Lhasa Apso dog breed is not a breed everyone should own, this small but very intelligent dog requires a lot of love, care, and attention, but in return, you will get all of that and much more. There are many breeders out there and only the good ones will be able to properly answer all of your questions. Before you get your hands on a Lhasa Apso puppy, you should prepare your questions, these questions will help you out understand how good is the breeder you are planning to buy from, and whether Lhasa Apso puppy is the right choice for you.
30 Questions To Ask A Breeder When Buying A Lhasa Apso Pup!
- Are there any puppies available at the moment and where is the breeder located?
- Are people allowed to come to visit the parents of the puppies and puppies?
- How much experience does the breeder have?
- How many dog breeds to you work with?
- Is there any temperament testing available for the puppies?
- Can you help us choose the right puppy for our family?
- Do you have a contract I need to sign?
- Are there any health guarantees or return policy?
- How old are the puppies and when are they available for their new home?
- Is there any vet care they will receive?
- Can I see where the adults and puppies reside?
- How old are the parents?
- Do puppies get any socialization and how?
- Did you do any house training with puppies? If so, how often?
- Are there any health tests done on adult dogs?
- Are these puppies registered and do they come with papers?
- How often do you breed your dogs?
- What is the price of the puppy?
- Can you describe each of the puppy’s temperament?
- What do you feed your puppies with?
- Can we contact you even after we pick up the puppy?
- What requirements do we need to fulfill to get one of your puppies?
- If I want to spay and neuter my Lhasa Apso in the future, when should I do it?
- Why did you decide to breed Lhasa Apso dogs?
- Should I get a male or a female Lhasa Apso puppy?
- Could you give me any training tips for my Lhasa Apso puppy?
- Do I need to spay and neuter my Lhasa Apso?
- Do puppies have any experience with children?
- Do you attend any dog shows or participate in dog sports?
- Is there anything you provide with the puppy?
While this might seem like a lot of questions to ask, this will also prove your knowledge and the good understanding of a Lhasa Apso as a dog breed. A good breeder will be happy to answer all of your questions and answering all of them will give you a better preview of the entire situation. If you are about to buy a Lhasa Apso puppy, make sure you ask all of the questions you find important. A Lhasa Apso dog breed can live up to twenty years, it is important you know everything before you get a puppy.
Are there any puppies available at the moment and where is the breeder located?
Lhasa Apso breeders are not people who magically make the puppies appear, they do not have an unlimited supply of puppies and there is a chance you will need to wait. Every good breeder should be able to tell you when is another litter expected and give you the information about their location when it is needed. If your current breeder does not have puppies at the moment, do not rush to another breeder just because there is more choice. Be patient, an average Lhasa Apso pregnancy lasts around 58, up to 63 days. In the meantime, you can always prepare a good place for your dog, buy toys and get ready for a new family member!
Are people allowed to come to visit the parents of the puppies and puppies?
Good breeders will always allow you to come and visit the parents of the puppies. Most of the breeders will let you see the puppies, but it is mainly their parents you need to pay attention to. A breeder who refuses to show you the parents or at least a mother of your potential new puppy is probably an awful breeder only looking for your money. Do not waste your time with breeders not willing to discuss and let you see the mother of the puppies. Seeing how the mother of the puppies reacts to you and other unknown people might give you a slight idea of the potential temperament traits of your new puppy.
How much experience does the breeder have?
While this is important, you should not limit yourself to this answer. Some breeders might have 30 years of experience but in reality, they did breeding only once every other year. This is also a good amount of experience, but it is also important to note that our technology and the academic study of dogs just recently got towards some new and great discoveries. There are many things we no longer do the way we did 30 years ago. While the years might not make a lot of difference when it comes to breeding, knowing someone has been around Lhasa Apso breed for a long time is already a good reason to trust them to be a decent breeder.
How many dog breeds to you work with?
Most dog lovers can confirm that only one or two breeds are all a good reputable breeder can handle at the time. It takes a lot of time and effort to study and perfectly understand a certain dog breed, having two makes it a lot harder, but more than that simply means the breeder no longer gives enough attention to the litter as supposed to. Purchasing a puppy from a breeder who works with multiple breeds might be a mistake, there is a high possibility you will lack the information and tips that usually come from a good breeder. Most reputable breeders stick to only one or two breeds, this is because then they can easily focus and do their best researching the changes and creating the great litter with their efforts, practices and good knowledge of the breed they work with.
