Just as important as temperament and personality is good health. You don't want to take home a sickly puppy. Signs of good or poor health are obvious when you know what to look for. The first thing you might notice is energy level. Healthy puppies are active and enjoy running and playing. Try to schedule your visit before mealtime; puppies can be sleepy after they eat.

Healthy puppies have bright eyes that aren't squinty or watery, clean ears, pink gums, white teeth, and shiny coats. Their ears don't smell bad, and their nose and eyes are free of discharge, never runny or red. Look at the gums. If they're pale, not pink, the puppy may have intestinal parasites such as roundworms.

Hold the puppy close and listen to his breathing. You shouldn't hear any rattling or rasping. Instead, the puppy should breathe easily with his mouth closed. Heavy breathers or pups that must breathe with their mouth open may develop respiratory problems.

Obvious signs of poor health are poor coat condition and loose stools. Missing patches of hair or mottled skin can be signs of disease. A dull coat and a pooched-out stomach that resembles a beer belly are signs of intestinal parasite infestation. Evidence of diarrhea is another red flag. Healthy puppies have small, firm stools.

Think twice about buying a puppy that shows any signs of poor health. Intestinal parasites are easily treated, but the puppy's condition doesn't say much about the breeder's care for her dogs. You can do better.