Choosing the Right Breeder

TTR's Tips & Pointers Blog

Why It Matters (From My Heart to Yours)

When you're looking to add a German Shorthaired Pointer to your life, it’s about more than just bringing home a dog—it’s about choosing the right breeder, the right philosophy, and the right support system.

At Tipsy Rabbit, we know how important this decision is because we live it every day. We’ve seen the difference intentional breeding and a solid foundation can make—not just in a pup’s early milestones, but in the life they’ll live with you for years to come.

What Makes Us Different

We’re not a kennel lined with concrete floors and barking behind chain-link fences. We’re a family. Our dogs live in our home, sleep at our feet (under the covers of course), and help greet the Amazon delivery folks (a little too enthusiastically sometimes). Every litter is raised in the center of our lives—with the chaos of kids, the hum of daily chores, and the simple joys that make dogs so special.

We follow a structured puppy curriculum that begins before the pups even open their eyes—things like Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), sound desensitization, early crate exposure, plenty of hands-on socialization, and all the cuddles their little hearts desire. We also incorporate litterbox training, and early obedience work to set them up for success. As they grow, we introduce foundational obedience cues like “sit,” “shake,” “kennel,” “whoa,” and name familiarity, helping them build confidence, communication skills, and a strong bond with their future families.

Each puppy receives comprehensive veterinary care, including tail docking, dewclaw removal, a full health exam, parasite screening, and their first heartworm and flea preventative. Before heading home, we complete each puppy’s AKC registration and AKC Reunite lifetime microchip enrollment, ensuring all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed.

Puppies also go home with a thoughtfully packed starter kit to support a smooth transition. It includes a puppy feeding schedule/guideline, a small bag of their current kibble, a blanket with littermate's scent, natural bully slices for those sharp puppy teeth, and training treats—familiar comforts that help ease the adjustment into their new home and routine.

Our goal is to raise well-rounded, confident puppies who are ready to thrive in a variety of homes—whether that’s as a family companion, a hunting partner in the field, or an adventure buddy hiking on the weekend.

Health Testing & Intentional Pairings

All of our breeding dogs are health tested, with OFA and DNA results available to view. We carefully plan our pairings to complement structure, temperament, and long-term health. We aren’t breeding just for color or trends—we’re preserving the integrity of the GSP and upholding what makes this breed truly special. We're also proud to be recognized as an AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T., a designation that reflects our ongoing commitment to health, education, accountability, responsibility, and tradition.

Questions You Should Be Asking Breeders

If you're comparing breeders, I always encourage families to ask the following:

• Do both parents have OFA health clearances for hips, elbows, heart & eyes?
  
• Where do the breeding dogs live?
• Are the puppies raised in-home or in a kennel?
  
• What veterinary care do puppies receive?
• What kind of early socialization and training do they use?
• How do you match puppies to families?
  
• What kind of support do they offer once you bring your puppy home?

We’re In It for the Long Haul

Bringing a puppy into your family is a lifetime commitment—and we believe your breeder should be just as committed. 

Bringing home a Tipsy Rabbit TopPup means gaining a lifelong partner—us. We offer lifetime breeder support because we believe in being there through every stage, from puppy hiccups to their teenage anctics and thru the golden years. Whether you have training questions, health concerns, or just want to share a birthday photo, we’re here.

A Safe Place to Land—Always

Life happens, and if you’re ever unable to continue caring for your Tipsy Rabbit GSP, we ask that they be returned to us. It’s part of our promise to every dog we’ve brought into the world—and a commitment to support the families who love them. Learn more about what that means here: Our Lifelong Commitment

Trust, Transparency, and Happy Tails

At the end of the day, we want you to feel confident, excited, and prepared. Whether this is your first GSP or your fifth, we’re here to share what we know, cheer you on, and help raise a dog that’s not just beautiful—but well-bred, well-loved, and truly ready for the adventures ahead.

In a world full of choices, I hope you find a breeder who aligns with your values, answers your questions, and feels like someone you’d want in your corner.

And if that someone happens to be me, well... welcome to the Tipsy Rabbit family. We’re so glad you’re here.

Cheers to Happy Tails & a Lifetime of Love!

— Becky

📸 Featured TopPup: TTR’s Swifty from 101 Spots Litter