The best guidelines to follow when looking for a puppy is to follow the
AKC
Standards or the BCA standards.
Even if you are not planning on showing your pet by following the standards
you will get the true look of the breed and usually a healthier dog. The
breeder you buy from is also very important. A breeder with
integrity will only breed a healthy and fit female to a healthy and fit
male, which will should produce a healthy fit puppy. A good breeder is
always trying to breed to produce puppies as close to the standard as
possible and to weed out health issues. You should feel comfortable with
your breeder.