Free · for puppy buyers

Puppy buyer checklist — 17 points

Vet the kennel and the puppy before you buy: what to ask a breeder, which documents to expect, how to spot a reseller. Check items off right here — your progress is saved in the browser.

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Before the first message

The kennel is in an open registry (e.g. Dogerra) — check here: /tools/kennel-verify
The kennel has a history — it didn't appear "just yesterday"
The prefix/name match what's stated in the listing

Pedigree and paperwork

Pedigree covers at least 3 generations — real ancestors are visible, not just the word "pedigree" in the listing
The pedigree is issued by a recognized club or federation (FCI and equivalents)
The puppy comes with its own pedigree/registration, not a "we'll sort it out later"
A written sale contract, not a verbal agreement
The puppy has a microchip or tattoo

Health

The parents have genetic tests for breed-specific conditions
The parents have a breeding clearance or conformation evaluation
The puppy's first vaccinations are age-appropriate, noted in a vet passport
A vet examined the puppy before handover

In-person meeting

You can see the puppy live or on a video call — together with the mother
The litter's living conditions are in order: clean, enough space, early socialization is visible
The breeder answers questions in detail and doesn't rush your decision

Red flags

The breeder insists on prepayment without paperwork and without letting you see the puppy — a reason to be cautious
The price is noticeably below market with no explanation — often a sign of an undocumented reseller

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Why you need a checklist before buying a puppy

Most "puppy with problems" stories start the same way: the buyer took the seller's word for it and never checked the paperwork. A checklist isn't distrust of any particular breeder — it's simple discipline: the same 17 questions before any purchase, no matter how pleasant the conversation feels. A real kennel breezes through this list — it has nothing to hide.