Choosing the perfect gundog puppy: What you need to know

Part 1: Finding your gundog puppy 

(for this article we have chosen a Retriever or a Spaniel)

So you have decided to bring a working gundog puppy into your life – this is a big decision so it is worth doing your homework.

You have already chosen which breed so now you can start looking for litters of puppies. (read the breeds article here again - What gundog suits you?)

If you have seen a particular stud dog in the field or in your travels it is worth asking the stud dog owner to let you know when a suitable bitch comes to that dog. In addition, often puppies from a good bitch can be very much in demand and this way you can put your name down early and go on a list but remember breeding is only half the story, how the litter is reared is just as important.

Alternatively, you may see a particular dog that catches your eye on a shoot day, speak to the owner about where the dog came from as this can be a good starting point.

A dog pedigree is of interest and important and can be very impressive but if you can see the parents of the puppy working and see the manner in which they were trained then that speaks volumes.

The price of your puppy is often a factor but this should not rule your decision because the best breeders will have spent a lot of money on health checking the parents and bringing the pups up with the right care, attention, food and dedication to achieve a healthy and happy litter of pups. Saying that it is worth checking that the price the breeders are asking fits in with the current market.

When choosing a gundog puppy, you'll need to determine whether to opt for a Kennel Club-registered dog. While non-registered puppies are often more affordable, KC registration is essential if you plan to enter field trials or KC working tests. Additionally, having a registered pup ensures you have a reliable record of its lineage, which is crucial for responsible breeding in the future.

For many breeds, including gundogs, there are health schemes which are set up to try and reduce hereditary diseases. There are many checks available through DNA and X-rays but the base ones that are imperative are the Hip and Elbow Score which checks for hip and elbow dysplasia and the yearly Eye scheme.

When enquiring about a puppy it is worth asking if its parents have been tested, but remember that testing the parents is no guarantee of the pup’s future health but if you want a healthy adult dog then the risks of an unhealthy one are greatly reduced by supporting diligent breeders. For pedigree dogs, the Kennel Club record the hips elbows and eyes for all dogs (plus other DNA) so it is easy to check your puppy's parents' scores.

Of course, all of the above are very important but the essential thing to consider is temperament and bid ability. well-socialised social dogs produce social pups.

Most puppies will be ready to leave the litter and go to their new homes at eight weeks, it is against the law for them to leave before 8 weeks and they must also be chipped before leaving, so if you are able to visit before plenty of times and choose it is certainly a nice way of buying a pup but every breeder has different ways of handling selling of the puppy and if you are only seeing the litter once or twice the breeder who will know the pups best will be able to help you decide the right pup for you.  Expect the breeder to give you the third degree - it’s only because they care.

There is plenty of discussion about what makes the ideal puppy choice—should you pick the boldest, the most dominant, the largest or the first to approach? Opinions vary widely. If you're considering a spaniel or another marked breed, colour preferences might also come into play. Alternatively, you might simply choose the puppy that naturally draws your attention or approaches you first.

Always ensure the puppy is in good health, with a well-formed jaw, clear eyes and an overall healthy appearance. It's also wise to check the condition of the mother and the rest of the litter.

If the right puppy isn’t available, it's best to decline politely and continue your search. Keep in mind that while you are evaluating the puppy, the breeder is also assessing whether you would be a suitable owner and they may also choose to turn you down politely.

Part 2  - Puppy comes home…!

About the author:

Jacqui Crew, based in Hertfordshire, is a skilled dog handler and trainer specialising in gundog training for working tests, field trials, shoot day picking up, peg dogs and competitive obedience. Using positive reinforcement techniques like clicker training, toys and treats, she focuses on building strong bonds and clear communication between handlers and dogs. Jacqui has achieved notable success, including competing at the IGL championships with her award-winning dog, OFTW Echobrook Dexster. At ReeveCrew Gundogs, she offers group and one-to-one training sessions. 

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