Frequently Asked Questions

We know choosing the right breeder — and the right puppy — is a big decision. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about our program, philosophy, and placement process.

General Information

Where are you located?
Vickery is located in Northeast Georgia, about an hour north of Atlanta.

What kind of homes do your dogs thrive in?
Our dogs thrive with owners who value training, activity, and partnership. They are best suited for homes that embrace an active lifestyle and enjoy including their dog in everyday life, whether that means hunting, training, competing, hiking, or simply sharing new adventures together. If you're looking for a loyal, capable companion to be an active part of your life, a Vickery Shorthair may be the right fit for you.

Do you health test your dogs?
Yes. All of our breeding dogs meet or exceed the health testing requirements recommended by the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America (GSPCA). We complete OFA/PennHIP evaluations as appropriate, and screen for cardiac, thyroid, eyes, and other conditions as recommended. We also use all available databases to research pedigrees and help mitigate health risks. Producing healthy dogs is our foundation for producing long-lived, sound partners. Click here to read about health issues that affect GSPs and the importance of health testing.

Do you recommend health insurance for your dogs?
Health insurance is always a good idea for any dog owner. Our personal dogs are insured through Trupanion, and all of our puppies come with a Trupanion policy that you can activate the day you bring them home. Trupanion’s Go Home Day Offer completely waives their waiting periods, so the coverage goes into effect immediately should your pup get into any mischief. If you choose to continue with pet insurance, you can rest assured that your dog can get the care it needs if something unforeseen happens. 

How are your dogs evaluated?
Our dogs are evaluated through a variety of venues that reflect the goals of our breeding program, including NAVHDA testing, AKC Hunt Tests, AKC Conformation, and professional detection certifications. We also enjoy participating in sports such as dock diving, nosework, and the AKC Canine Good Citizen series. Together, these experiences demonstrate the versatility, soundness, trainability, and working ability we strive to preserve in every generation.

Puppies & Placement

When is your next planned litter?
Vickery does not have any breeding plans at this time. If you are looking for a dog, we are happy to help guide you to another responsible breeder or rescue. 

How are your puppies raised?
Our puppies are raised in our home with intentional handling, enrichment, and early socialization throughout the critical stages of development. From an early age, they are introduced to a variety of people, environments, surfaces, sounds, and novel experiences that help build confidence, resilience, and adaptability. We closely observe each puppy's development from birth, and at seven to eight weeks of age conduct formal evaluations of temperament, structure, drive, confidence, activity level, and other individual traits to help guide puppy placement.

How do you decide which puppy goes to which home?
We take puppy placement just as seriously as breeding. Every puppy is an individual, and our goal is to place each one in the home where it will be most successful. We take the time to get to know each family, their lifestyle, goals, and expectations, then use everything we've learned about the litter to make thoughtful placement recommendations. If more than one puppy is an excellent fit, you will be offered the choice between them.

What do your puppies come with?
Puppies will come AKC registered and NAVHDA registered as requested, microchipped, and with all age appropriate vetting. They are also sent home with a Trupanion insurance policy that you can register on the day you get your pup, and a complimentary year-long membership to the GSPCA.

What do your puppies cost?
Puppy pricing is provided with each litter announcement. While pricing may vary depending on the breeding, German Shorthaired Pointers from reputable preservation breeders typically range from $2,000 to $3,000, and our puppies generally fall within that range.

Do I need to hunt or compete in dog sports to get a Vickery puppy?
No. While many of our puppies go to hunting, detection, or performance homes, we also place dogs with active families who understand and can meet the needs of the breed. We look for owners who are committed to providing regular training, meaningful physical and mental exercise, and a home where the dog is an active part of everyday life.

What support do you provide to puppy buyers?
Every Vickery puppy comes with lifetime breeder support. Whether you have questions about training, health, behavior, nutrition, or simply want to share updates, we remain a resource throughout your dog's life. We are committed to supporting both our dogs and the families who welcome them into their homes.

Working & Detection Placements

Do you sell dogs to detection programs, departments, or agencies?
Yes. While many of our dogs go to hunting, performance, and active companion homes, we also place suitable puppies and started dogs into professional detection careers. As with every placement, our priority is finding the right match between the dog and its future role.

What makes your dogs suited for detection work?
Our breeding program emphasizes the qualities essential for successful working dogs, including environmental stability, confidence, persistence, trainability, and functional structure. We strive to produce dogs with the drive and resilience to excel in demanding roles, balanced by the biddability and partnership needed to work effectively with their handlers.

Do you still provide support to working placements?
Absolutely. Every Vickery dog comes with lifelong breeder support. Whether a dog is placed in a family home, a hunting partnership, or a professional detection program, we remain available as a resource throughout the dog's life.

Contracts & Logistics

Do you require a contract?
Yes. All puppies are sold with a written contract outlining the responsibilities of both the breeder and the buyer, as well as the support and protections provided throughout the dog's lifetime.

Are your puppies registered?
Yes. All puppies are individually registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA).

Do you require co-ownership?
We do not require co-ownership for companion homes on limited registration. Co-ownership is required for show or breeding homes to provide mentorship and ensure thoughtful decisions regarding health testing, breeding, and the long-term preservation of the breed.

Do you require references from buyers?
Yes. We may request personal, veterinary, or other appropriate references as part of our application process to help ensure our puppies are placed in safe, committed, and well prepared homes.