Looking for a GSP for Obedience or Agility Competition?
No matter what your goals, the most important aspect of your dog will be its health and temperament. This list of questions was developed to help you determine whether a puppy was bred to be a healthy and good-tempered companion, as well as determining whether it meets the goals you have set for your new family member!
1. Are the parent dogs on the premises?
Being able to see one or more parent dogs helps you to assess what the personality of your pup may turn out to be. There may be times when you are purchasing a puppy from out of state, and not be able to see the sire and dam, but the most desirable situation is to see them.
2. Have both the sire and the dam been OFA'd, CERF'd or had any other veterinary screenings?
OFA: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. OFA will certify the hips of dogs 2 years old or older as Excellent, Good, Fair, Mild, Moderate or Severe with respect to hip dysplasia. Hip Dysplasia is present in most breeds, including German Shorthair Pointers. This is especially important in a dog you plan to take hunting. OFA will also certify elbows, to show no joint deformity. CERF: Canine Eye Registry Foundation. CERF certifies that the eyes of the dog are clear. (No cataracts or other visible eye disease or deformations.) Other Health Clearances/Tests you may wish to see included: Cardiac, Cone Degeneration Disease, Thyroid
3. Have the puppies been temperament tested?
Many temperament tests exist to determine the aptitude of puppies to obedience, hunting, etc. If the breeder has conducted any temperament test, ask them to share the results with you.
4. What will the breeder guarantee in the way of the health of the dog?
Responsible breeders take every precaution to produce puppies that are free of genetic disease. If something unforeseen DOES surface, a responsible breeder will have a system in place to deal with your special circumstances. This may include replacing with another puppy, refunding part or all of your money, and/or taking the dog back. All of this needs to be discussed prior to buying the puppy.
5. Will the breeder buy/take back the dog if for any reason, at ANY time in the dog's life, you are unable to care for it?
Responsible breeders accept a lifelong committment to the dogs they breed. No breeder wants to see one of their puppies end up in a shelter. The breeder should commit in writing to take the puppy back if you are unable to care for it, no matter what age the dog is. In return, they may ask YOU to commit in writing that you will not transfer ownership of the dog without contacting them first.
6. Does the breeder show their dogs in obedience and/or agility?
If you are looking for a performance dog, your best bet is to buy from a breeder that shows and trains their dogs in performance events. They will plan their breedings to produce intelligent, obedient dogs, and will be able to guide you to a puppy that will succeed in the performance ring.
7. What will YOUR responsibilities be as far as showing and finishing this puppy's titles?
Breeders spend a lifetime trying to better their breed. The proving grounds are the show rings, and it is here that they build a reputation for their kennel name. It is important to a breeder that a show quality puppy gets shown. Some breeders will frequently offer to show the dog for you, some will charge a nominal amount to show a dog they bred, and some will REPOSSESS a dog that is sold with a show contract that the new owners decide not to show. Make sure you understand what your obligations are!
8. What will YOUR responsibilities/privileges be as far as breeding the dog?
Breeders will often place in a show contract minimum age, health and title requirements that must be met before breeding. In addition, they may place a limit on how many times a bitch can be bred. The breeder may also want to CO-OWN a bitch or dog, which will give them certain breeding rights. These issues must be carefully discussed and clearly spelled out to the satisfaction of both parties.
9. What shots, wormings, veterinary checkups, etc have been provided, and when will the next ones be due? Make sure you write down the dates of shots, wormings, tail docking, dewclaws, etc, as well as the type of shots and worm medications used. If possible, get the name of the veterinarian.
Just as you have asked your breeder many questions, be prepared to have many asked of you! You are attempting to "adopt" one of their "children", and you will find that they may ask such things as:
1. Are the parent dogs on the premises?
Being able to see one or more parent dogs helps you to assess what the personality of your pup may turn out to be. There may be times when you are purchasing a puppy from out of state, and not be able to see the sire and dam, but the most desirable situation is to see them.
