Here is a short list of things you should know before buying a dog.  Since I learned a few of these the hard way I hope these suggestions will save you time, hardship and expense in finding out what you are getting from the start when you purchase a puppy.  

    First and most important, GET A HEALTH GUARANTEE IN WRITING that the pup will be replaced or your purchase price will be refunded.  Asking if your puppies parents have Certifications for their hips, elbows, and eyes is not sufficient and will just not cut it.  

    Any dog that has been tested by the OFA, CREF, CNM  or has a Chic number, will receive a certificate that the breeders will provide for you to see when you are considering one of their dogs. You can also go on line and view their clearances but you will need the Sire and Dams AKC number or the test result number. Then you can see the dogs history. 

    You can also go to the AKC web page and get all kinds of useful info like questions about registration, how to read a pedigree, find a club or event.

Jolly Acres Labs is in no way connected to the following web pages and takes no credit for their content.

Web Pages
www.OFFA.org  (Orthopedic Foundation For Animals) 
www.Caninehealthinfo.org  (Canine Heath Information Center)
www.AKC.org  (American Kennel Club)
www.vmdb.org   (Canine Eye Registration Foundation)
www.Ducks.org (Ducks Unlimited)
www.Working-Retriever.com/home (Working Retriever Central) This is a great Site!