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Bringing home a German Shepherd puppy is a commitment that can last 10–13 years or more. While finding an adorable puppy is easy, finding a healthy, well-bred puppy from a responsible breeder requires asking the right questions.

The breeder you choose plays a major role in your puppy’s health, temperament, confidence, and future success.

At Vom Dreifke German Shepherds, we encourage every prospective puppy owner to ask questions. An ethical breeder should welcome them and be happy to explain their breeding program.

Here are the most important questions to ask before buying a German Shepherd puppy.

1. Are the Parents Health Tested?

Health testing is one of the most important questions you can ask.

Responsible breeders should screen their breeding dogs for inherited conditions whenever appropriate.

Ask about:

  • Hip health
  • Elbow health
  • Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
  • Cardiac concerns
  • Overall veterinary care

Healthy parents help improve the chances of producing healthy puppies.

2. Can I Meet the Parents?

Whenever possible, ask to meet the mother and, if available, the father.

Observe whether they are:

  • Friendly
  • Confident
  • Calm
  • Well-mannered
  • Comfortable around people
  • Healthy in appearance

A puppy’s parents can provide valuable insight into future temperament.

3. How Are the Puppies Raised?

Early experiences matter.

Ask whether the puppies are raised:

  • Inside the home
  • Around people daily
  • With regular handling
  • Around normal household sounds
  • In clean conditions
  • With age-appropriate enrichment

Well-socialized puppies generally transition more smoothly into their new homes.

4. What Socialization Do the Puppies Receive?

Socialization should begin long before puppies go home.

Ask if the puppies are exposed to:

  • Different people
  • Children
  • Household noises
  • Various surfaces
  • Gentle handling
  • New objects
  • Car rides (if appropriate)

These experiences help build confident puppies.

5. Have the Puppies Been Seen by a Veterinarian?

Every puppy should receive proper veterinary care.

Ask about:

  • Wellness examinations
  • Vaccinations
  • Deworming
  • Microchipping
  • Health records

Request copies of veterinary documentation when available.

6. What Vaccinations Have Been Given?

Ask:

  • Which vaccines were administered?
  • On what dates?
  • When is the next booster due?

Keeping accurate records helps your veterinarian continue your puppy’s care.

7. What Food Are the Puppies Eating?

Changing foods immediately after bringing your puppy home may upset their stomach.

Ask:

  • Brand of food
  • Feeding schedule
  • Portion sizes
  • Recommended transition plan if switching foods

8. Do You Offer Lifetime Breeder Support?

A responsible breeder’s relationship doesn’t end on pickup day.

Ask whether they are available to answer questions about:

  • Training
  • Nutrition
  • Behavior
  • Health
  • Growth
  • General puppy care

Lifetime support is a sign that a breeder stands behind their puppies.

9. What Temperament Is This Puppy?

Every puppy has a unique personality.

Ask whether the puppy is:

  • Calm
  • Outgoing
  • Confident
  • Playful
  • Independent
  • Food motivated
  • Toy driven

The right personality is often more important than choosing a specific color or gender.

10. Do You Provide a Written Contract?

Responsible breeders should provide a written agreement outlining:

  • Purchase terms
  • Health guarantees (if offered)
  • Return policy
  • Registration information
  • Buyer responsibilities

Read the contract carefully before placing a deposit.

11. Can You Provide References?

Ask if previous puppy buyers are willing to share their experiences.

Reviews and testimonials can provide insight into:

  • Communication
  • Puppy health
  • Temperament
  • Ongoing breeder support

12. Are the Puppies AKC Registered?

If registration is important to you, ask:

  • Are the puppies AKC registered?
  • Will registration paperwork be provided?
  • Are there limited or full registration options?

13. What Happens If I Can No Longer Keep My Dog?

Responsible breeders often require that their dogs be returned to them if an owner can no longer provide care.

This demonstrates a long-term commitment to the dogs they produce.

14. What Makes Your Breeding Program Different?

Ask about the breeder’s goals.

Examples include:

  • Health
  • Temperament
  • Working ability
  • Family companions
  • Service work
  • Personal protection
  • Conformation

A knowledgeable breeder should clearly explain their program.

15. How Do You Match Puppies With Families?

Many reputable breeders help match puppies based on:

  • Activity level
  • Family lifestyle
  • Experience
  • Goals
  • Temperament

Choosing the right personality often leads to greater long-term success.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if a breeder:

  • Won’t answer questions
  • Cannot provide health information
  • Offers multiple litters constantly
  • Allows puppies to leave too early
  • Keeps puppies in poor conditions
  • Pressures you into buying immediately
  • Cannot discuss the parents’ temperaments

Why Choosing the Right Breeder Matters

A well-bred German Shepherd puppy begins with:

  • Responsible breeding
  • Healthy parents
  • Proper socialization
  • Veterinary care
  • Ethical breeding practices
  • Lifetime breeder support

Taking the time to ask questions now can help you enjoy many happy years with your new companion.

At Vom Dreifke German Shepherds, we’re proud to answer questions, educate future owners, and help each family find the right puppy for their lifestyle. We believe transparency, health, and lifelong support are the foundation of responsible breeding.

If you’d like to learn more about our available puppies or upcoming litters, we’d love to hear from you.

📞 Call or Text: (804) 896-1066
🌐 Website: vomdreifkeshepherds.com