prioritize the long-term health of their dogs will perform health tests to screen for inherited conditions that could affect their puppies. These tests help ensure that your new dog has the best chance at a healthy, fulfilling life and reduces the risk of inherited diseases that are common in some breeds. Health testing is not just about checking a box; it’s a crucial step in preventing serious health issues and contributing to responsible breeding practices.

Why Ask About Health Testing?

Health testing is one of the most important ways to ensure the well-being of your future puppy. Many purebred dogs are susceptible to specific genetic conditions that can significantly impact their quality of life. Some of these conditions may not show symptoms until later in life, but by screening for them early, breeders can avoid passing these conditions down to the next generation.

Genetic Diseases

Genetic diseases are one of the most significant risks when purchasing a puppy from an irresponsible breeder. Certain dog breeds are more susceptible to inherited conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, eye problems, and even some types of cancer. While genetics play a role in these conditions, responsible breeding practices—like health testing—can drastically reduce the chances of passing down these inherited diseases.

For example, hip dysplasia is a common concern in large breeds like German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers. A responsible breeder will have the dog’s hips evaluated by organizations such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP to ensure they meet the breed’s standards. If a dog is found to have hip dysplasia or other joint issues, that dog should not be bred, as it would be likely to pass those conditions onto their puppies.

Similarly, many breeds are prone to heart conditions such as mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy. Without screening, these issues may not be visible early on, but they can significantly affect the dog’s health later in life. Responsible breeders will have their dogs evaluated by a veterinary cardiologist to rule out heart disease before breeding.

Reputable Breeding Practices

When a breeder invests in health testing, it shows their commitment to the well-being of their dogs and their offspring. Health testing goes beyond just checking for diseases; it’s about ensuring that each dog is fit to breed, improving the overall health of the breed, and contributing to the long-term success of that breed’s health standards.

By conducting health testing, breeders are working to reduce the number of genetic disorders in future generations, which means healthier, happier puppies. In addition, these breeders are demonstrating transparency and accountability, offering potential puppy buyers peace of mind and assurance that they are making a sound choice.

A breeder who skips health testing is likely not invested in the long-term health of their puppies and could be more interested in profits than ensuring the dogs they produce are healthy. A lack of health testing can lead to puppies that are more prone to debilitating health issues, resulting in heartbreak for the buyer and, in some cases, unnecessary medical costs.

What Health Tests Should You Ask About?

There are several key health tests that responsible breeders should perform before breeding their dogs. These tests are specific to the breed and help catch potential issues before they are passed down to puppies.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

One of the most important health tests to ask about is hip and elbow screening. Many large and medium-sized dog breeds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which are genetic conditions that can cause severe pain and lead to arthritis. The OFA and PennHIP certifications are the gold standards for hip and elbow evaluations. Breeders who use these tests will provide you with a certificate that shows their dogs’ scores, giving you confidence that their dogs are less likely to develop these issues.

Heart Disease

Certain breeds are more prone to heart diseases like mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy. If you’re purchasing a breed that is prone to these conditions, ask the breeder whether the dog’s heart has been examined by a veterinary cardiologist. The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) also offers certifications for heart testing in certain breeds.

Eye Conditions

Many dogs suffer from inherited eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and other vision impairments. To ensure the dog’s eyes are healthy, ask the breeder if the dog has been tested by a veterinary ophthalmologist and if they have an OFA or CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) certification. These tests are essential in catching eye conditions that could affect the dog’s vision in later life.

Genetic Disorders

Many breeds are susceptible to breed-specific genetic disorders that can only be identified through DNA testing. Examples include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in Collies and Cocker Spaniels or epilepsy in certain lines of Border Collies. Ask the breeder whether they conduct genetic testing through certified labs, and make sure to request the results of these tests.

When purchasing a puppy, it’s essential to ask about health testing to ensure that the breeder is taking the necessary steps to prevent inherited diseases. Health tests for common conditions like hip dysplasia, heart disease, and eye problems are a vital part of responsible breeding practices. A breeder who performs these tests is more likely to produce healthy, happy puppies that will be great companions for years to come.

