15 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Puppy
By Homestead Acres team · September 27, 2026
A good breeder expects questions and welcomes them. Use this list when you talk with us or with anyone else you're considering. The answers will help you buy with confidence.
About the breeder
Where are the puppies raised, and can I see the space or take a video tour? Are the puppies raised in the home with people around them? How long have you been caring for this breed? A responsible breeder is open about how the dogs live and happy to show you.
About the parents
Can I see the mother, and can you tell me about the father? What are their sizes, ages and temperaments? Have they had any health problems? Seeing the parents helps you predict what your puppy will be like as an adult.
About the puppy's health
What vaccinations and deworming has the puppy had, and when? Has it seen a vet? Do you provide records? Is there any health guarantee, and what exactly does it cover? Ask for the answers in writing.
About age and timing
How old is the puppy now, and when can it go home? Puppies should stay with their mother and littermates until at least eight weeks. Leaving too early can affect health and behavior.
About feeding and care
What is the puppy eating, and how often? Will you share a few days of food to help the transition? Knowing the current routine keeps your puppy's stomach happy in the first days at home.
About the process and payment
How do I reserve a puppy, and how do deposits and final payment work? What forms of payment do you accept? What happens if the plans change? At Homestead Acres, we accept credit cards and are happy to explain each step.
About support afterward
Can I contact you after I take the puppy home? A caring breeder wants to hear how the puppy is doing and is available for questions about feeding, training and settling in.
Red flags
Be cautious of a seller who won't let you see the puppy or the home, even by video; who pressures you to pay quickly; who can't answer basic questions about health; or who offers a price that seems too good to be true. Trust your instincts.
Questions we'll ask you
Expect questions in return. We ask about your home, your experience and why you want a puppy so we can find the best match. That's why we have a short puppy application.
Talk with us
Call or text 302-344-1642 or 732-306-4821, or request a video call. We're glad to answer every question on this list.
How to use this list
You don't need to ask every question on the first call. Start with how the puppies are raised, the parents, health records and what is included. Take notes, and compare answers if you're talking with more than one seller. Pay attention to how the person responds: patient, clear answers are a very good sign, and vague or defensive ones are worth noting.
It also helps to ask a friend or your vet to look over what you've learned before you commit.
What a good answer sounds like
A good breeder will talk openly about the puppies' care, share what they know about the parents, explain what's included and what isn't, and tell you honestly if a puppy may not be the right match for your home. They'll welcome visits or video calls and won't push you to decide immediately. They'll also expect to be reachable after the puppy goes home. That's the kind of relationship we aim for with every family at Homestead Acres.
Why your questions help the puppies too
When you ask careful questions, you encourage everyone involved to give each puppy the best care. Responsible sellers value buyers who are informed and prepared. They want puppies to go to homes where they'll be loved for life. If you ever feel awkward asking, remember that a puppy is a member of your family for more than a decade, and a few minutes of questions are a small price for peace of mind.
Write your answers down and share them with your vet at your first visit. It gives your vet a head start in caring for your puppy.
Ready to meet a Shih Tzu puppy?
See who is available in Middletown, Delaware, or call and text us with questions.