Questions to ask breeder before purchase?

Question
Hello,

I have decided I would like to purchase a Boston Terrier, but I am not sure what questions to ask the breeder before I purchase.  The breeder I am thinking of guarantees 1 year congenital, 10 days viral.  Apparently this puppy is "very tiny" is that something I should be concerned about?  The puppy is not available until the end of the month.

Answer
Hi Robert....
Her guarantees sound good. The tiny size is fine depending on if you will want to breed her later. The tinier the pup, the more difficult. Pertaining to questions...first you want to notice how the pups were raised and you can tell this by their show of familiarity in the home. If they are shy going around, its a bet they have never been in that room before. Same goes with the momma dog. If she is happy and comfortable in the home so will the pups be. If not it is a sure sign that this breeder is a crate breeder. Crate breeders never allow their dogs out of crates until sale time. These dogs often have behavior problems.
You also want to know the diet. Breeders may tell you they are feeding the highest quality food, but check the breath. A puppy breath should smell sweet and milky, evidence of good quality puppy food. The gums a healthy pink.
You want to know the shots recieved as well as the dates. If the breeder is a good breeder, they will give you a list of the whats and whens.
The fact that the breeder is offering a guarantee regarding congenital and viral is indicative of a good breeder because not many offer more than 30 days and some congenitals are impossible to detect at that early age.
Bottom line...ask if the pup has had any socializing, house experience, problems with any diet, shots and wormed.
Best of luck to you...Lisa