Scorecard
Seven criteria for choosing well
Score every dog, seller and program against the same list. The pattern that emerges is more reliable than any gut feeling in a showroom.
The seven criteria
Temperament
Is the dog steady in new places, recovering fast from surprises and relaxed with friendly people? Watch it, do not rely on a description.
Health evidence
Are there records for the parents and the dog that your own veterinarian can read? Resources such as the OFA database help you verify claims.
Training you can see
What commands does the dog follow, in which places, and who taught them? Ask for a demonstration in person.
Handler support
Does the offer include lessons for adults in your home and follow-up afterwards?
Fit with your home
Size, energy and coat against your space, climate, children and schedule.
Paperwork
A written contract covering health, training, return terms and payments.
Long-term cost
Training upkeep, food, veterinary care, insurance and fencing, not just the first invoice.
How to score
Give each criterion a mark from one to five for every option, then look for weak spots instead of adding up totals. A dog that scores five on training and one on temperament is a problem, however high the sum looks.
Weigh criteria for your family
- With toddlers at home, give temperament and supervision plans extra weight.
- In a rental or HOA, give paperwork and insurance extra weight.
- For a first-time large-dog owner, give handler support extra weight.
Take it further
Compare breed facts on the breeds page, and see how home type changes the answer in best fit by home.
Quick answers
Which criterion matters most?
Temperament is usually the foundation, because training and handling both depend on it. But all seven deserve a mark.
Can I compare by video?
Videos help you shortlist. For the final decision, meet the dog in person.
Ready to compare real options?
Tell us about your home and K9PN will refer your request to an independent professional covering your ZIP code.