Is there any temperament testing available for the puppies?
You might have heard of Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, it is a test designed to show scores of a puppy based on aggressive tendencies, energy levels, trainability, confidence, leadership and many other dog traits we know about! More and more breeders are trying to do some type of test in order to determine the temperaments of their litter. The characteristic traits of each puppy are important, especially important for those who plan to show or participate in sports with their dogs. Most of these tests will also help you determine which puppy would fit the best in your family. Some breeders might not have this exact same test, but there are various methods of testing out different traits in Lhasa Apso puppies.
Can you help us choose the right puppy for our family?
A good breeder will always be willing to give you all of the information you might need. The breeder knows his litter a lot better than you, and a good one will surely be able to help you out and tell you which of the puppies would get along with your family. No matter if you have seniors, children or you are just a first-time dog owner, there is always a puppy just for you, you only need to ask and be patient!
Good breeders interact with their puppies every day and it only takes five weeks of age for a Lhasa Apso puppies to start showing their personality traits. A good observing breeder will know how to pick up the differences and let you know about each one of them without any problems at all.
Do you have a contract I need to sign?
Well-known breeders will always expect you to sign a contract with them, singing a contract means there is a health guarantee and a list of your responsibilities as the owner. It is important you see the contract before you pick up the puppy, if there are any unknown things about the contract, make sure you ask. Once you have the puppy, there will be no way of going back. While there are great breeders out there, some of them might not have any contract papers to sign, this means you could try helping them out with the process, or maybe try looking for another breeder. Getting a Lhasa Apso dog breed without papers is not the wisest idea, there are many benefits you have by having papers for a dog you own.
Are there any health guarantees or return policy?
This is something that should be found in the contract with your breeder, but knowing there are situations different than that, make sure you ask these questions yourself. Health guarantees and return policies are a tricky thing and it all varies widely, but good breeders will always be ready to take back a puppy that just does not seem to fit well into the family. Knowing Lhasa Apso is prone to cherry eye, possible dental issues and kidneys, you might want to look for a breeder who offers health guarantees and return policies.
How old are the puppies and when are they available for their new home?
Never take home the puppies who are younger than eight weeks of age, most small dog breeds require to be with the breeder until they are at least twelve weeks of age. If your breeder tells you the puppies are ready and they are younger than eight weeks of age, break the deal, do not have any business with that dog breeder.
Most dog breeders who give out their puppies before that time period, they only want your money and they do not care well for their litter, they most probably would not even answer all of your questions either. Lhasa Apso puppies are very dependent on their breeder and their mother, they are sensitive and require a lot of attention the first couple of weeks. Taking puppies away from the mother too soon will give you a huge step back in trainability of the dog.
Is there any vet care your puppy will receive?
Most of the breeders will do their own vaccines, tail removals, wormings, and dew claw. If your breeder does these things, be sure to ask if the puppies were vet checked before you take them to your home. Do not purchase a puppy from a breeder who did not do the health screenings on the parents and the puppies. You will want to have a good check once you get to see the results, make sure you check all of the possibilities within the papers and pick the healthiest puppy you can. Do not ignore the results just because one of the puppies is that exact color you have been looking for.
Can you see where the adults and puppies reside?
A good Lhasa Apso breeder will have nothing to hide from you. If the breeder refuses to show you where the puppies and adults were housed, do not even bother talking to this breeder. Of course, before you consider requesting to see this, at least make an appointment. There are many hobby breeders out there and they work from their home, these people do not need to open their homes without a scheduled day. A breeder who lets you see all of it is probably a someone you can trust to.
How old are the parents of your potential new puppy?
Knowing the age of the parents is extremely important, buying a puppy coming from very old parents can be risky and it is advised you look for a health guarantee in case this is the issue. Most puppies will take the temperament traits from their parents, seeing and knowing at least the mother of your potential puppy will surely have a good impact on your final decision.
Do puppies get any socialization and how?
