what to look for when buying a pup - Page 1

I have been advised a lot on here regarding my search for a potential show pup,what would you look for in a pup whether your opinion is based on personal experiences or preference to a specific breeder or sire,

I like Ice and a few others, I also like mentos as I like some of his progeny,

any info would be great

also forgot to mention , who do you think contributes the most sire or dam, what I mean is if sire is a show winning dog can he produce a show winning pup, or is this luck of the draw.

pm sent

I belive there is dispute going on at the moment in regards to mentos' and a litter he sired

that is true

I am by no means a "professional". So I start this reply with that (always looking for experienced people to give me pearls of wisdom from their experiences, please).

I always want to see sire and dam, how the puppies interact with litter mates, how they react to a stranger (me), will they come when enticed (toy, verbal, playful body language from me, etc).  Will they make eye contact comfortably.  How do they react to balls, toys, etc.  Will they play with me and littermates, how do they react to new situations (always in a playful situation but a bit challenging), will they go off on their own and come back when enticed or do they say pretty much "screw you, I don't want to come back".  Mostly I go on gut feeling, does the puppy interest me? Do I have a good connection with the puppy? Do I want this puppy over all the others I have seen? Does this puppy make me believe it has potential?  I realize this so far has worked for me but I am sure others have even more information regarding this and have the years of successful dogs to show for it, so I am interested in what they have to add.

Also, I always visit the puppy at least twice because the day I say him/her may have been an extremely bad or good day, Give the puppy and breeder more than one chance.  If this dog is important to you, you will do the work and research required, I know I have and it has payed off in really great dogs.