Here are some important questions you should ask the breeder to increase safety and to see how serious the seller seems:
- Where does the dog come from?
- Are the mother and father related? Always ask this question. Inbreeding is never a good idea. As with all dog breeding, it’s important to avoid inbreeding. It’s also about choosing a good bitch and a good stud dog when breeding. They should be healthy and have a good temperament.
- Is the mother of the puppies registered in Sweden?
- Was this an accidental mating or was it planned? If they have bred puppies from the same parents before, ask for the phone number of someone who owns one of those earlier puppies. Call and ask about the dogs and about the breeder. For example, ask: has the dog been completely healthy? What is the dog’s temperament like? Calm, happy, lively, sensitive, sharp, or…? Does the dog get along with children?
- Can I have the pedigree now? If the puppy has a pedigree, you should receive it no later than when you pick up the puppy. If the seller wants to send it to you afterwards, there is probably neither a registered kennel nor a real pedigree.
- What is included in the price?
- Will I get documentation showing that the puppy has been dewormed, ID-marked and vet-checked (certificate no more than 7 days old)? If not, think carefully about whether you should buy this particular dog. Dogs over four months must be ID-marked. Check whether the puppy is ID-marked and registered with SKK if it is a purebred. If it is a mixed breed, check that it is registered with Jordbruksverket. Ask to see the mother’s registration as proof. The microchip number must be stated on the veterinary certificate.
- How old is the dog? Remember that it is illegal to sell puppies before they are eight weeks old. If a puppy is taken from its mother too early, it can develop behavioural problems.
- What happens if the dog becomes ill or a defect is discovered – will the breeder take the dog back?
- Is the dog ear- or tail-docked? It is forbidden to crop ears and dock tails on dogs in Sweden. An ear- or tail-docked dog was not born in Sweden.
- What is the mother’s temperament like?
- Is she healthy, or has she had any problems of any kind? Visit the breeder in their home and meet the bitch and the puppies. Many smuggled dogs are sold through middlemen and without you seeing the dog in its home environment. Do not accept that.
- What is the father’s temperament like? Is he healthy, or has he had any problems of any kind?
- Is it okay to contact the breeder after the purchase if you need advice or have questions?
- Will I get a written purchase agreement?
- Does the seller’s full name, personal ID number, address and phone number appear in the contract? Do not accept only getting a mobile number.
