A breeding match is a partnership, and like any partnership, the vetting happens before the commitment. These are the ten questions experienced breeders ask — and expect to be asked in return. If you're new to this, bring them to your first conversation; a good partner will be glad you did.
1. Can I see current health clearances — and verify them myself? This is always question one. You want registration numbers for public databases, not just photos of certificates. 2. What's the animal's COI, and have you calculated what ours would be together? Responsible owners know their animal's coefficient of inbreeding or are willing to compute it before the pairing.
3. Has this animal produced before, and can I speak to a previous breeding partner? References from past matches are the single best predictor of how yours will go. 4. What's the temperament like around strangers and other animals? Temperament is heritable, and the logistics of the breeding itself depend on the answer — a shy or reactive animal changes the plan.
5. What are your contract terms — stud fee, pick of litter, or repeat breeding if the first attempt fails? Get the full structure on the table early. 6. Who covers progesterone testing, veterinary costs, and travel? These logistics cause more disputes than the fee itself. 7. What happens if only one puppy results, or none? Singleton litters and missed conceptions are common enough that every contract should address them explicitly.
8. Are both animals current on vaccinations, and will there be a brucellosis test (for dogs) within 30 days of breeding? This should be non-negotiable on both sides. 9. What's your plan for the litter — do you have homes lined up? The answer tells you whether you're dealing with a breeder or a broker. 10. Will you take back any animal you produce, for life? The correct answer is yes, unconditionally.
Notice what these questions have in common: none of them are about the fee. Money is the easy part. The questions that protect you are about health, accountability, and what happens when things don't go to plan — because in breeding, eventually something doesn't go to plan.
If an owner hesitates on any of these, that's your answer. The best matches on PetsRulez.com happen when both sides come prepared with questions — and paperwork. Use the platform's messaging to have these conversations in writing before you ever arrange a meeting, so there's a record of what was agreed.