Buyer Education
Legitimate Puppy Breeder Checklist: 10 Things to Verify Before You Commit
Before any deposit, any purchase, any commitment — verify these 10 things with any breeder you're considering.
September 21, 2026 · 5 min read
Why a Checklist Matters
Buying a puppy is a 10–15 year commitment. The most common regrets come from skipping due diligence in the excitement of finding an available puppy. This checklist slows that process down usefully.
10 Things to Verify Before You Commit
- Can you see where the puppies are raised?
- Can you see the mother dog on video or in person?
- Are parent dogs DNA health tested? (Ask for the specific panel name.)
- What specific health conditions were tested for?
- What is the health guarantee — and what exactly does it cover?
- Is there a written purchase contract?
- What is the breeder's take-back policy?
- How old will the puppy be when it goes home? (8 weeks minimum)
- Can you speak with references from previous puppy buyers?
- Does the breeder ask questions about your lifestyle and home?
Questions Worth Asking Directly
- How many litters per year do you produce?
- How many breeding dogs do you have?
- What happens to your breeding dogs when they retire?
- Do puppies sleep inside your home?
- What socialization do puppies receive before they go home?
At Star Struck Puppies, we encourage this level of due diligence — it's how you find breeders worth trusting.