2. Have both the sire and the dam been OFA'd, CERF'd or had any other veterinary screenings?
OFA: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. OFA will certify the hips of dogs 2 years old or older as Excellent, Good, Fair, Mild, Moderate or Severe with respect to hip dysplasia. Hip Dysplasia is present in most breeds, including German Shorthair Pointers. This is especially important in a dog you plan to take hunting. OFA will also certify elbows, to show no joint deformity. CERF: Canine Eye Registry Foundation. CERF certifies that the eyes of the dog are clear. (No cataracts or other visible eye disease or deformations.) Other Health Clearances/Tests you may wish to see included: Cardiac, Cone Degeneration Disease, Thyroid
3. Have the puppies been temperament tested?
Many temperament tests exist to determine the aptitude of puppies to obedience, hunting, etc. If the breeder has conducted any temperament test, ask them to share the results with you.
4. What will the breeder guarantee in the way of the health of the dog?
Responsible breeders take every precaution to produce puppies that are free of genetic disease. If something unforeseen DOES surface, a responsible breeder will have a system in place to deal with your special circumstances. This may include replacing with another puppy, refunding part or all of your money, and/or taking the dog back. All of this needs to be discussed prior to buying the puppy.
5. Will the breeder buy/take back the dog if for any reason, at ANY time in the dog's life, you are unable to care for it?
Responsible breeders accept a lifelong committment to the dogs they breed. No breeder wants to see one of their puppies end up in a shelter. The breeder should commit in writing to take the puppy back if you are unable to care for it, no matter what age the dog is. In return, they may ask YOU to commit in writing that you will not transfer ownership of the dog without contacting them first.
6. Does the breeder show their dogs in obedience and/or agility?
If you are looking for a performance dog, your best bet is to buy from a breeder that shows and trains their dogs in performance events. They will plan their breedings to produce intelligent, obedient dogs, and will be able to guide you to a puppy that will succeed in the performance ring.
7. What will YOUR responsibilities be as far as showing and finishing this puppy's titles?
Breeders spend a lifetime trying to better their breed. The proving grounds are the show rings, and it is here that they build a reputation for their kennel name. It is important to a breeder that a show quality puppy gets shown. Some breeders will frequently offer to show the dog for you, some will charge a nominal amount to show a dog they bred, and some will REPOSSESS a dog that is sold with a show contract that the new owners decide not to show. Make sure you understand what your obligations are!
8. What will YOUR responsibilities/privileges be as far as breeding the dog?
Breeders will often place in a show contract minimum age, health and title requirements that must be met before breeding. In addition, they may place a limit on how many times a bitch can be bred. The breeder may also want to CO-OWN a bitch or dog, which will give them certain breeding rights. These issues must be carefully discussed and clearly spelled out to the satisfaction of both parties.
9. What shots, wormings, veterinary checkups, etc have been provided, and when will the next ones be due? Make sure you write down the dates of shots, wormings, tail docking, dewclaws, etc, as well as the type of shots and worm medications used. If possible, get the name of the veterinarian.
Just as you have asked your breeder many questions, be prepared to have many asked of you! You are attempting to "adopt" one of their "children", and you will find that they may ask such things as:
- Have you ever owned a dog (or specifically, a Shorthair) before? How did it die? Was it neutered/spayed?
- Do you have children? How old are they?
- Who in the family wants this dog? Who will be responsible for daily care?
- Do you have the room to keep an active dog? Would you consider fencing your yard, if it is not already?
- Where will the dog spend the day? Where will it sleep? Where will it be when you are not home? Who will care for the dog when you go on vacation?
- What activities do you plan to do with this dog?
- If you plan to show the dog, are you aware of the expense for entries, travel, supplies, etc?
- Are you aware of the veterinary needs of a dog, such as heartworm medication and routine checkups and shots? Who is your veterinarian?
Knowing what questions to ask a breeder, and knowing what questions you can expect them to ask, will help guide you to finding that special companion that will give you years of love and devotion. In addition, this dialogue can be the start of a special friendship between you and your breeder.