Questions to Ask Before Buying a German Shepherd Puppy

When someone is serious about buying a German Shepherd puppy, I always tell them this: do not only ask about the color, the price, or when the puppy can go home.

Those things matter, but they are not the most important things.

A German Shepherd is not a short term purchase. This is a dog that can be with you for the next 10 to 15 years. This dog will live in your home, be around your family, grow with your kids, and become part of your life. So before you choose a puppy, you need to ask the right questions.

From my experience as a German Shepherd breeder, the right questions can protect you from making a bad decision. A cute puppy photo is not enough. A low price is not enough. A rare color is not enough.

You need to know what is behind the puppy.

You need to know the parents, the health testing, the temperament, the paperwork, the breeder’s experience, and whether the breeder will still support you after the puppy goes home.

This German Shepherd puppy buyer guide will help you understand the most important questions to ask before choosing your puppy.

1. Are the Parents Health Tested?

The first thing I would ask is about health testing.

A serious German Shepherd breeder should care about the health of the parents before producing puppies. If the breeder does not health test, or cannot explain what health checks were done, that is a red flag.

Good questions to ask include:

Are the parents health tested? 

Were hips and elbows checked?

 Was DM testing done? Was DNA testing done?

 Were X rays done?

 Are the parents healthy? 

Can you explain the health background of the parents?

German Shepherds are a beautiful breed, but like many large breeds, health matters a lot. Hips, elbows, genetics, and temperament should not be ignored.

At Royal Tribes K9, we do not believe in breeding blindly. I want to know what I am breeding. I want buyers to feel confident that their puppy comes from dogs selected with care, not just two dogs put together for money.

2. Does the Puppy Come With a Health Guarantee?

Another important question is whether the puppy comes with a health guarantee.

A health guarantee shows that the breeder is confident in the dogs they produce. But do not only ask, Do you have a health guarantee? Ask how it works.

Ask:

Does the puppy come with a health guarantee?

 How long does the guarantee last?

 What does it include? 

What does it not include?

 What does the buyer need to do to keep it valid?

 Is it written clearly? 

Does the breeder actually stand behind it?

A health guarantee should not just be a nice sentence on a website. It should be something the breeder explains clearly.

At Royal Tribes K9, we offer a five year health guarantee because we are confident in what we produce. We know the quality of our dogs, and we stand behind them. That gives buyers peace of mind.

3. Is the Puppy Purebred?

If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy, you should ask if the puppy is purebred.

This may sound simple, but not every puppy advertised as a German Shepherd is truly what the seller says it is. Some people may sell mixed dogs or unclear bloodlines as purebred German Shepherds.

Ask:

Is the puppy purebred?

 Can you explain the bloodline?

 Can I see information about the parents?

 Is there paperwork when applicable?

 Is the paperwork real and verifiable?

When you buy from a reputable German Shepherd breeder, the breeder should be able to explain where the puppy comes from. They should not be guessing. They should know the parents, the bloodline, the type, and the quality behind the puppy.

A serious breeder should know their dogs deeply.

4. Is There AKC Paperwork When Applicable?

AKC paperwork can be important when applicable, but buyers should also understand that paperwork alone does not automatically mean quality.

A dog can have paperwork and still not be a high quality dog. Paperwork tells you registration information, but it does not replace health testing, temperament, structure, breeder experience, or real quality.

Ask:

Does the puppy come with AKC paperwork when applicable?

 What type of paperwork is included?

 Can you explain what the paperwork means?

 Does the paperwork match the parents?

 Is the bloodline clear?

I always tell buyers not to look at paperwork as the only proof. Look at the full picture. The puppy should have quality behind the paperwork.

5. Where Are the Parents From?

Before buying a German Shepherd puppy, ask about the parents.

The parents tell you a lot about what the puppy may become. A breeder should be able to explain the parents clearly.

Ask:

Where are the parents from?

 Are they imported?