Always ask for documentation of health test results and make sure these results are recent. By doing so, you can avoid the heartbreak and expense of dealing with serious health problems in your new puppy and ensure that you are supporting ethical breeders who are committed to the health of the breed.

The Importance of Registration Paperwork for the Parent Dogs

The registration of both the sire and dam ensures that they conform to the breed standards established by recognized kennel clubs. These standards define the ideal characteristics of the breed, including physical traits, health, and temperament. When a breeder provides the registration paperwork for the parents, they are essentially proving that the dogs meet the breed standard and are of the correct breed.

Without registration, there’s no clear proof of the dog’s pedigree, and you might unknowingly purchase a dog that does not conform to the expected standards. This could lead to issues down the line, such as unexpected health problems or behavioral traits that are inconsistent with the breed.

For example, if you’re buying a Golden Retriever, you want to ensure that both the sire and dam are registered as Golden Retrievers and not a mixed breed. This is important because a mixed breed dog could carry traits or health issues that differ from those typically seen in Golden Retrievers, affecting your puppy’s long-term health and compatibility with your lifestyle.

Proven Lineage

Ethical breeders are focused on preserving the quality and integrity of the breed they work with. Registration paperwork serves as a record of the dog’s lineage, helping to ensure that the animals being bred are of sound genetics. This is crucial for maintaining the health, temperament, and appearance of the breed over multiple generations.

For breeders aiming to produce puppies that conform to the breed standard, registration helps confirm that the dogs are purebred and that the breeder is working toward improvement, not just reproduction. Additionally, if you’re considering purchasing a show dog or a dog for breeding purposes, it’s essential that the parents are registered, as this verifies the dog’s ancestry and allows it to participate in breed-specific competitions or breeding programs.

Health and Temperament

The registration of the parent dogs is more than just a way to prove their breed. It also provides a way for you to trace health issues and temperament traits back through the dog’s lineage. Many breed registries require breeders to report any hereditary health issues that arise in their dogs, and these can be found in the dog's official records. By examining the pedigrees, you can sometimes identify health concerns that are prevalent in the family lines of the parent dogs.

For instance, certain breeds are predisposed to specific health problems, such as hip dysplasia in large breeds like German Shepherds or hip/elbow dysplasia in Labrador Retrievers. By reviewing the registration papers and pedigree of the parent dogs, you can look for patterns of these issues and ask the breeder about any health testing they’ve done to ensure the dogs are free from these hereditary conditions.

Similarly, behavioral traits can sometimes be passed down from one generation to the next. By asking about the parents’ history, you can get a better idea of what to expect in terms of the puppy’s temperament and whether it will fit into your lifestyle.

How to Confirm the Registration Papers Are Legitimate

When a breeder provides you with registration paperwork, it’s essential to confirm its legitimacy. Here’s how to do so:

Check the Pedigree and Registration Details

Ask the breeder to show you the pedigree and registration paperwork for both the sire and dam. This documentation should include:

• Full names of the dogs

• Registration numbers for both the sire and dam

• The official breed registry’s name, such as the AKC or UKC
  

The pedigree should also include a family tree of the dog’s ancestors, often spanning multiple generations. This helps you verify the dog’s lineage and proves that the dog is indeed purebred, not a mix.

Titles and Achievements

Many breeders will proudly showcase titles and awards earned by the parents or their ancestors. These may include titles in conformation shows, obedience trials, or even working dog certifications. These achievements serve as additional proof of the dog’s quality and breeding. A dog with titles from recognized events is often an indication of a high-quality dog that meets both the physical and behavioral standards of the breed.

Verify the Registration Numbers

To confirm the authenticity of the registration papers, you can use the breed registry’s online tools to verify the registration numbers. For example, the AKC offers a search tool on their website where you can check the registration status of a dog using its registration number. This tool allows you to confirm not only that the dog is officially registered but also view information about its lineage, ensuring the breeder’s claims are accurate.

