Let me begin by saying, I’m pretty skeptical of the “magical” theories of how to choose a pup that I hear thrown around nowadays. For example: believing that how a pup reacts when you hold them upside down or sideways, at a very young age, indicates potential. You can maybe get some loosely associated feel for temperament, but everything is dependent on maturity, time of day, recent exercise, previous handling/socialization, and more. So, I say, don’t hang your hat on that.

And oh boy, the folks who really get me are those who claim the ability to perfectly match a pup’s personality, at seven weeks, with that of the potential buyer. They’re likely better at matching a price with the buyer’s billfold.

Considerations when Buying a Puppy

My feeling is that being very sure you’re standing at the right whelping box when you choose has the greatest effect on your odds of selecting a good puppy—and the right puppy for you and your family. In other words, research and choose from litters of the breed and type that fits your needs, your family, and your style of hunting, and ensure the litter was selectively bred with parents that have proven ability.

Think it through: What do you primarily hunt? Do you like a long coated or short coated dog? Big dog or small dog? Will the dog live in the house?

Remember, you are making a 9-to-12-year commitment when you take that pup home, so take your time. Be sure you’re zeroing in on the right type of dog, the correct breed, and even the family group within that breed that fits your type of hunting. And, just as important, a dog that will fit as a family companion during the off-season.

This project isn’t as simple as reading about German shorthaired pointers, as an example, and deciding that’s the breed for you. As with all breeds, there are distinct types of shorthairs within the breed. There are those bred for foot hunting, those bred for walking trials and hunt tests, and those bred for horseback field trials. Even within those groups, there are certain families or lines with specific characteristics you may or may not like.

This is why I say think long and hard about where you live, what your primary type of hunting is, if you’re interest in hunt tests or field trials, how you’re going to house train the dog, etc. It is best to do most of this thinking before you start shopping.

Finding the Right Breeder and Breeding

So, where do you begin? Well, if you’re going in cold, I’d say check registry websites, seek out breed clubs for general breed info, and read articles in Gun Dog and other sporting dog magazines. These are great sources of information on the breeds, as well as resources for leading you to contact info for breeders.

I know many of you, having hunted for years, know exactly what you’re looking for. Many of you may even have friends planning litters from dogs you’ve hunted with or know the reputation of because of their success in field trials or hunt tests. That is the key, you know and like the parents and grandparents, and you understand that planned puppies have a strong chance of carrying those same abilities and characteristics. In turn, you have a better chance of choosing the right pup.

Finding Hunting Dogs From Competition Lines

Did I say you might select from field trial or hunt test stock? You bet. I know the majority of you reading this are primarily hunters and may not be interested in sporting dog contests, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look there for a puppy. Please don’t get caught up in the misconception of every “runoff son of a gun” being attributed to “field trial stock.” It simply isn’t true. In fact, those same “runoff, self-serving bums” have no place in trials or hunt tests either. So, let’s talk a little about that very subject.

You see, sporting dog contests—be they field trials or hunting tests—are structured to allow dogs a setting in which to demonstrate their inborn abilities, along with how they accept and advance in training as a team player in various simulated hunting scenarios. Granted, a high-end all-age bird dog must show independence and confidence in hunting forward, but definitely not on his own. And in the walking trials and hunt tests, key aspects are handling, cooperation, and obedience. Folks...the greedy, self-serving, uncooperative, disobedient dog doesn’t finish regularly in any field trial or hunt test. So, please don’t be afraid. In fact, I recommend the serious hunter go to hunt test or walking trial lines.

Choosing from these lines comes with benefits. Through standards set by most sanctioning bodies, you’re likely to find parents and grandparents with hip and other health evaluations, DNA certifications, and records of successes, titles, scoring of key attributes, etc. These can help provide evidence of bird finding ability, endurance, etc., within the line. All of this increases your odds of selecting the right litter to choose your new puppy from.

Making the Final Decision of Buying a Dog

Now, let’s fast forward to the point where you’re satisfied you’ve found the correct litter to choose from. Your next effort is deciding if you want a male or female. Don’t worry about the macho crap, female dogs of all breeds hunt every bit as hard as males. Your only concern would be in dealing with the female’s cycles, to avoid accidental breeding.

Hopefully, you can visit the litter once or twice; you might rule out the biggest and smallest of the sex you decided on. Take the remaining pups out one at a time so you’re able to play with them and get a feel for the one or two you seem to connect with. From there, listen to your gut, grab one, and never look back.

Remember, you’ve worked hard to find the right puppy, so please don’t forget how crucial proper socialization and the basics of training are in helping your new pup reach his or her inherited potential. If you have done your research and picked froma breed and family you like, the odds are in your favor.