Search dogs across Shepparton

To ensure you end up with a puppy that matches your expectations and is without significant health issues, it’s recommended to ask your breeder if you can visit where the pup was bred and meet the parents. Keep in mind the sire is not always owned by the breeder, so you’ll most likely meet the dam instead.

Meeting one or both parents helps you assess the puppy’s likely adult size, appearance and temperament. Spend time with the parent dog by feeding, petting or playing with it. If pedigree is important to you, ask your breeder about any titles or working credentials the sire or dam may hold, particularly relevant for working breeds common around the Goulburn Valley such as Kelpies and Border Collies.

Proper socialisation at an early age is important for a well-rounded adult dog. Ask your breeder what experiences your chosen pup has had so far, including exposure to people, other animals, farm environments and everyday household noises. Find out whether the puppy is more comfortable living indoors or in a kennel setting, which is particularly relevant on rural Shepparton properties.

A reputable breeder should know whether health tests have been carried out on both parents and should disclose any conditions that could affect your puppy later in life. If the breed is prone to a particular genetic issue, the breeder should be able to advise on how to minimise the risk.

Ask whether the puppy has been checked over by a licensed veterinarian and whether it’s ever needed medication. Make sure your breeder provides a health guarantee, and remember that as a buyer you’re protected under Australian Consumer Law, which requires the puppy to match the description given in the breeder’s advertisement.

A puppy’s nutritional needs vary from dog to dog. Ask your breeder what the puppy has been used to eating so you can transition it gradually to any new food. A responsible breeder will provide a diet sheet detailing how much and how often to feed your new puppy for at least the first few weeks in your home.

A verified breeder understands the importance of vaccinations. Puppies aged six to nine weeks should have had their first set of shots, with a second round completed by 10 to 12 weeks of age. If your breeder hasn’t finished the required shots, ask for documentation showing when the next doses are due, and have a vet examine the puppy before you commit.

Ask your breeder what happens if your puppy develops a serious health condition due to a lack of disclosure, and whether they’ll take the puppy back if you’re ever unable to care for it. An ethical breeder prioritises their dogs’ health and happiness and will provide a written contract with their full contact details and return policy, with some offering a replacement or refund if the puppy passes away.