Questions to Ask Maltipoo Breeders Before You Buy

Selecting the right Maltipoo breeder is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your journey to pet ownership. The questions you ask—and more importantly, how breeders answer them—reveal crucial information about their practices, ethics, and the quality of puppies they produce. A reputable breeder will welcome your questions and provide comprehensive, transparent answers that demonstrate their commitment to responsible breeding and customer education.

As experienced Maltipoo breeders with over 12 years in the industry, we understand that informed buyers make the best customers and create the most successful human-dog relationships. This comprehensive guide provides the essential questions every prospective Maltipoo owner should ask, along with explanations of what constitutes good answers versus red flag responses.

Health Testing and Genetic Questions

Essential Health Testing Inquiries

1. "What health testing have you completed on the parent dogs?"

Good Answer Indicators:

• Specific tests mentioned: patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hip dysplasia, cardiac clearances

• Actual test results available for review

• Testing completed by certified veterinary specialists

• Both parents tested, not just one

• Current test results (within 12-24 months for most tests)

Red Flag Responses:

• "They look healthy" or visual assessment only

• Vague references to "some testing" without specifics

• Testing only one parent dog

• Outdated test results or no documentation

• Resistance to showing actual test results

2. "Can I see the health clearance certificates for both parent dogs?"

What to Look For:

• OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certificates for hip and elbow clearances

• CERF or OFA eye clearances for progressive retinal atrophy and other eye conditions

• Cardiac clearances from veterinary cardiologists

• DNA test results for genetic conditions specific to Maltese and Poodles

• Current documentation with official letterhead and veterinarian signatures

Documentation Standards: Reputable breeders maintain organized files with official documentation. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, proper health testing requires certified veterinary specialists and official documentation that can be verified through their databases.

3. "What genetic conditions are you breeding to avoid, and how?"

Comprehensive Answer Should Include:

• Patellar luxation prevention: Breeding only dogs with normal knee joints

• Progressive retinal atrophy avoidance: Eye testing and genetic screening

• Hip dysplasia prevention: Hip scoring and selective breeding

• Cardiac health focus: Heart clearances and monitoring

• Multi-generational planning: Understanding of genetic inheritance patterns

Health Guarantee Questions

4. "What health guarantee do you provide, and what does it cover?"

Quality Guarantee Elements:

• Comprehensive coverage: Genetic conditions, not just infectious diseases

• Reasonable time frame: 12-24 months for most genetic conditions

• Clear terms: Specific conditions covered and remedy procedures

• Veterinary flexibility: Ability to use your chosen veterinarian

• Replacement or refund options: Clear remedies if serious conditions develop

5. "What happens if my puppy develops a genetic health condition covered by your guarantee?"

Professional Response Should Detail:

• Verification process: How conditions are diagnosed and confirmed

• Remedy options: Replacement puppy, partial refund, or veterinary cost coverage

• Timeline requirements: When and how to report health issues

• Veterinary cooperation: Working with your veterinarian for diagnosis

• Fair resolution: Reasonable solutions that protect both parties

Breeding Program and Experience Questions

Breeder Background and Philosophy

6. "How long have you been breeding Maltipoos, and how did you start?"

Quality Indicators:

• Substantial experience: At least 3-5 years of consistent breeding

• Passionate beginning: Started due to love of breed, not profit motive

• Continuous learning: Ongoing education about breeding and genetics

• Breed focus: Specialization in Maltipoos rather than many breeds

• Community involvement: Participation in breeding organizations or clubs

7. "What are your breeding goals and philosophy?"

Excellent Answers Include:

• Health prioritization: Breeding for health above all other considerations

• Temperament focus: Selecting for stable, friendly personalities

• Breed improvement: Working to enhance positive breed characteristics

• Quality over quantity: Limited breeding focused on excellence

• Lifetime commitment: Responsibility for dogs throughout their lives

8. "How many litters do you produce per year?"

Responsible Breeding Indicators:

• Limited production: Usually 1-3 litters per year total

• Seasonal breeding: Planned timing rather than constant production

• Female rest periods: Adequate time between litters for mother dogs

• Quality focus: Emphasis on preparation and planning rather than volume

• Personal attention: Ability to provide individual care for each puppy

Facility and Care Questions

9. "Can I visit your facility and meet the parent dogs?"

