Health & Testing
Puppy Vaccines: What a Breeder Should Send Your Puppy Home With
A reputable breeder sends every puppy home with a vaccination record. Here's exactly what should be on it, what comes next, and what your vet will do at the first visit.
February 20, 2024 · 6 min read
What Vaccinations Should a Reputable Breeder Provide?
Puppies going home should have received at minimum one age-appropriate vaccine. Puppies going home at 10 weeks or older may have two rounds. Standard protocol:
- 6 weeks: First DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
- 9 weeks: Second DHPP (if puppy is still with breeder)
- 12 weeks: Third DHPP
- Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine is common but not universal — discuss with your vet
Understanding the DHPP Vaccine
DHPP is a combination vaccine (also called DA2PPv or by various brand names) protecting against four serious diseases:
- Distemper: Serious viral disease affecting respiratory, nervous, and GI systems
- Hepatitis (Adenovirus): Liver disease
- Parvovirus: The most dangerous vaccine-preventable disease in puppies — highly contagious, often fatal without treatment
- Parainfluenza: Respiratory virus contributing to kennel cough
Your Responsibilities After Bringing Your Puppy Home
Your puppy's vaccination series is NOT complete at pickup — regardless of how many rounds the breeder gave. Core vaccines require a series to build full immunity:
- Continue DHPP every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks of age
- Rabies vaccine: Given at 12–16 weeks by your veterinarian (legally required in most states)
- Leptospirosis: Recommended in many areas — discuss with your vet
- Lyme disease: Geography-specific — ask your vet
When Is a Puppy Fully Protected?
Maternal antibodies (from the mother's milk) interfere with vaccine efficacy until they wane — which is why a series of vaccines is required rather than one early shot. Full immunity typically isn't achieved until 2 weeks after the final puppy series shot at 16 weeks. This is why puppies under 16 weeks should avoid high-risk areas (dog parks, pet store dog areas, areas where unknown dogs congregate).