new pup?

[commando]

Hey guys. I am kind of new to the site and all but I got a question about getting a new pup frrom a kennel. I have been looking at some kennels and found one that I really like. The onlhy prob is I don't know what kind of questions do I need to ask before I made a final decision. If the kennel is in another state should I still go and try to go see the pup before I pick it up or would it be ok to have it shipped over to me? I know I am missing a lot of pioints here but all the info u guys can provide would be awesome . Thanks in advance guys for all the help

[Hunter Lewis]

Shots, Dew Claws, Are they registered, ... those are a couple common one's, I'm no dog expert. But I have ordered a Chessy from a Kennel in Wisconson and we recieved pictures of the pup as she got bigger before she was old enough to come home..we also asked about the parents of the dogs and their health and hips... Theres a ton i'm missing i'm sure and I'm sure some more people will chime in..

[commando]

thank u for ur input also would u recomend a male or female i normally hunt in the columbia so iwasleaning more towards a male but what r ur thoughts?

[Hunter Lewis]

Thats really personal preferance... They both are great.. I personally like a male dog. Especially goose huntin.. males just have a little more size and power generally and more energy... Not to say a female cant hold her own. I have a black lab male and he is a tank and I have a female Chessy and she is a great duck dog. Also it can vary in the blood line of the dog on how much energy they have and how mellow they are.. Look into a good bloodline and get a male is what I'd recommend... thats just my opinion though.. Whatever fits you is what you want.

[BadCaller]

Get referances and not a few, pictures of there kennel, video of the conditions, shots, dew claws, papers, call the AKC and see if there are any complaints, go to retrieverforum and ask about this person. NOW get a contract. in the end try to stay local. But make sure you call around and find out about the person your buying from.

[freefall319]

All of the above plus check clearances on the parents. EIC, Elbows, eye's ect.

[shafferjm12]

I was in your same situation 2 years ago....just do your research as previously mentioned and go check out the kennel if it's possible...good luck brother

[Chops87]

size, its always nice to meet the parents, and play with them a little bit. Some people like blocky heads, english labs, make sure you check them out. it is a good indicator when you feel the chest cavity on how big the dog will be. the size of the paws is not always true. the bigger the chest the bigger the dog, the better the swimmer.i personally would not order a dog and have it shipped to me. as stated above eye hips elbows ears are very important. males may be a little more stubborn(and hyper) to train, just get his junk removed when he is full grown in order to avoid stunting his growth. females tend to get a little fatter if they are spayed young vs when they are older but i think listen a little better. I have 2 females and a male, and looking to get another male pup soon.