🐶 How to Choose a Puppy Responsibly – A 2025 Vet Buying Guide by Dr Duncan Houston

Bringing home a puppy is a joyful, lifelong commitment—not an impulse buy. In this 2025 buying guide, Dr Duncan Houston outlines key questions every potential dog owner should ask breeders, along with the signs of a healthy, responsibly raised puppy. 🐾

🧠 Why Responsible Puppy Buying Matters

While some dogs from backyard breeders or pet shops turn out well, many others suffer from health or temperament problems including:

• 🚫 Hip dysplasia or joint problems
• 🧬 Genetic heart, thyroid, or eye disease
• 😢 Anxiety, aggression, or shyness
• 💥 Seizure disorders, EIC (exercise-induced collapse)

Responsible breeders screen for these issues—reducing risk and ensuring the puppy is set up for a healthy life. 👍

📋 Key Questions to Ask the Breeder

• 📅 Are both parents at least 2 years old with final health clearances?
• 📄 Do they have OFA, PennHIP, CERF, elbow, heart, and thyroid certifications?
• 📚 Can they provide documentation and lineage records?
• 🧬 Have the grandparents, siblings, and previous litters been health tracked?
• 🩺 Are puppies vet-checked, wormed, and vaccinated before going home?
• 🏠 Were puppies raised indoors with people—not in barns or backyard kennels?
• 🤝 Will the breeder take the dog back anytime if needed?
• 🔁 Do they require a spay/neuter contract or offer limited registration?
• 📞 Will they provide references from other puppy buyers?
• 🏆 Are the sire/dam titled in conformation, field, or obedience events?
• 🎓 Do they offer guidance in choosing the right puppy based on temperament?

🧑‍⚖️ Signs of a Reputable Breeder

• 🐕 Breeds only 1–2 breeds and limits litter frequency
• 📸 Offers photos, videos, or visits to meet the puppies and parents
• 💬 Welcomes questions and builds a lifelong support relationship
• 📝 Provides contracts, health guarantees, pedigrees, and care guidance
• 👩‍⚕️ Active in breed clubs or competitions and up-to-date on medical trends

⚠️ Red Flags to Avoid

• 📢 Breeders advertising only in newspapers or yard signs
• 💰 Puppies priced far below market (under $1000 in most breeds)
• 🚚 Puppies shipped without in-person evaluation
• 🛑 Refusal to show health records or let you meet the dam
• 🏚️ Puppies raised in unsanitary or outdoor-only conditions

🧠 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Buy

• ⏳ Can I commit 10–15 years to this pet’s needs and safety?
• 🏋️ Am I ready for daily exercise, training, grooming, and shedding?
• 💸 Can I afford vet care, food, training, and emergencies?
• 📚 Am I willing to learn about this breed’s care and behavior?
• 🍼 Will I still care for the dog through life changes (baby, move, job)?
• 🐕‍🦺 Am I ready for a puppy’s mess, energy, and mischief?

If you answered YES to all of the above—congratulations! You're ready to start your puppy search responsibly.

💡 Don’t Overlook Adoption!

Rescue dogs can be wonderful family members. While health history may be unknown, adult dogs allow you to see temperament and behavior before bringing them home. Many rescues offer evaluations and vetting.

✅ Final Advice from Dr Duncan Houston

• 🐾 Wait for the right breeder—don’t rush or settle
• 🧪 Ask for clearances and contracts in writing
• 📖 Read up on your breed and ask questions
• 🤝 Build a relationship with your breeder—they should be your support network for life

Your puppy deserves the best start. Choose thoughtfully—and prepare for a lifetime of tail wags, muddy paws, and loyal companionship. 🐶❤️

📲 Questions? Ask A Vet!

Download the Ask A Vet app to get expert answers from trusted veterinary professionals like Dr Duncan Houston. From choosing the right breeder to training your new pup, we’ve got your back! 🐾📱