About the parents
1. Can I meet or see the parents? A good breeder shows you the mother, and often the father or at least photos and videos. Temperament is partly inherited.
2. What health testing have the parents had? Ask for hips, elbows, eyes and a genetic panel, which can include EIC, PRA, CNM and others. Ask for the results. See our health testing guide.
3. Can I see the pedigree? A breeder should be able to show registered names and lineage.
4. How old are the parents? Dams should be mature, not bred too young or too often.
5. How many litters does the mother have? Responsible breeders limit litters and allow rest between them.
About the puppies
6. How are the puppies raised? Look for answers like in the home, around people, with early handling, not a kennel or a barn.
7. What socialization do they get? Early exposure to sounds, surfaces and people sets them up well.
8. What has been done for their health? Dewormings, first vaccines, a vet exam and a microchip.
9. How will you match me with a puppy? A breeder who observes temperament and helps match families to puppies is a good sign.
10. At what age do puppies go home? Most responsible breeders keep puppies until about eight weeks.
About paperwork and cost
11. What registration comes with my puppy? Ask whether it is full or limited AKC registration and why. See limited vs. full AKC registration.
12. What exactly is included in the price? Registration, microchip, shots, deworming and starter supplies should be clear.
13. How much is the deposit, and is it refundable? Know the terms before you pay. See how waiting lists work.
14. Is there a written contract and health guarantee? Read it fully before signing.
15. What forms of payment do you accept? Be wary of wire, gift card or crypto-only requests.
About support
16. What if I cannot keep the dog? A responsible breeder will want the dog back, rather than see it in a shelter.
17. Will you be available after I take my puppy home? Ongoing help with feeding, training and health questions is a mark of a caring breeder.
18. Can I contact previous families? References and reviews tell you plenty.
About you and the breeder
19. How long have you been breeding, and why? Look for passion for the breed and consistency, not volume.
20. What questions do you have for me? A good breeder will ask about your home, family, schedule and experience, because they care where the puppy goes.
Red flags
- Refusing a call, video or visit
- No health testing, or vague answers
- Pressure to pay immediately
- Always having puppies, or many breeds
- No contract
Read our guides on choosing a Labrador breeder in North Carolina and avoiding puppy scams.
We welcome these questions
Every item on this list is something we are happy to discuss. Ask us anything, in any order, as many times as you need.
How to use this list
Do not feel you must ask all 20 on a single call. Pick the ones that matter most to you, write down the answers and compare breeders afterward. Listen to the way they respond: patient, specific answers show experience, and evasive or defensive answers are worth noting.
What good answers sound like
- Health testing: "Here are the results, and here is what each test covers."
- Temperament: "Mom is very calm. Let me tell you about each puppy's personality."
- Registration: "Our puppies come with AKC papers, limited or full, and here is why."
- Support: "Call or text anytime. We want to hear how your puppy is doing."
Questions a breeder should ask you
Expect questions about your home, yard, family, other pets, work schedule, training plans and why you want a Lab. This is a good sign. A breeder who cares where the puppies go will ask, and your honest answers help them choose the right puppy for you.
After the call
Review your notes, verify what you can and trust your gut. Ask for contract terms ahead of time and read them carefully. If you are comfortable, reserve your puppy and keep in touch while the puppies grow. We are always glad to answer more questions, even after you are on our list.
Questions? Talk to a real person
Bring this list with you. We would be glad to go through it together. Call or text (919) 899-8917, browse our available puppies, or send us a note. There's no cost and no pressure in asking.