Most of the litters who are raised in the breeder’s home turn out to be a lot less fearful. These puppies are used to the normal sounds, smells, and human activities, they tend to be a lot more confident. Most Lhasa Apso owners claim their puppies were a lot easier to train if they were first raised in the normal home environment. It has been proven that the important period of socialization in puppies happens in the breeder’s home or facility. Of course, there are many ways to socialize puppies, but most breeders let them meet new people, other animals and let them interact with new objects. Some breeders even made events for puppies to participate and this is kind of a breeder you are looking for.
Did you do any house training with puppies? If so, how often?
In order to pick a good puppy, you will need to know how often does he/she go out, how does he/she behave in different environments and whether there was any training done with the litter at all. As mentioned above, good breeders will have enough time to spend individually with each puppy, asking for tips from your breeder could be a lot of help in the further training of your Lhasa Apso puppy. If you are lucky and your breeder is one of those who taught their puppies all the important basic things, you will have a much easier time once you get home and continue training. Those puppies who have experienced any kind of training at a young age, they will show to be excellent and well-behaved dogs!
Are there any health tests done on adult/parent dogs?
Knowing the health history of the parents of your potential puppy is extremely important. If a parent of your dog has any serious health issues, there is a high possibility your puppy might develop the same health problem later on in life. To avoid such problems, you should always ask to see the health tests that were done on the parent dogs of your Lhasa Apso puppy. These tests are a great way of seeing how well the breeder is. A good breeder will breed only two completely healthy dogs, no exceptions.
Are these puppies registered and do they come with papers?
You only want a puppy who is registered and comes with papers. The registration system is just a record of puppy’s birth and gives a number of benefits supporting the dog ownership. By registering, you also get many health benefits to dogs. Breeder Registration Document is something each of the litter puppies should have individually, it is a document you sign to pass the ownership from one owner to another.
How often do you breed your dogs?
Some breeders do nothing but breed their dogs, and this is bad. You do not want a breeder who is constantly breeding their dogs and only thinks of getting money from you. Breeders who mainly breed young female dogs through two or three heat cycles and then spay and retire them are usually the ones with the healthiest litters. Those who keep on breeding the same female dog might turn out to be least healthy litters, avoid those.
What is the price of the puppy?
Asking about the price is important, while the price does vary a lot, from $500 up to $900, you should never pick the cheapest option available. Try going for the middle, look for a breeder with a reasonable price and a decent way of breeding and care.
Can you describe each of the puppy’s temperament?
Just like people, puppies all have a different temperament. A good Lhasa Apso breeder will know
What do you feed your Lhasa puppies with?
Most good Lhasa Apso breeders choose to feed their litter with grain-free dog food. This is done to avoid all of the common allergens such as wheat or corn. Ask your breeder what food he uses to feed his Lhasa Apso puppies, maybe he also gives you a tip on how to do it yourself! Lhasa Apso puppies require to be fed up to four times a day!
Can we contact you even after we pick up the puppy?
You never know how will your new family member adapt to the environment and you might need help from his breeder every once in a while. A good breeder will gladly keep in contact with you and help you out with possible issues you might face after adopting or purchasing a puppy. Some puppies can get very scared, some might start barking and refusing to eat, having someone who has been around your puppy since it was born can make a big difference.
What requirements do we need to fulfill to get one of your puppies?
Just like you have many questions and requirements you look for in a breeder, a good breeder should have some requirements for you too. Certain breeders will look for a home strictly without children, some will want to be able to visit and see their puppy every once in a while. Some breeders will also want to provide vet services with discounts. The more requirements your breeder has, the bigger the possibility the litter is amazing.
If I want to spay or neuter my Lhasa Apso in the future, when should I do it?
Spaying (female) or neutering (male) means surgically remove the ovaries, uterus, and testicles of a dog. Neutering or spaying decreases the chance of developing certain types of cancers and completely eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming a parent. If you are not sure when is the perfect time to do this with your dog, feel free to ask your breeder. Most dog owners choose to neuter or spay their dogs after at least 6 months of age.
Why did you decide to breed Lhasa Apso dogs?
