First the choice between a pedigreed and non-pedigreed dog.

At one time a papered dog meant, more often than not, an assurance of a strong well-bred dog of good character. It now, very sadly, means just the opposite. Papers usually mean poorly bred, unhealthy dogs and incompetence in both dog and breeder. I do not take pride in this statement, but I stand by it. Many breeds have more genetic health problems than titles. Why? We are reaping what we sow. I can remember a time when hunters raised Pointers and Setters, working breeds that were tested in what they were bred for. Dogs that could not survive the field did not survive at all. The show bench was never considered as an end all. It was in fact was not even considered. Working and active people in life bred working active dogs. This is not a popular statement. I feel however that I owe it to those breeders and dogs that hold on to that which is right. Never buy a boat form a man who lives in the desert. Stay away from breeders that bred dogs so they can be placed on tables to be buffed and fluffed in order to win a ribbon.