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 families do your dogs thrive in?
Our dogs thrive with owners who value training, activity, and partnership. If you are looking for a steady, loyal dog to share in adventure, work, and daily 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. 

What venues do you compete in?
Our dogs are proven versatile partners—excelling in NAVHDA testing, AKC Hunt Tests, and professional detection work. We also enjoy showcasing their athleticism and trainability through sports like dock diving, nosework, and the AKC Canine Good Citizen series. These diverse experiences ensure our dogs are not only capable workers but also well-rounded, reliable companions in every setting.

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 using Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Puppy Culture protocols, including daily handling, socialization, and exposure to a variety of environments. We have found that these early experiences play a vital role in producing stable, well-adjusted adults. From birth, we closely observe each puppy’s development and note the traits that make them unique. At seven to eight weeks of age, we conduct formal evaluations that consider personality, temperament, structure, drive, and activity level.

How do you decide which puppy goes to which home?
We take placement just as seriously as breeding. Puppies are not lined up as “first pick, second pick, best or worst.” Instead, we get to know you—your lifestyle, goals, and expectations—and match the puppy that best fits your situation. If two puppies are equally well-suited, 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?
The cost of our puppies is shared on each litter announcement page. Typically, Shorthairs from reputable breeders can be expected to cost between $1,800 to $2,500. Our puppies will fall somewhere in this 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 the breed’s needs. What we do require is that every home provides ample training, daily enrichment, and a lifestyle that fully engages the dog. 

What support do you provide to puppy buyers?
Every puppy comes with lifetime support. Whether you need training advice, health guidance, or just want to share updates, we remain a resource for the life of your dog.

Working & Detection Placements

Do you sell dogs to detection programs, departments, or agencies?
Yes—if the dog is the right fit. While many of our dogs go into hunting and performance homes, we also place suitable puppies and started dogs into detection and working careers.

What makes your dogs suited for detection work?
We emphasize environmental stability, confidence, persistence, and functional structure. Our dogs have the drive and resilience to succeed in demanding roles, balanced with the biddability and cooperation to work closely with their handlers.

Do you still provide support to working placements?
Absolutely. Whether our dogs are placed in a family home, a hunting partnership, or a detection program, we stand behind them and remain available as a lifelong resource.

Contracts & Logistics

Do you require a contract?
Yes. All puppies are sold on written contracts that outline expectations, responsibilities, and support. This protects both the buyer and the dog.

Are your puppies registered?
Yes. All puppies are registered with the AKC, and with NAVHDA as requested.

Do you require co-ownership?
We do not require co-ownership for companion homes on limited registration. For show homes, co-ownership may be required to ensure proper mentorship and support in health testing and breeding decisions. All of our puppy owners receive lifetime support, and we are always available as a resource for our dogs.

Do you require references from buyers?
Yes. We may ask for personal or veterinary references to ensure that our puppies are placed in safe, committed, and prepared homes.