 What bloodline are they from? 

Are they show line or working line? 

What is their temperament? 

Do they have health testing? 

Can I see photos or videos? 

Why did you choose these two dogs for breeding?

At Royal Tribes K9, parent selection is very important. We do not just breed two dogs because they are available. We select dogs based on bloodline, health, structure, temperament, coat, and overall quality.

If a breeder cannot explain the parents, that is a warning sign.

6. Are the Parents Show Line or Working Line?

This is a very important question because not all German Shepherds are the same type.

A working line German Shepherd and a show line German Shepherd can be very different in temperament, energy, structure, and purpose.

Ask:

Are the parents show line or working line?

 Are they West German show line?

 Are they American show line? 

Are they working line?

 What type of temperament should I expect?

 Is this type good for families?

At Royal Tribes K9, we focus on long coat West German show line German Shepherds because I believe they are better suited for most families. They are beautiful, intelligent, loyal, and usually more laid back than high drive working line dogs.

If you have kids and want a family companion, this question matters a lot.

7. What Is the Temperament of the Puppy?

Temperament is one of the most important things to ask about.

A lot of people focus on color first. They want black, white, black and red, blue, liver, or long coat. I understand that. The look matters. But temperament affects your daily life more than color.

Ask:

Is the puppy confident or shy?

 Is the puppy calm or active?

 Is the puppy good for a family with kids? 

Does the puppy show fear? 

Does the puppy show aggression?

 Which puppy fits my lifestyle best?

 Is this puppy better for a first time owner or experienced owner?

A responsible breeder should help match the puppy to the family. Not every puppy is the same. Some puppies are more confident. Some are calmer. Some are more active. Some may fit families with kids better than others.

The breeder should know enough about the puppies to guide you.

At Royal Tribes K9, I care about the match. I do not want someone to take the wrong puppy just because they liked the color.

8. Does the Puppy Have Any Known Health Issues?

Before buying, ask directly if the puppy has any known health issues.

A good breeder should be honest. If there is something to know, the breeder should tell you. A buyer deserves transparency.

Ask:

Does the puppy have any known health issues?

 Has the puppy been checked by a vet?

 Did the vet notice anything?

 Is the puppy eating well?

 Is the puppy active? 

Is the puppy growing normally?

 Does the puppy have normal stool?

A serious breeder should not hide information. If the puppy is healthy, the breeder should be able to say that clearly. If there is something minor or something to watch, the breeder should explain it.

Honesty matters.

9. Has the Puppy Had a Vet Check, Vaccines, and Deworming?

A puppy should not go home without basic care.

Ask:

Has the puppy been checked by a vet? 

Has the puppy received vaccines? 

Has the puppy been dewormed?

 Is the puppy microchipped? 

Will I receive health records? 

What should I do next with my vet?

At Royal Tribes K9, puppies that leave our kennel receive deworming, vaccines, and a vet check. This is part of preparing the puppy before it goes to its new family.

A good breeder should make sure the puppy is started correctly before leaving.

10. What Comes With the Puppy?

I do not like when buyers make the whole conversation only about price. A better question is: what comes with the puppy?

Ask about the value, care, and support behind the puppy.

Good questions include:

Does the puppy come with AKC paperwork when applicable?

 Does the puppy come with a health guarantee? 

Has the puppy received vaccines?

 Has the puppy been dewormed?

 Is the puppy microchipped?

 Do you provide food guidance? 

Do you provide delivery support?

 Do you provide lifetime breeder support?

These questions help you understand what is behind the puppy.

A puppy from a serious breeder is not just a puppy. It comes with care, preparation, knowledge, and support.

11. What Food Is the Puppy Eating Now?

Before pickup or delivery, ask what the puppy is eating.

Food is very important when a puppy goes to a new home. The puppy is already dealing with a new place, new people, and a new routine. Changing food too fast can upset the stomach.

Ask:

What food is the puppy eating now? 