When purchasing a puppy, especially from a breeder, ensuring the legitimacy of the registration paperwork for the sire and dam is vital. These documents serve as proof of the dogs’ lineage, adherence to breed standards, and commitment to preserving the integrity of the breed. By thoroughly reviewing and verifying these papers, you can ensure that your puppy comes from a responsible, ethical breeder dedicated to the health and well-being of the breed. Taking the time to ask about and confirm the registration details gives you peace of mind, knowing that your new puppy is of sound genetics and that the breeder has followed the best practices for breeding.

How to Confirm the Factual Accuracy of the Breeder’s Claims

Unfortunately, not all breeders will be upfront or accurate about their practices. Some may exaggerate their health testing efforts, misrepresent their dogs' lineage, or even provide false paperwork. That’s why it’s essential to know how to fact-check the information they provide before committing to bringing a puppy home. Ensuring that a breeder is ethical and transparent will help protect you from potential heartbreak, financial loss, and unforeseen health complications in your future pet. Below are key steps to verify a breeder’s claims and ensure you are purchasing from a responsible source.

Steps to Verify the Breeder’s Claims

Request Copies of Documents

A reputable breeder should have no hesitation in providing you with copies of official documents. This includes health testing results for both the sire (father) and dam (mother) of the litter, as well as their registration paperwork from a recognized breed registry.

When reviewing health test results, make sure the documents come from legitimate sources such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC), or PennHIP. These certifications confirm that the breeding dogs have been tested for common hereditary conditions within their breed. Be wary of breeders who only provide verbal assurances without any tangible proof.

For registration paperwork, ensure that the documents are from well-known organizations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), or The Kennel Club (UK). These papers should include the dog's registered name, breed, date of birth, and registration number. If a breeder hesitates to provide documentation, this is a major red flag.

Check the Breed Registry’s Website

Most reputable kennel clubs and breed registries offer online databases where you can verify the registration status of a dog. If a breeder provides you with a registration number, take a few minutes to search for it on the organization's official website.

For example:

• AKC (American Kennel Club) allows owners to search for registered dogs by entering their registration number into their database.

• UKC (United Kennel Club) provides verification services for pedigrees and registration status.

  
  

By checking these sources, you can confirm whether the dog is indeed registered and whether their lineage aligns with what the breeder claims. If the information does not match, or if the dog is not found in the database, the breeder may be providing false or incomplete information.

Use a Third-Party Verification Service:

Many health testing organizations maintain publicly accessible databases that allow you to verify a dog’s health screening results. Some of the most commonly used verification services include:

• OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals): Allows you to search by dog name or registration number to check health clearances for conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cardiac issues.

• PennHIP (University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program): Provides hip dysplasia screening results for dogs.

• CHIC (Canine Health Information Center): Maintains a database of health-tested dogs that meet the recommended testing criteria for their breed.

By using these tools, you can independently confirm whether the breeding dogs have undergone the appropriate health screenings and whether they passed those tests.

Ask for References

A trustworthy breeder will be happy to connect you with past puppy buyers who can share their experiences. Speaking with previous customers can give you valuable insight into the breeder’s reputation, the health and temperament of their puppies, and their overall breeding practices.

When reaching out to references, ask questions such as:

• How was your experience working with this breeder?

• Was the breeder transparent about health testing and paperwork?

• Have you encountered any health or temperament issues with your puppy?

• Would you recommend this breeder to others?
  

If a breeder refuses to provide references or dismisses the idea, consider this a red flag. Ethical breeders take pride in their work and should have satisfied puppy buyers willing to vouch for them.

The Bottom Line: Why All This Matters

Purchasing a puppy is an exciting journey, but ensuring that your new companion has the best chance at a long, healthy life starts with choosing the right breeder. Ethical breeders go beyond simply producing puppies—they prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs through responsible breeding practices, including thorough health testing. While no breeder can guarantee a completely problem-free dog, health screenings significantly reduce the risk of hereditary conditions and set the foundation for a healthier future.

By asking about health testing, reviewing the results, and verifying registration paperwork, you are making an informed decision that benefits both you and your future pet. Ethical breeders take these extra steps to ensure their breeding dogs are free of common genetic disorders and maintain the integrity of their breed’s lineage. Registration papers provide further assurance that a puppy comes from a well-documented, reputable background.