Hi, I'm a new member to the site. I'm just starting the process of researching breeders/litters in the southwest area. I live in Colorado but would not be against traveling a bit for the right puppy. I did search the site and found some info but as someone that is new to pointing labs there is a lot out there to digest. I'm hoping to get some help from the experienced people. For example what to look for, why you would pass on a litter, or wait for a certain breeding...if there are breeders with a good or a not so good reputation. For someone that's unfamiliar with breeding and judging traits, it seems important to look for pedigrees with a good background of titled dogs... assuming the breeder is concerned with health and has all of the health clearances, raises the pups properly, and truly cares about the breed. The hard part is reading between the lines to find a puppy that may be a better choice. I'm sure I'm not the first one to ask this question so I appreciate your help with a common topic.

I just asked essentially the same question last month:

http://www.americanpointinglab.com/site/Forum/tabid/68/aff/1/aft/21123/afv/topic/Default.aspx

lots of nice folks here who make you feel welcome. I ended up choosing Bearpoint Kennels (who happen to be in Colorado) for my PL pup.

http://www.bearpointkennel.com/home.htm

Good luck with your search!

Art

There are always some great breedings out there.
 
It is important to know what you are looking for, the type of dog, what is the most important thing to you, and how the other things rate. Is the ability of a dog to settle down in the house more important than the ability to turn it on in the field, does the way he looks on point matter, how is he in the water, does he alpha dog behavior, and ect... Anyone that tells you that you can have everything is lying. Every dog has a whole or two and you as a prospective buyer must know to ask and how to analyze the response.

Thanks Art, I did get some good info from your thread. I agree, there seem to be lots of nice people who are willing to help out, which is why I joined. I have heard of Bearpoint here in CO but have not yet visited them. Congrats on your pup and good luck with her!

Thanks oakcreek I appreciate the response, those are great points.

Mt52.

Welcome to the APLA. I dont know if this is your first pointing dog or first pointing lab, but either way a pointing lab is a wonderful upland and waterfowl companion.

I would sit down and write out a list of the characteristics of the dog that are important to you. Prioritize them.
Its ok if color or looks are in your categories as are performance characteristics. I personally like having a good looking dog.
Do some research on the health certs, CNM, PRA, EIC, Hip elbows and eye certifications will help cut down on your chances of having to deal with these issues.
Ask the breeder specific questions about each dog in the pairing, why the breeder put them together and about the characteristics that are most important to you.

Write down how you hunt the dog, and what you want the dog to look like in terms when he/she is finished.
Having goals and a road map will help you select the pup you want. You can always change them later, but it's a really good practice. ((I think I changed my target 5 or 6 times))

Buyer Beware. Do some research, if the breeder can't have an honest discussion about the ranking of certain attributes or how the pups characteristics should match up against your hunting style and long term goals, you might want to move on.

Also please be aware that there are several posters on this and other internet forums whose experiene is primarily in the virtual world. Id encourage you if possible to see the dogs work for yourself, attend an APLA HT and see the offspring of some pairings work or at a minimum, ask for references or find out who is training some of their pups to get some feedback on how they are coming along.

Good luck with your search.

Liv2hnt- Thanks. I do have most of the desired characteristics in my head but I think you're right about putting it down on paper and prioritizing. It always seems to become a little clearer. As for health research, what's the best way to go about that? Talking to the breeders about health certifications and breeding practices or other things beyond that?

I'm starting my research in locally in Colorado with Bearpoint kennels and Poudre river gun dogs. Does anyone have any experiences with them, good or bad? Feel free to PM me if you'd prefer to chat privately.

I have 2 dogs from Poudre River Gun Dogs and could not be happier.

Thanks wildbear.