Except in exceptional circumstances, you should always be able to see the puppy's mother

Visit where the puppy was born, regardless of how far you have to travel

Get a written receipt for the puppy. Carefully read and understand any conditions imposed by the breeder

If the puppy is Irish Kennel Club (IKC) or UK Kennel Club (KC) registered, the Registration Papers should be available when you pay for the puppy

All puppies should be provided with some health insurance to cover the first few weeks with their new owner

The breeder should give you a diet sheet (and preferably also a few days' supply of their current dog food)

After-sales help should always be available from the breeder, throughout the life of your puppy

Reputable breeders will not be prepared to sell puppies without meeting prospective buyers and will not sell puppies to people who are out at work all day, leaving the dog unattended

Ask the breeder:

Expect to be asked:

How long have you been a Dachshund owner?

Are you out at work all day?

How long have you been breeding Dachshunds?

If you work part-time, how long will the dog be left alone?

How many litters do you typically have each year?

Have you had a Dachshund before?

Which Breed Clubs do you belong to?

What other dogs do you have, if any?

Which Shows do you typically exhibit at?

What other pets, if any, do you have?

What successes have you had when showing your Dachshunds?

If you have children, how old are they?

What are the positive traits of this breed?

Do you have a garden?

What are the negative traits of this breed?

Is your garden well-fenced?

What health problems does the breed/variety suffer?

Do you live in a flat, or a house?

What is their average life expectancy?

Do you live in the town, or country?

What endorsements, if any, do you put on the puppy's IKC/KC papers?

Why do you want a Dachshund?

What should we do if we ever need to re-home a dog we have bought from you?

Do you intend to show your Dachshund?

What written information on diet and rearing do you provide?

Do you intend to breed from your Dachshund?

What inoculations, if any, will the puppy have had when we get it?

What insurance cover, if any, do you provide with the puppy?

How many of these puppies will you be keeping yourself?

Will you be showing any of this litter?

How much grooming do they need?

How much exercise do your dogs get and how much will my puppy need?

The answers should give you a pretty good idea about the breeder's motivations for having the puppies, the way they keep their own dogs and the sort of after-sales service you are likely to get.