Hey folks, this won't be my first dog, but will be my first GSP. I had been considering another dog heavily and then spent some time with a cousin of mine's GSP and loved the dog. From the research I've done they sound perfect for what I'm looking for in a new companion.

Anyways I'm trying to get in touch with my cousin's breeder but obviously puppies arent stocked on shelves so if anyone knows of a breeder in Houston I'd really appreciate the help. I go to Austin once or twice a month so a breeder there or in the general central Texas area(San Antonio, San Marcos, etc) would be fine as well.

Thanks for the help guys and gals!

- Lowell

btw. I do have one other question for ya'll. I see prices for these puppies anywhere from 200 to 1100. Obviously I want a healthy puppy, preferably with removed dew claws and a docked tail, but being AKC registered doesnt mean anything to me. I dont want to skimp on picking the right companion for years to come, but it'd be nice to have a better idea of what I'm looking at spending up front. Any input?

Lowell -

There are lots of good breeders in the Texas area.  The ones I have listed below all have breeding policies and will require a puppy contract.  The cost varies, but to get a good GSP you are going to have to pay quite a bit more than $200, probably closer to $1000.  It varies from kennel to kennel and whether the pup is sold as show quality or as a pet.  Here are some kennels in the Houston and Central Texas area that I know about.

Ehrenvogel: www.ehrenvogel.com/

Madrone: www.madronegsps.com/ (They have pups now, I am getting pick of the males from their current litter which is from a very good breeding.  I do not know if they have any pups still available or not.)

Southwind: www.southwindgsp.com/

Most of these kennels only breed every few years, so you may have to wait awhile. They can probably give you leads on other kennels though it they do not have any puppies.  Also, you can call the local GSP clubs and find other breeders.

GSP of San Antonio: www.gspcsa.org/

Gulf Coast GSP: www.gulfcoastgsp.com/Site/Home.html

Be prepared to answer lots of questions when you talk to the breeders as they are just as interested in finding a good home for their puppies and want to make sure you will be able to provide that to the pup.  Also, be sure you understand this breed.  They are a high energy dog that needs a job whether it is hunting or jogging or something else.  They also need allot of exercise and attention, so if you work all day and can't spend time with them you may want to rethink your choice. I am not trying to discourage you from this breed, but you need to know what you are getting into.  Too many GSPs end up in rescue because someone didn't do their homework on the breed and ended up getting more dog than they could handle or that did not fit into their lifestyle.  If you haven't read anything about this breed, take a look at the GSPCA Home site (this is the parent club for shorthairs): www.gspca.org/index.html

Also, take a look at this FAQ: www.gspca.org/Breed/FAQ.html

Good Luck in your search.

Finally, if you have any questions, just ask.  There are allot of folks on this website with years and years of experience with this breed.

Great idea singltrak. 

I will also be at the Reliant show showing Halo on Sat and Sun.  There is also a GSP Rescue group in Austin.  If you are interested in talking to them please PM me and I will look up the contact information.

Hello!

www.texasgsp.org is the rescue group in our part of Texas.  There are a few dogs right now that I believe would fit your criteria posted on their website.  I've volunteered at one of their events before and they are a pleasure to work with and very knowledgeable.  I have 2.5 rescues of my own.  I don't know if I would qualify my 3rd as a rescue or not, maybe an owner transfer/surrender?  Who knows, I know I have him and he's amazing!  He just turned 1 yesterday btw... Happy Birthday Duke!

Rescues are nothing to be afraid of and if you aren't going to show them and you don't care about that stuff too much they are a great alternative to a breeder.  Good luck!  If you want, you can always babysit my 3 for a while to get you used to them! LOL.

-James

Singltrak, Email sent

Belle, PM sent

jdavis, Thanks for the recommendation! I only saw one pup listed that was within my age range, but admittadly I have a preference to a white/black or gray/black, with brown spots. Different strokes for different folks I guess, IMO those are the best looking GSPs

Edit: I also forgot to mention I'm looking for a male

Rookie -

I sent a PM on to you, but also wanted to post here just to clarify the colors.

Just for the record, the only colors for a GSP are brown, brown and white, black and black and white.  The only colors accepted in the US by the GSPCA are brown and brown and white (including ticked, ticked with patches, etc.).  There are no tri-colored GSPs (gray/black, with brown spots), and anything other than brown, brown and white, black, or black and white will not be full blood GSPs. 

AKC standard which is based on the GSPCA standard:

Color
The coat may be of solid liver or a combination of liver and white such as liver and white ticked, liver patched and white ticked, or liver roan. A dog with any area of black, red, orange, lemon or tan, or a dog solid white will be disqualified.