How to Choose a Healthy Puppy: Tips From a Responsible Breeder

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Choosing a puppy is one of the most important decisions you will make — and it is about much more than picking the cutest face in the litter. A healthy puppy starts long before they are born, with the health and care of their parents, the conditions they are raised in, and the knowledge and ethics of the breeder.

At Puppies Australia, we have been breeding healthy, well-socialised puppies for over 20 years. In this guide, we share exactly what to look for when choosing a puppy from what a healthy puppy looks and acts like, to the questions you should always ask before you commit.

What Does a Healthy Puppy Look Like?
Before you fall in love with a puppy's personality, take a moment to observe them carefully. A healthy puppy will show clear physical signs of good health. Here is what to look for:

• ​Clear, bright eyes  - no discharge, cloudiness, or redness
• Clean ears - no dark discharge, odour, or excessive scratching
• Moist nose - a slightly wet nose is normal; avoid puppies with thick discharge
• Clean coat - shiny, soft, and free of bald patches, sores, or excessive flaking
• Healthy weight - you should be able to feel the ribs but not see them clearly
• Clean bottom - no signs of diarrhea, staining, or worms around the tail area
• Straight legs and steady movement - watch the puppy walk and run; movement should look natural and easy
• Pink gums - gums should be pink and moist, not pale, white, or grey

How Should a Healthy Puppy Behave?
A puppy's behaviour tells you just as much as their physical appearance. When you visit or video call a litter, observe how the puppies interact with each other, with their mother, and with you.

Healthy Puppy Behaviour
A healthy, well-socialised puppy will typically display the following behaviours:

• Curious and interested in their surroundings
• Playful and engaged with littermates
• Comfortable being handled - no extreme fear
• Settles quickly after being startled
• Eager to investigate new people
• Alert and responsive to sound and movement

Behaviour to Be Cautious About
While every puppy has its own personality, these behaviours may warrant further discussion with the breeder or a veterinarian:

• Extremely fearful or hiding constantly
• Aggressive or snapping at littermates
• Trembling or shaking when handled
• Lethargic or uninterested in play
• Excessive barking or crying
• No interest in food or interaction

​How Do I Choose the Right Puppy From the Litter?

Many buyers come to us asking how to pick "the best" puppy from a litter. The honest answer is: it depends on your lifestyle, your family, and what you are looking for in a companion.

For families with young children:
Look for a puppy that is confident but not dominant - one that plays happily with their littermates without always being the one in charge. Avoid the most boisterous puppy in the litter if you have very young children.

For first-time dog owners:
A middle-of-the-pack puppy - not the shyest, not the most dominant - is often the easiest to train and bond with. They tend to be adaptable and eager to please.

For active individuals or couples:
A more energetic, confident puppy will thrive with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and adventure. Look for the puppy that is first to investigate something new.

For quieter households or older owners:
A calmer, more gentle puppy will be a better match. Look for the puppy that is happy to sit quietly, enjoys being patted, and does not constantly seek stimulation.

At Puppies Australia, we help match puppies to families rather than simply letting buyers choose on the spot. After getting to know you - your lifestyle, home, and experience - we will suggest the puppy we believe is the right fit. We have found this leads to much happier outcomes for both puppies and families.

What Should I Ask to See Before Choosing a Puppy?
A reputable breeder will always be transparent and happy to show you the following. If a breeder refuses or makes excuses - take that as a serious warning sign.

• The mother (dam) of the litter - the mother should be present, healthy, and calm around her puppies. Her temperament is a strong indicator of what the puppies will be like.
• The father (sire) if possible — not always on site, but a good breeder should be able to show you photos, a video, or health records for the sire.
• The environment the puppies are raised in - clean, safe, stimulating, and warm, with space to play and explore.
• Health test results for both parents - ask for DNA test results and any relevant health screenings for the breed.
• Vaccination and vet check records - every puppy should have at least their first vaccination and a vet health check before leaving the breeder.

• Microchip documentation - all puppies should be microchipped before sale.

What Should I Look for on a Video Call with a Breeder?
More and more buyers are purchasing puppies from breeders in other states - and a video call is a perfectly legitimate way to meet your puppy before committing. Here is how to make the most of it:

Before the call:

• Discuss your needs and wants in a dog with the breeder
• Ask the breeder to have a selection of suitable puppies and the mother present if possible
• Have your questions ready
  
  

During the call, look for:

• The environment - is it clean, spacious, and safe?
• The mother - does she look healthy and relaxed?
• The puppies interacting with each other and the breeder naturally
• The breeder's knowledge - do they know each puppy's personality?
• Any puppies that seem lethargic, isolated, or fearful

Red flags on a video call:

• The breeder is reluctant to show the full environment
• Puppies are shown only briefly or from a distance
• The breeder cannot answer basic questions about the puppies' health or care

At Puppies Australia, we welcome video calls by appointment. We are happy to introduce you to the puppies and the parents. Just reach out to arrange a time that suits you contact us here 

How Does Puppies Australia Socialise Puppies Before They Come Home?
Socialisation is one of the most important things a breeder can do for a puppy's long-term wellbeing. A puppy that is well-socialised in the first weeks of life is calmer, more confident, and easier to train as they grow.

Here is how we socialise our puppies at Puppies Australia before they leave us:

• They are handled daily from birth by various people of different ages and sexes
• They are exposed to everyday household sounds - the TV, vacuum cleaner, music, and general sounds
• They are introduced to other dogs and puppies of different ages, sizes, and breeds (vaccination and age dependent)
• They spend time outdoors in a safe, supervised environment with different textures and surfaces
• They begin basic scent and sensory enrichment from the first weeks of life

Why this matters: The socialisation window in a puppy's life is between 3 and 16 weeks. What a puppy experiences during this window directly shapes how they respond to the world as an adult. A breeder who prioritises socialisation is giving your puppy the best possible start.

What Health Testing Should a Breeder Do Before Selling a Puppy?
Health testing is one of the clearest signs of a responsible breeder. At Puppies Australia, we DNA test our breeding dogs to reduce the risk of hereditary conditions being passed to puppies.
We send a comprehensive DNA testing results booklet for the parents with every puppy - so you have full transparency about the health of your puppy's parents before and after purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Healthy Puppy
Q:Can I choose my puppy based on colour?
A:Yes - coat colour is a personal preference and perfectly valid. Just make sure colour is not your only consideration. A puppy's temperament, health, and the quality of the breeder matter far more than appearance in the long run.

Q:How do I know if a puppy has been well socialised by the breeder?
A:Ask the breeder what socialisation they have done and what environments the puppies have been exposed to. A well-socialised puppy will be curious, willing to be handled, and not trembling or hiding when you first meet them. At Puppies Australia, we can tell you exactly what each puppy has experienced before they come home.

Q: What age should a puppy be when I bring them home?
A:At Puppies Australia, our puppies are ready to go home from 8 weeks of age.

Ready to start your puppy journey with us?
At Puppies Australia, we are a Victoria Government Approved Breeder with over 20 years of experience. We are happy to answer any questions, arrange a video call, or invite you to visit in person. Every puppy we breed is raised with care, health checked, and matched carefully to the right family.
Join our waiting list today and we'll guide you every step of the way.

Buying a puppy safely in Australia requires research, verification, and patience. By using this guide to check breeder credentials, documentation, and living conditions, you can find a healthy, happy puppy from a reputable source. Whether you’re looking for puppies for sale Australia, considering adoption, or exploring breed-specific options, following these steps ensures a safe and rewarding experience.