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! Before shopping for a show quality dog STUDY the breed standard! Go to shows and watch. Ask some of the people showing to explain the breed standard to you.

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? These tests are especially important for a dog you plan to show and possibly breed. 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, 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 commitment to the dogs they breed. No breeder wants to see one of his or her 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 dogs? If you are looking for a show dog, your best bet is to buy from a breeder that shows dogs.

7.) Are the Sire/Dam Champions or pointed? Although the Championships of the sire and dam don't guarantee that every puppy they produce will be show quality, your chances of having a conformationally correct puppy are much higher if the sire and dam are conformationally correct.

8.) What are the good conformation qualities of the puppy? Depending on the age of the puppy, you must keep in mind that these could change considerably

9. What faults are evident in the puppy? All dogs have faults. Depending on the age of the puppy, you must keep in mind that some faults are more serious than others, some faults change with time, and some faults may not be apparent until the pup is older. A responsible and experienced breeder can offer you guidance.

10.) If the puppy develops faults that disqualify it from the show ring will the breeder offer a portion of your money back or a new puppy? No one can guarantee that a particular 8-week-old puppy will definitely become a champion. Breeders draw on their experience to determine which puppies will most likely be successful in the show ring, but sometimes a bite can go bad, the eyes don't darken, etc. What will your breeder do for you if something unforeseen happens? This should be discussed prior to buying a puppy.

11.) What will YOUR responsibilities be as far as showing and finishing this puppy? 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!

12.) What will YOUR responsibilities 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.

13.) 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.