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There are a number of things to consider when looking for your GWP and it is important that you consider all of these things before making a decision on you next family member. You do not need to rush into purchasing a dog - there are good litters out there but you may have to wait for them.

Finding a Breeder

When selecting a breeder consider the following. Does the breeder register their dogs with the UK Kennel Club - they should do. Does the breeder breed frequently - breeders that are breeding frequently 3-4 litters in any one year may not necessarily be doing so for the right reasons. Does the breeder currently show/work their dogs? What successes have they had in this arena in the UK? Will the breeder let you meet their dogs in a home environment so that you can assess character and temperament?

Health Testing

In the UK the breed is currently tested for von Willebrands disease and hip scored. As a minimum, parents of a litter should have clear vWD status by DNA test or clear by parentage. Entropian can sometimes occur in the breed. This is a recessive gene and affected dogs need an operation to correct this. Affected dogs should not be bred from.

Temperament

The GWP should be even tempered, biddable and have a good natural working ability. They can be initially aloof with strangers however this should not be confused for a dog that is generally nervous or aggressive.

When looking for a GWP, look for a puppy from parents of good temperament. Ask to see the parents our running - if the breeder cannot control the natural abilities of their dogs then this would suggest they lack biddability and should not be bred from.

Kennel Club Registration

There is no reason why the puppy you purchase should not be Kennel Club registered.  Think carefully before purchasing an unregistered puppy. Breeders are now routinely endorsing their puppies pedigrees not for registration (not for breeding). This is nothing to worry about and shows your breeder is responsible about the future of the breed.