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It is important that you meet both parents of your desired dog. Should your breeder not own the sire, ask for some photos of it or at least meet the dam. This way, you can check for the mother’s temperament and overall health.

She should have the qualities you are looking for in your breed of choice. See if she is clean, well-behaved, and protective of her litter (if any). If she appears aggressive or fearful, take it as a sign that you should look for another breeder.

You will know if your breeder is ethical if your puppy of choice lives with the mother, has access to food and water, and is kept in a clean place.

Dogs need to be socialised up until they are at least eight weeks old. This way, they grow up to be well-rounded adults. Preferably, they should be raised in an environment where they can meet other people and pets.

They should be slowly introduced to new situations and environments before they are given away. Additionally, their breeder should also expose them to different sounds and smells at an early age.

Even the healthiest-looking sire or dam can have a disease in its genetic lineage that it can pass on to its offspring. To minimise the risk of your desired puppy suffering from breed-specific issues later on in life, ask your breeder for the health certificate of the parents.

Request for x-rays or other tests that may rule out genetic diseases such as hip dysplasia, lymphoma, and cataract.

Once you bring your dog home, it is important that you continue feeding it the same food it has been fed by its breeder for at least the first few days. This is because a sudden change in diet can lead to issues like stomach pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and vomiting.

Some breeders will give you dog food that’s good for the next couple of days. They may even give you a diet sheet to help you out with your dog’s nutritional needs.

After a few days, you can finally switch your dog’s diet. It is recommended to do it gradually. Choose foods that are high quality and well balanced.

All puppies get infected with worms at birth which is why regular deworming is advised. Worming should be done when the puppy is about two weeks old. It should be repeated every two weeks.

In terms of vaccinations, puppies should receive their first round of shots when they are six to nine weeks old. Their second round of shots should be administered when they are 10 to 12 weeks of age.

Before bringing your chosen puppy home, it is recommended to ask your breeder how many shots it has already had.

Find out when the next vaccination schedule is and request for a medical history of the dog. Finally, ask your seller if they have a refund policy in case any serious health problems arise in the first few weeks. If there is none, take it as a sign to find another breeder.

A good breeder often provides a health guarantee as an assurance that their dog has been treated with care. Typically, its contents include proof of vaccinations and documentation that the puppy has no genetic conditions.

Other certifications your breeder may provide are registration papers, veterinary documentation, proof of lineage (if applicable), and a contract of sale.

Unfortunately, health guarantees and contracts can be faked. To avoid getting scammed, always buy from a verified breeder. Do a background check on your seller and see if they have positive reviews on their website.

If possible, ask your breeder for references. Make it your responsibility to call previous buyers to learn about their experience and find out if your breeder is trustworthy.