Dog breeding

Take time to talk with the breeder about their dogs, litters and the conditions in which puppies are raised. They should be able to provide information about the breed, parents, health, diet, temperament and experiences provided before departure.

Where possible, observe the dogs’ living environment and how the puppies interact with their surroundings. Ask detailed questions rather than choosing solely from a photograph, color or aesthetic criterion.

Dog breeds can differ significantly in size, body structure, activity level, grooming and needs. Before choosing, research the breed and consider whether its characteristics are compatible with your home, available time and the activities you want to share with your dog.

Breed provides general indications but cannot completely predict an individual dog’s behavior. Parental temperament, early experiences, learning and environment also contribute to development.

Where possible, learn about both parents and observe at least the mother of the litter. Ask about their health, temperament, lifestyle and the reasons why the breeding pair was selected.

Parental temperament does not determine the future dog’s personality on its own, but it is useful information among other factors for understanding the context in which the puppy was born and raised.

Some conditions may have a hereditary component, and risks are not the same for every breed. Ask the breeder which health monitoring or screening is performed on breeding dogs and what health information is available.

Relevant examinations depend in particular on the breed and bloodlines involved. A breeder should be able to explain their breeding approach and the health factors they consider without presenting screening as an absolute guarantee of future health.

The early weeks are an important period of behavioral development. Puppies gradually discover their environment, people, other animals, different sounds, objects, surfaces and everyday situations.

These experiences should be positive and adapted to the puppy’s responses. Simply increasing exposure without considering signs of fear or discomfort is not the goal: progression should respect the puppy’s pace.

Ask about the litter’s daily life: resting areas, opportunities for play and exploration, interaction with people, presence of the mother and experiences provided. The environment should allow puppies to rest while also gradually discovering their surroundings.

Also ask how the breeder observes temperament differences between puppies and how each puppy is supported throughout development.

Socialization is not simply about exposing a puppy to as many situations as possible. It involves gradually introducing people, animals, environments and events while observing the puppy’s responses.

An anxious puppy should not be forced to remain in a situation it cannot cope with. Gradual, positive experiences allow exposure to be adapted to temperament and comfort level.

Where possible, observe the puppy in its usual environment: general appearance, mobility, activity, interactions with littermates and exploration. Ask the breeder about its usual behavior rather than drawing conclusions from a few minutes.

A puppy may be tired, excited or cautious during your visit. A single reaction therefore cannot summarize its temperament.

Puppies within the same litter can differ in behavior and temperament. Tell the breeder about your environment, experience with dogs, activities and what you are looking for in everyday life.

These discussions may be more useful than choosing solely based on sex, color or which puppy approaches you first during an initial meeting.

Ask what the puppy is currently fed, in what quantities and on what schedule. Also ask about sleeping habits, outings, play periods and routines already established.

Keeping some familiar routines during the first days can make the transition to the new home easier. If you want to change the diet, seek advice about an appropriate transition.

Before arrival, prepare a place where the puppy can sleep and rest, water, food, appropriate chew items and a few activities. Also secure the areas the puppy will be able to access.

The first few days already represent a major change. Give the puppy time to discover its environment and allow periods of rest rather than immediately filling the schedule with visitors, outings and new experiences.

Before departure, ask what health information is available for the puppy and which care, examinations or preventive measures have already been provided. Also ask what should be continued after arrival.

After arrival, a veterinarian can advise you on appropriate care according to the puppy’s age, history, health, environment and lifestyle.

Ask about the parents, their temperament and health, breed characteristics, the conditions in which the litter is raised, diet, experiences provided to the puppies and care given before departure.

You can also ask what advice is provided for the first weeks, how the breeder matches or guides future homes toward a puppy and whether they remain available for questions after departure.

Requirements concerning the sale, identification, documents, vaccination or transport of a dog may vary by country, territory and destination. Check the requirements applicable to your situation and ask the breeder which documents will accompany the puppy.

When travelling between different territories, also check any conditions that may apply at departure, during transport and at the destination.

Prousty & Co allows you to search for dog breeders and discover the breeds they present. Use the available filters to find professionals matching your search.

Review the information available on profiles and contact the breeder directly to learn about litters, available puppies, their characteristics, breeding conditions and acquisition arrangements.