Gun Dog Forum

Im looking to get my first dog (besides our english springer we had growing up) and i am wondering what tips/pointers you guys have for picking out a good puppy.

I am interested in gsp, english shorthair pointers, english springers, brittanys, labs and will hunt pheasant/quail 95% of the time when we hunt.

Drive as far & as long as you have to in order to get a pup from the absolute
best breeding you can find that suits your bill. When you get there, close your eyes
and pick a pup....... because at 8 weeks, you're not going to be able to tell much.

Bigger pups become average size dogs. Smaller pups turn into monsters. Forget about
being able to discern any real differences in hunting aptitude at 8 weeks...... it's a myth.

Find the best breeding and let the breeder pick your pup based on what you want. He/she
will have 8 WEEKS watching the pups...... compared to your 2 hours?

Rob

Some people say let the puppy pick you. Sometimes if your are 3rd or 4th pick you will have no choice its what ever is left.
You could ask the breeder for his opinion also
If the litter is carefully selected and the breeder knows his genetics then it probably won't mater much but make sure you know what the parents traits are and if that is the same thing you are looking for in a puppy
I feel its what you do with the puppy after you have it home that counts.

The best breeding gives you the best odds, but since it costs the same to feed the pretty ones, I always look for good bone and a nice expression.

You know it when you see it.

I picked mine in less then 2 minutes. The guy took them out side in 20 degree weather. I watch for about a minute running around playing. I seen one by the house with its head buried in a pile of leaves rooting around. I said that's the one. It has been a year and it paid off she still looks hard for birds. Good luck

I like to hold them like a baby. The one that fights to leave is bold, the one that fights then settles is middle of road, and one that just doesn't do anything but lay their is mostlikely timid. I like a little more bold personally.

I'll throw my keys on the floor to look if any get spooked. Better to avoid those ones, for fear of gun shy later on.
My new pup picked up the keys and carried them around which I liked.

I don't really care to put a bird or wing out. If the parents have it more then likely the pups do to. Plus on a given day a pup you have your eye on might not be interested and it could turn you off. Because you think oh he doesn't have it.

I look for playfulness, exploring, confirmation, tail set, and markings that Iike.

It's really a no brainer choosing a pup. But I have trouble picking out a tooth brush

If all else fails whistle,clap your hands and the one that comes running is yours.

When I picked out my oldest dog I was in a hurry. He was sleeping and I liked his markings the most and took him. Have had 11 years with thousands of birds put in my pack with him. And never once have I ever regretted picking the sleeping pup with nice markings. He's always been my go to dog.

First figure out if you want a pointer or a flusher. Of the breeds you mentioned, you should fairly easily be able to find a very good breeding that meets your hunting needs. Then it's a matter of finding a puppy with a temperament that fits your needs. Look for a breeder that does with his/her dogs what you want to do with your dogs from hunting to home life (e.g., house dogs or kennel dogs). I think it's very important for first time owners (like me) to have a very good rapport with your breeder for a couple of reasons. First, you probably are best off describing to your breeder what you want and don't want in your pup and letting him pick for you (or pick a couple of pups and let you make the final decision). Second, a good breeder will be one of your most important resources and it's great to know they will answer when you call or email you back. Third, should anything go wrong with the pup you'll want to know your breeder will work with you to find a solution.

Pick the one you like the looks of or catches your eye. Its all a gamble at that age, no way to tell what will be.

GrayDawg wrote:Drive as far & as long as you have to in order to get a pup from the absolute
best breeding you can find that suits your bill. When you get there, close your eyes
and pick a pup....... because at 8 weeks, you're not going to be able to tell much.

Bigger pups become average size dogs. Smaller pups turn into monsters. Forget about
being able to discern any real differences in hunting aptitude at 8 weeks...... it's a myth.

Find the best breeding and let the breeder pick your pup based on what you want. He/she
will have 8 WEEKS watching the pups...... compared to your 2 hours?

Rob

This is it in a nutshell. Find the best breeding you can afford and when it comes to making a decision...make one.

I find the best litter I can afford.
Tell the breeder what I like in a dog, what I'm going to do with the dog.
Then I go with the pup the breeder recommends.
Any good kennel with have a pretty good idea of the drive and personality of the pups in the litter. Remember they see them 24/7.
As long as your honest with what you want in a pup a good breeder should be able to match you up with the pup best suited for you.