While most money-grabbing breeders will stutter on this question, a good breeder will have no problems telling you why do they find Lhasa Apso to be the breed they chose to work on. Knowing Lhasa Apso is not a very cheap dog breed, many people jump in and try to be breeders of this incredibly beautiful dog. Such breeders should not be getting any attention at all, focus on those who show the passion and true love towards this breed instead.
Should I get a male or a female Lhasa Apso puppy?
It really depends on you. Male Lhasa Apso will grow to be generally larger than a female Lhasa Apso. Males are known to be stronger and a bit heavier than females. They also tend to eat a lot more than females who are not pregnant. Females, however, they are easier to train, less excitable and they can get easily scared or shy if treated harshly. Females have an easier time bonding with people and they find it easier to socialize with other animals as well. Knowing all these things it is pretty obvious only you know which gender of a dog you wish to own. No matter what you pick, you will need to show a lot of love and care in order to get what you have in your mind. Remember, Lhasa Apso is a rather independent dog breed.
Could you give me any training tips for my Lhasa Apso puppy?
Today, many Lhasa Apso breeders consider and do the basic training with the litter. They teach them their boundaries and basic knowledge a pet needs to have. If you are new with dog training and you wish to know more, asking the breeder might be the perfect way of learning more. Lhasa Apso requires a lot of training and socializing, a good Lhasa Apso breeder will have an easy time showing you how is it all done.
Do I need to spay and neuter my Lhasa Apso?
It is advised to spay and neuter your dog if you do not plan to be a breeder. A female Lhasa Apso will be coming into heat twice a year and each time it will last for approximately three weeks. When she is in heat, there will be noticeable discharge and that discharge will easily attract male dogs. To make this situation less harmful and dangerous, it is strongly advised to spay your female Lhasa Apso. Male Lhasa Apso will sexually develop quicker than female Lhasa Apso and it will be displaying its sexual tendencies at the younger age. Male Lhasa Apso will roam and smell other female dogs in heat, they might even run away at the time because of it. Neutering your male Lhasa Apso will eliminate all of these problems.
Do puppies have any experience with children?
If you are a parent, you probably know how children are. They are playful and sometimes their playfulness can lead to serious injuries. With a dog such as Lhasa Apso, it is important all of the family members know how to act in front of the dog. Lhasa Apso does not like yelling, drama, torturing and tail pulling, teaching your children how to behave will be needed. Asking your breeder about whether the puppies have any experience with children is crucial, you do not want your puppy to get scared or injured right away!
Do you attend any dog shows or participate in dog sports?
It is important to note, breeders who decide to show their dogs are not always better than those who chose not to. Of course, if you want a puppy who has show potential, you might want to visit a breeder who does the shows! This goes for the sports as well, if you are an active sports person, you will want a puppy who has experience with sports. Ask your breeder whether they have any experience with the dog shows or sports, if not, do not worry. Not everyone believes these things matter, there are great breeders who do no sports and shows, but still have great companions and friends, excellent dogs!
Is there anything you provide together with the puppy?
Certain breeders will have presents for you and your new puppy! They might reward you with a big bowl with your dog’s name, a dog necklace, blanket and even a monthly supply of food! Depending on the breeder you chose, you will most likely get something together with the puppy. Ask your breeder whether there is anything else provided with the puppy, that way you will avoid having a bunch of bowls with a name ‘’Johnny’’ on them, or more food than you have in your own fridge.
Related Questions
Can Lhasa Apso travel in airplanes? Knowing Lhasa Apso is considered to be a small dog breed, you can easily take yours along with you on a holiday trip! Sadly, this might not be the chance in all airplanes, so make sure you always check the airline policies.
Does Lhasa Apso shed a lot? You would be surprised but no, Lhasa Apso is a low shedding dog breed. Unlike most dog breeds, they shed a lot less because of their long hair. People prone to allergies will find Lhasa Apso breed to cause a lot less allergic reactions than other breeds with shorter hairs.
How do I know whether I should get a Lhasa Apso or not? Are you ready to have a friend for twenty years? Do you want to put a lot of effort and get a lot of love in return? Do you like small independent dog breed? If you do, then you should get a Lhasa Apso, just keep in mind, that is a lot of grooming to do!