How many meals per day?

 Should I change the food right away?

 Should I transition slowly?

 Do you recommend any supplements?

 Do you recommend fish oil? 

Do you recommend a specific dry food or feeding routine?

A good breeder should guide you. The first week matters, and you should not be guessing.

At Royal Tribes K9, I like buyers to have clear food guidance because nutrition affects growth, coat, digestion, and overall condition.

12. What Should I Prepare at Home Before the Puppy Arrives?

A buyer should prepare before the puppy comes home, not after.

Ask the breeder:

What should I have ready at home? 

Do I need a crate? 

What size crate should I use?

 What leash and collar should I get?

 What toys do you recommend?

 Should I prepare a safe space?

 What should I do during the first few days?

Before the puppy arrives, you should have basics ready:

Crate

 Leash 

Collar

 Food 

Water bowl 

Food bowl 

Toys

 Bed 

Safe space

 Cleaning supplies

 Vet appointment 

Training plan

German Shepherd puppies are smart. They learn fast. That is good, but it also means you need structure from the beginning.

13. Do You Offer Pickup or Delivery?

Delivery and pickup should be clear before the puppy is ready to go home.

Ask:

Do you offer delivery?

 Is delivery safe for the puppy? 

Can I pick up the puppy in person? 

What should I expect on pickup day? 

What paperwork will I receive? Will I receive feeding instructions? Will I receive health records?

 Will you explain the next steps before the puppy goes home?

A good breeder should make the process organized. You should not feel confused on pickup day.

At Royal Tribes K9, we want families to understand the process before the puppy arrives. The transition should be smooth for the buyer and safe for the puppy.

14. Can I Contact You After the Puppy Goes Home?

This is one of the most important questions.

The relationship with the breeder should not end the day the puppy goes home.

Ask:

Can I contact you after the puppy goes home? 

Will you help with feeding questions?

 Will you help with coat care?

 Will you help with behavior or adjustment questions? 

Do you offer lifetime breeder support?

 If I am worried about something, can I reach out?

 Will you guide me during the first few weeks?

At Royal Tribes K9, lifetime breeder support matters because we know the breed, we know our puppies, and we want families to feel supported after they bring their puppy home.

A breeder who has worked with many German Shepherds has real experience with the breed. This does not replace a vet, trainer, or groomer when needed, but breeder experience is very valuable.

A serious breeder does not just sell the puppy and disappear.

15. Do You Have Reviews, References, Photos, and Videos?

A breeder should have proof behind their words.

Ask:

Do you have customer reviews?

 Can I see past puppies? 

Can I see adult dogs from past litters?

 Do you have customer references?

 Do you post real photos and videos?

 Can I see the quality of your dogs?

Reviews, references, photos, videos, and past customer experiences help buyers feel more confident.

A good breeder should be able to show real dogs, real puppies, real families, and real results. If everything is hidden, unclear, or too good to be true, be careful.

Quality should be visible.

16. Does the Breeder Have a Clear Vision?

This is something many buyers do not think about, but it matters a lot.

A breeder should have a clear vision. If a breeder has no goal, why are they breeding in the first place?

Even if breeding is a business, the breeder should still have a purpose to improve the breed.

Ask:

What type of German Shepherd do you breed?

 Why do you breed this type?

 What is your goal as a breeder?

 What qualities are you trying to produce?

 What makes your dogs different?

At Royal Tribes K9, our vision is clear. We focus on high quality long coat West German show line German Shepherds with strong structure, beautiful coats, stable temperament, health testing, and family suitability.

We are not trying to breed every type of German Shepherd. We know what we love, and we know what we want to produce.

That is what a buyer should look for.

17. What Red Flags Should Buyers Avoid?

If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy, watch for red flags.

