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 and conformation 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? Although you may feel that these tests are not important for a "pet" or companion dog, they are good indications that your puppy will be healthy. Remember that you will love this animal and provide its medical care and the healthier it is, the longer it will live and the less its medical care will cost. OFA: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals http://www.offa.org. 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. OFA will also certify elbows, to show no joint deformity. CERF: Canine Eye Registry Foundation http://www.vet.purdue.edu/~yshen/. CERF certifies that the eyes of the dog are clear. (No cataracts or other visible eye disease or deformations.) VWD neg: Von Willebrand's Disease Negative means that the dog has been screened for this disease. This disease is similar to hemophilia.

3.) Have the puppies been temperament tested? Many temperament tests exist to determine the aptitude of puppies to obedience, hunting, and general companionship. 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 commitment 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.) What will YOUR responsibilities be as far as breeding the dog? Breeders will often place in a sales 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. If you are buying a "pet" or companion dog that is not show quality, you may receive a limited registration. This means that your dog is still AKC registered and can compete in performance events, but any litter it produces will not be registerable.

7.) What shots, worming, veterinary checkups, etc have been provided, and when will the next ones be due? Make sure you write down the dates of shots, worming, tail docking, dewclaws,etc, as well as the type of shots and worm medications used. If possible, get the name of the veterinarian.