Positive Response Elements:

• Enthusiastic invitation: Eager to show facilities and breeding dogs

• Scheduled tours: Organized approach to facility visits

• Parent dog access: At least one parent dog available to meet

• Clean facilities: Well-maintained, organized breeding environment

• Happy dogs: Healthy, social, well-cared-for adult dogs

Warning Signs:

• Reluctance to allow visits: "Not convenient" or "too busy" responses

• Off-site meetings only: Insistence on meeting away from facilities

• Parent dogs unavailable: Claims that breeding dogs are not accessible

• Facility restrictions: Unwillingness to show breeding areas

• Scheduling difficulties: Consistent problems arranging visits

10. "What does a typical day look like for your puppies and adult dogs?"

Quality Care Indicators:

• Structured routines: Regular feeding, exercise, and socialization schedules

• Individual attention: Personal interaction and handling for each dog

• Environmental enrichment: Varied experiences and mental stimulation

• Health monitoring: Daily observation and immediate veterinary attention

• Social interaction: Regular human contact and appropriate dog-to-dog interaction

Puppy Development and Socialization

Early Development Programs

11. "What socialization and development programs do you provide for puppies?"

Comprehensive Programs Include:

• Early neurological stimulation: Exercises enhancing stress tolerance and learning

• Human handling: Daily interaction with various people including children

• Environmental exposure: Introduction to household sounds, surfaces, and experiences

• Positive associations: Good experiences with grooming, handling, and veterinary care

• Individual assessment: Understanding each puppy's personality and needs

12. "At what age do puppies go to their new homes, and why?"

Appropriate Practices:

• 8-10 weeks minimum: Adequate time with mother and littermates

• Individual readiness: Assessment of each puppy's development

• Complete weaning: Full transition to solid food

• Initial vaccinations: First round of immunizations completed

• Health clearance: Veterinary examination and health certification

13. "How do you match puppies with families?"

Professional Matching Process:

• Lifestyle assessment: Understanding family situations and preferences

• Temperament evaluation: Identifying individual puppy personalities

• Size considerations: Matching adult size expectations with family needs

• Activity level matching: Pairing energy levels with family lifestyles

• Follow-up planning: Considering long-term compatibility and success

Training and Preparation

14. "What preparation do puppies receive before going home?"

Quality Preparation Includes:

• Basic handling: Comfort with touching, grooming, and examination

• House training introduction: Initial exposure to appropriate elimination areas

• Crate familiarity: Positive associations with confined spaces

• Noise conditioning: Exposure to household sounds and activities

• Transportation preparation: Experience with carriers and car travel

Contract and Support Questions

Contractual Agreements

15. "Can I review your contract before making a commitment?"

Professional Contract Elements:

• Clear terms: Unambiguous language and fair conditions

• Health guarantees: Specific coverage and remedy procedures

• Return policies: Conditions under which dogs can be returned

• Breeding restrictions: Clear spay/neuter requirements and timelines

• Support commitments: Ongoing assistance and guidance provisions

16. "What are your spay/neuter requirements and timeline?"

Typical Professional Requirements:

• Companion dogs: Spay/neuter by 12-18 months unless breeding rights purchased

• Health considerations: Timing that supports optimal physical development

• Verification process: Proof of completion required for guarantee validity

• Breeding rights: Separate agreements for dogs intended for breeding

• Health exceptions: Flexibility for veterinary recommendations

Ongoing Support Services

17. "What ongoing support do you provide after the sale?"

Comprehensive Support Includes:

• Training guidance: Breed-specific advice for house training and obedience

• Health consultation: Support for health questions and veterinary decisions

• Grooming instruction: Teaching proper Maltipoo coat care and maintenance

• Nutrition advice: Guidance on appropriate feeding and dietary needs

• Emergency assistance: Support during health crises or behavioral challenges

18. "Do you have a take-back policy if circumstances change?"

Responsible Breeder Policies:

• Lifetime commitment: Willingness to take dogs back throughout their lives

• No questions asked: Acceptance regardless of reason for return

• Rehoming assistance: Help finding new homes if breeder cannot accommodate

• Support during transitions: Guidance for families facing changes

• Prevention focus: Education to prevent surrender situations

According to the American Kennel Club, responsible breeders maintain lifetime commitments to the dogs they produce and will always take dogs back rather than allow them to enter shelters or rescues.

Customer References and Reputation

Reference and Reputation Questions

19. "Can you provide references from recent puppy buyers?"

Quality Reference Indicators:

• Multiple contacts: Several recent customers willing to share experiences

• Varied timeframes: References from different periods showing consistency

• Honest feedback: Balanced perspectives including any challenges faced

• Ongoing relationships: Evidence of continued breeder-customer connections

• Satisfaction levels: High customer satisfaction and recommendation rates

20. "How long have you been working with your current veterinarian?"