Avoid breeders who:

Do not do health testing 

Do not offer clear information

Cannot explain the parents 

Have no clear breeding vision 

Avoid questions

 Have no health guarantee 

Have no references

 Do not show real photos or videos 

Do not talk about temperament 

Do not offer support after purchase 

Only focus on selling fast

 Breed any quality without standards

A breeder should not get upset because you ask questions. A good breeder should be proud to explain their program.

If someone avoids basic questions, that tells you a lot.

18. Do Not Buy Only by Color

I love beautiful colors. At Royal Tribes K9, we breed stunning long coat German Shepherds, including black and red, solid black, white, and rare colors.

But I always tell buyers not to buy only by color.

Color is just one part of the dog.

You still need to ask about:

Health

Temperament 

Bloodline

Structure 

Parents

Coat quality 

Breeder support 

Health guarantee

A beautiful puppy is great, but the puppy also needs the right quality behind it.

19. Do Not Rush the Decision

Before choosing a German Shepherd puppy, do not rush.

A German Shepherd is a long term companion. This dog can be with you for many years. The decision should not be made only because a puppy is available today.

Ask questions. Learn about the breeder. Learn about the parents. Understand the puppy’s temperament. Understand what comes with the puppy. Make sure you feel comfortable.

A good breeder should want you to make the right decision.

At Royal Tribes K9, I would rather guide someone correctly than push them into the wrong puppy.

Final Advice Before Buying a German Shepherd Puppy

Before buying a German Shepherd puppy, do not buy only by price. Do not buy only by color. Do not buy only because the puppy is cute.

Ask questions.

A good breeder should not be upset when you ask about health testing, parents, paperwork, temperament, vet care, food, delivery, and support. A breeder who stands behind their dogs should be proud to explain their program.

Choose quality. Choose health. Choose temperament. Choose a breeder who will still be there for you after the puppy goes home.

At Royal Tribes K9, we focus on high quality long coat West German show line German Shepherds with strong bloodlines, health testing, beautiful coats, stable temperament, and lifetime breeder support.

If you are serious about buying a German Shepherd puppy, take your time, ask the right questions, and choose a breeder who truly stands behind every puppy.

Need Help Choosing the Right German Shepherd Puppy?

Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a big decision, and you should not have to guess. Contact Royal Tribes K9 today to ask about our puppies, bloodlines, health guarantee, temperament, delivery options, and lifetime breeder support.

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FAQ: Questions to Ask Before Buying a German Shepherd Puppy

What are the most important questions to ask before buying a German Shepherd puppy?

Ask about health testing, the puppy’s parents, temperament, health guarantee, vet check, vaccines, deworming, microchip, paperwork, food routine, delivery, and breeder support.

Should I ask about the puppy’s parents?

Yes. The parents tell you a lot about the puppy’s potential health, temperament, structure, coat, and bloodline. A good breeder should explain where the parents are from and why they were chosen.

Why is temperament important when buying a German Shepherd puppy?

Temperament affects daily life more than color. A puppy should fit your family, lifestyle, experience level, and goals. A responsible breeder should help match the right puppy to the right home.

Should I ask if the puppy is purebred?

Yes. You should ask if the puppy is purebred, if there is paperwork when applicable, and if the breeder can explain the bloodline and parent information.

What should come with a German Shepherd puppy?

A German Shepherd puppy may come with AKC paperwork when applicable, health guarantee, vet check, vaccines, deworming, microchip, food guidance, delivery support, and lifetime breeder support.

Should I ask about the puppy’s current food?

Yes. You should ask what the puppy is eating, how many meals per day, and whether you should transition food slowly. This helps avoid stomach upset when the puppy goes home.

What are red flags when buying a German Shepherd puppy?

Red flags include no health testing, no health guarantee, no parent information, no references, no real photos or videos, no temperament information, avoiding questions, and no support after purchase.

Should I buy a German Shepherd puppy only by color?

No. Color is important if you have a preference, but it should not be the only reason you choose a puppy. Health, temperament, bloodline, structure, and breeder support matter more.