I'm interested in getting a shorthair puppy sometime in the future (probably distant, I have 3 dogs and am heading off to college in the next few years) and I would like to start researching the different lines and breeders that I should consider. What are the health tests I should require the parents of my puppy to have? Are there any lines more prone to health problems? Are there any sites, articles, or past discussions where I can read up about the different lines and strengths and weaknesses?

I'll be looking for a puppy that I can show (AKC) as well as participate in hunt tests with, possibly feild trials, if I can find a way to get into FTs, but definitely hunt tests.

Thank you!

hips heart eyes are just a few that you should ask for

The GSP Club of America participates with the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) and has put forth recommendations for GSP health testing as follows below.  So the basics are Hip Testing for dysplasia, Cardiac mainly for SubAortic Stenosis (SAS), Eyes (CERF) for general eye health, and Cone Degeneration (CD or Day Blindness), the only pure genetic test available in the GSP breed (all others are phenotype tests).  Also having the elbows checked when the hips are x-rayed is recommended due to the minimal costs, and having thyroid done is also recommended.

Dave in Colorado, Voyager GSPs

German Shorthaired Pointer (search)

Congenital Cardiac Database

• OFA evaluation with exam performed by a Cardiologist
• or OFA evaluation with exam performed by a Specialist

Hip Dysplasia

• OFA evaluation
• PennHip evaluation

Eye Clearance

• CERF evaluation each year until 6, thereafter every 2 years

Cone Degeneration

• Cone Generation DNA test

Elbow Dysplasia (Optional)

• OFA evaluation

Autoimmune thyroiditis (Optional)

• OFA evaluation from an approved laboratory
  It is recommended that the test be repeated every two years.