Professional Relationships:

• Established partnerships: Long-term relationships with qualified veterinarians

• Specialist connections: Access to reproductive, genetic, and emergency specialists

• Regular care: Routine health monitoring and preventive care programs

• Emergency protocols: Clear procedures for urgent health situations

• Professional respect: Mutual respect between breeder and veterinary professionals

Community Standing

21. "Are you involved in any breeding organizations or clubs?"

Professional Involvement Indicators:

• Breed organizations: Membership in Maltipoo or parent breed clubs

• Educational participation: Attendance at breeding seminars and conferences

• Peer recognition: Respect within the breeding community

• Continuing education: Ongoing learning about genetics, health, and breeding

• Ethical commitments: Adherence to organizational codes of ethics

Financial and Practical Questions

Pricing and Payment

22. "What is included in the purchase price?"

Standard Inclusions:

• Health guarantee: Comprehensive genetic health coverage

• Initial veterinary care: First examination, vaccinations, and deworming

• Registration papers: AKC or other registry documentation

• Starter supplies: Food, toys, and care information

• Ongoing support: Lifetime guidance and assistance

23. "What are your payment terms and policies?"

Professional Payment Practices:

• Reasonable deposits: Typically $200-500 to reserve puppies

• Clear payment schedules: Final payment due at pickup or delivery

• Secure payment methods: Professional handling of financial transactions

• Documentation: Written receipts and payment confirmations

• Refund policies: Clear terms for deposit refunds if needed

Logistics and Timeline

24. "When will puppies be ready, and how is pickup arranged?"

Professional Timeline Management:

• Realistic scheduling: Accurate estimates based on puppy development

• Flexible arrangements: Accommodation of buyer schedules when possible

• Preparation time: Adequate notice for buyer preparation

• Transportation options: Pickup, delivery, or shipping arrangements

• Communication protocols: Regular updates on puppy development and readiness

Red Flag Responses to Avoid

Warning Signs in Breeder Responses

Immediate Red Flags:

• Evasive answers: Avoiding direct responses to specific questions

• Pressure tactics: Rushing decisions or creating artificial urgency

• Defensive behavior: Hostile responses to legitimate questions

• Inconsistent information: Contradictory details between conversations

• Lack of knowledge: Inability to answer basic breeding and health questions

Concerning Practices:

• Multiple breed operations: Breeding many different breeds simultaneously

• Constant availability: Always having puppies available without waiting lists

• No health testing: Absence of genetic testing and health clearances

• No contracts: Informal arrangements without written agreements

• No support: Limited post-sale assistance or guidance

Questions Breeders Should Ask You

Professional Breeders Will Inquire About:

• Living situation: Housing type, yard availability, and family composition

• Experience level: Previous dog ownership and breed familiarity

• Lifestyle compatibility: Work schedules, activity levels, and time availability

• Long-term commitment: Understanding of 12-15 year responsibility

• Training plans: Expectations for obedience training and socialization

Quality breeders screen buyers as carefully as buyers should screen breeders. Their questions demonstrate commitment to proper puppy placement and long-term success.

Making Your Decision

Evaluating Breeder Responses

Excellent Breeders Will:

• Answer all questions thoroughly and honestly

• Provide documentation for all health testing claims

• Welcome facility visits and parent dog meetings

• Offer comprehensive contracts and guarantees

• Demonstrate genuine care for puppy welfare and placement

Using This Information: After interviewing potential breeders, compare their responses against these standards. The breeder who provides the most comprehensive, honest, and professional answers while demonstrating genuine care for their dogs and customers is likely your best choice.

For additional guidance on breeder selection and evaluation, consult our comprehensive state-by-state breeder guide that covers regional considerations and selection criteria.

Final Evaluation Criteria

Decision Framework:

• Health focus: Comprehensive testing and guarantees

• Professional practices: Organized operations and clear contracts

• Customer care: Ongoing support and lifetime commitment

• Facility quality: Clean, well-maintained breeding environments

• Communication: Honest, thorough, and educational responses

The time invested in asking these questions and evaluating responses will pay dividends through better health, temperament, and ongoing support throughout your Maltipoo's lifetime. Choose the breeder who demonstrates the highest standards of care, transparency, and commitment to both their dogs and their customers.

Remember that the best breeders will appreciate your thorough questioning as evidence of your commitment to responsible pet ownership. Your questions help them ensure their puppies go to prepared, committed families who will provide excellent lifelong care.