So you’ve decided to adopt a Cavapoo puppy. You’ve researched the breed and are now heading to the breeder’s to pick your puppy up. Congratulations! But how do you know that this breeder is right for you?
What are the top questions to ask when buying from a Cavapoo breeder? In this article, we’ll lay out the 8 most important questions you should ask your breeder. So, if you can’t wait to know more about Cavapoo puppies, read on!
Take a look at the litter’s surroundings
Okay, so this first one isn’t exactly a question, per se. But, we think this is too important not to include. When you go to pick up your Cavapoo puppy, ask if you can see the entire litter. Look at the Cavapoo litter’s bedding and living conditions.
The puppies should be sleeping in a box or basket near the Cavapoo mother. The Cavapoo puppies’ father may be nearby, too. If the breeder won’t let you see where the puppies have been staying, or if the Cavapoo puppies have been staying in unsanitary conditions, this is a major red flag.
Can you see both parents’ health certifications?
This is arguably one of the most important questions you can ask your breeder. Before a person breeds any dog, they should first take the parent dogs to the vet’s to test that they will not pass on that breed’s most common hereditary health issues. In the Cavapoo, these issues include eye problems, heart diseases, and hip issues.
The vet will then provide the breeder with paperwork detailing their health. If your Cavapoo breeder cannot produce this essential documentation, this may be a sign that they are an unscrupulous breeder.
You should also ask your breeder what they will do if your puppy does turn out to have some kind of serious health condition. For example, does the breeder provide a ‘guarantee’? Will the breeder take the puppy back if you can’t care for it anymore?
How old are the puppies?
A Cavapoo puppy should be at least 8 to 12 weeks old before a breeder considers separating them from their mother. By this age, your Cavapoo puppy should be fully weaned onto a dog food for puppies. Your Cavapoo puppy should also have had a little socialization and should know how to play with their littermates.
Your breeder should keep track of the puppies’ age and know exactly how old they are. If a Cavapoo puppy is removed from its mother too young, you risk many preventable health conditions.
However, the breeder should not press you into bringing home a puppy who is too young. You can always ‘book’ a puppy you like the look of and bring the Cavapoo home when they are old enough.
Have the puppies been socialized?
A good breeder will begin to socialize their puppies as soon as the puppies are old enough. This means your Cavapoo puppy will have experience walking on a leash and should be used to everyday household objects, appliances, and noises, like a kettle, toaster, dishwasher, or vacuum cleaner.
Your Cavapoo should also have been introduced to other dogs and people – big dogs, small dogs, and various people with different clothing and hairstyles. A great breeder may have begun basic training with their Cavapoo litter, like toilet training and commands like ‘Sit’ and ‘Paw’!
Having socialized the Cavapoo puppies means that this new environment seems less strange when you bring your Cavapoo puppy home. Ask your breeder what they do to socialize their Cavapoo puppies. Do they walk the puppies? Where do they walk their pups? Do they bring their puppies into their home? Ideally, you want a puppy who won’t be scared of its new home.
Have the puppies been vaccinated and wormed?
Since the Cavapoo litter is probably around 8 to 12 weeks old, this makes them just old enough for their first vaccinations and worming treatments. If the breeder has already taken your Cavapoo puppy for first vaccinations and worming treatment, this will factor into the cost of your puppy.
Again, there will be paperwork from the vet detailing precisely which vaccinations your Cavapoo puppy has already gotten, as well as when your puppy will need their booster vaccinations. Ask your breeder for a copy of this paperwork.
Depending on where you live and which activities you anticipate enjoying with your puppy, you may like to take your Cavapoo puppy for a few extra vaccinations. If you live near a woodland area, for example, you may want to vaccinate your Cavapoo puppy against Lyme disease.
What food are they on?
You’ve asked most of the important questions by now and are beginning to trust your breeder. But wait! Before you bring your Cavapoo puppy home, be sure to ask your breeder what kind of food they are currently feeding the Cavapoo litter.
A sudden drastic change in a Cavapoo puppy’s diet can make your new pup very unwell for a long time. But, as long as you know exactly what food your new Cavapoo puppy already likes, you have the freedom to continue them on a diet that works for them or to even slowly move your new puppy to a breed-specific diet.
Do you have a contract?
Particularly responsible breeders often have prospective Cavapoo owners sign a contract before allowing them to take their new Cavapoo puppy home. In this contract, you agree to provide certain things for your Cavapoo puppy.
For example, you will get them vaccinated or provide them with an indoor sleeping area and safe living conditions. In addition, your breeder may agree to provide you with things like post-adoption advice and all relevant paperwork.
Can I have your contact details?
You are sure to think of some more questions for your Cavapoo breeder when you get home. You may even forget to ask your breeder something. This is fine, as long as you make sure to get your breeder’s phone number or email address. Who wouldn’t want to be kept up-to-date on the development of a fluffball like your new Cavapoo puppy!
Plus, with your breeder’s years of experience with the Cavapoo breed, there really is no one better to go to for unparalleled help and advice with your Cavapoo.
If you like this then read our Complete Cavapoo Guide: Must Read Facts here.
