How to Choose a Hunting Dog Puppy: A Buyer’s Checklist

Your next hunting partner will be with you for ten years or more, so it pays to choose carefully. This checklist explains how to choose a hunting dog puppy: what to ask, what to look for and how to protect yourself when buying online.

1. Pick the right breed for how you hunt

Upland hunters usually choose pointing breeds or flushing spaniels; waterfowlers choose retrievers; rabbit hunters run beagles; and coon, coyote and bear hunters run hounds. Think about your terrain, climate, game and how much the dog will live in the house.

2. Look at the parents, not just the puppy

Ask to see the sire and dam hunt, or at least meet them. Do they have the drive, nose, temperament and size you want? Hunting titles and performance records such as Field Champion (FC), Amateur Field Champion (AFC), Master Hunter (MH) or other hunt test and field trial titles show that the bloodline can do the work.

3. Ask about health clearances

Responsible breeders screen for problems common to their breed, for example:

• Hip and elbow evaluations (such as OFA or PennHIP)
• Eye exams
• Breed-specific DNA tests, such as EIC and CNM for Labrador Retrievers

Ask for copies or registration numbers you can look up yourself.

4. Ask how the litter is raised

Puppies raised around people, household noises and early exposure to birds or scent tend to be more confident.

5. Watch the litter

Look for a puppy that is curious, confident and willing to follow you, not the shyest or most out-of-control pup. Many breeders will help match you with the right puppy for your goals.

6. Check the paperwork

• Registration papers (AKC, UKC, CKC, NAVHDA, Field Dog Stud Book or others, depending on breed)
• Vaccination and deworming records
• A written contract and any health guarantee

7. Consider a started or finished dog

Not everyone has the time to raise a puppy. A started or finished dog costs more up front but gives you a dog that’s ready this season. Read puppy vs. started dog vs. finished dog to compare.

8. Protect yourself from scams

• Talk to the seller by phone or video call and ask to see the puppy live.
• Be cautious of prices far below normal for the breed.
• Avoid paying by wire transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency.
• Pick up in person when possible.

Read our full buyer safety tips before sending money.

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Browse hunting dog puppies for sale, or search by breed: Labrador Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers, Brittanys, English Setters and Beagles.