looking for a good german shorthair pointer pup

[eggdish]

i am looking to buy a german shorthair pointer pup. unfortunately i am relatively uneducated when it comes to reputable breeders and i am looking for some advice. not necessarily looking for a large breeder, just somewhere i would have a chance getting smart dog and good hunter. i know the outcome of any hunting dog is directly related to the amount of work you put into training them, but good bloodlines are an advantage. would like to pick one up sometime in feb-april. anyone have suggestions.

[gspman]

To start, do a google search on "german shorthaired pointer club of minnesota". The gspcmn will be the first hit. Check the site out and find the contact info for the breed secretary. Tell that person what you are looking for and he/she should be able to give you a list of contacts to call. That's where I'd start. There are plenty of quality breeders around that are not members of the gspcmn as well. I'd also get a hold of the area NAVHDA chapters as they'd have some contacts as well. Also check the Minnesota based outdoors publications for breeder/kennel advertisements. There are also some very good Wisconsin breeders too.

Make sure you know exactly what you want for a shorthair. There is a broad diversity in the breed to meet a variety of needs. You can get small, very speedy and rangy dogs or bigger and slower and closer working dogs. Also some will be more "versatile" than others. Do your homework up front to determine what you want. I'd try to get as many "demos" of the dogs hunting as I could.

I do have a contact for you as well. Email me at clark doott koenen aaaattt hotmail ddddoottt com

There's also a started shorthair in the "dogs for sale" forum.

Good luck,

gspman

[Captain B.R.K]

"Do your homework up front to determine what you want"

I'm in the same boat and I'm glad the question was brought up. We aren't sure if we are ready for a dog yet, but will be debating it over the next several months.

But where do I even start with the "homework" part if I don't even know what to look for?

My father-in-law has had GSP since his bird days and I've been really impressed with the dogs he has. Unfortunately the mother will not be breed again. The breeder will be using the same male that was used for his two dogs, but a different female will be used.

I can contact those places you have listed above but then what do I ask?

This is exciting to talk about yet discourage too

[gspman]

Fear not Cap'n, only commit when you are absolutely sure you are ready.

Here's some things to start with (basically examine what you want in a dog and also examine your personality and expectations)...

-Think about what kind of hunting you want to do and how you want to do it. Keep that in mind and tell every breeder you contact about it when you are looking so they can help you (or you can help them).

-Do you want a big dog or small dog?

-Male or female?

-Speedy and rangy or slower and stays closer to you?

-Will you use it for duck hunting (early season only)?

-Do you want a versatile GSP (fur & feather & fowl) or an upland specialist?

-Do you want a super friendly dog or a dog that's a little aloof?

-House dog or kennel dog or a little of both?

-Are you a controlling personality and expect the dog to handle like a robot or are you able to let the dog do it's own thing and you just follow it with minimal handling?

I'd probably start by asking the breed secretary for as many contacts as I could and ask the breeders as many questions as you can think of. I asked some of the most idiotic questions you could imagine when I was looking for my first dog but in the end I knew for the most part what I was getting into with my first pup.

This also helps you gauge the breeder. If they are happy to answer your questions (even the dumb ones) then they'll probably be willing to help when you have training issues or questions too. Having a good relationship with the breeder can be very beneficial at times.

I'd also look for breeders that also do field training so they can help you with problems.

Ask what their guarantees are on their pups. And what health certifications are on the parents.

Go and watch as many as you can actually hunting. If you like what you see in the sire and dam then you'll probably like the pups too.

Feel free to email me if you would like.

[Captain B.R.K]

gspman - Could I get your e-mail address. I'd like to get in touch with you to talk more about this.

Thanks!

[gspman]

Here ya go cap'n

clark doott koenen aaaattt hotmail ddddoottt com

[Captain B.R.K]

Thanks sir, I'm putting together an e-mail that will be sent out shortly!

[wirehare]

There is a guy in Perham that has some real nice GSP's his name is Gary Moltzan, I have seen a few of the older pups he's had and sold as started dogs, they were working on roosters at a preserve. They stayed close, and retreved to hand.

Good luck and have fun with the pup you get.

[CAJ]

Call Dwight Frickson in Millbank SD. Has has 2 of the best Shorhairs I know. He may be able to find the same breeder for you CAJ

[Jager]

I have 2 GSP's and love them.

Got them from a breeder in Minneapolis.

If you want to get in touch with them you can e-mail me at [email protected].

[Tripleplay]

Egg & Cap,

I lost my GSP last February unexpectedly and she was everything and more for my first venture into hunting dogs. I do admit to having switched to a lab this time around but that is directly related to where and what I'm hunting more than any issue with my GSP or the breed.

I can provide you with the breeders contact info if you would like to pick his brain about what you are looking for. My dog was out of his NAVHDA Versatile Champion and even with rookie, operator error that dog got it right.

E-mail address is [email protected]

[Captain B.R.K]

I'll send you a quick note tonight. Looking forward to hearing from you.