I'd also add this:
Be honest with yourself about YOURSELF. If you are a first time owner, or if you've never shown or trialed a dog.... WHY would a great breeder, give you pick of the litter, their BEST prospect? I've often heard people being convinced that the breeder is treating them so well - oh he's giving ME PICK!!
Be honest. Do you qualify to take the best puppy in that litter? You may love it, but any breeder worth their salt, would have an experienced home that has shown, trialed, trained, etc. in the past for their best prospect. If you're the best that they have - then you have to wonder WHY. WHY aren't there more experienced owners there before you in line for that same pup? Maybe they know something you don't? *think about it*
If a breeder isn't chomping at the bit to introduce you to their other puppy people, other experiences, to invite you to shows and trials BEFORE YOU GET A PUPPY - then again, you have to ask WHY???
Also, if there's no waiting list - WHY NOT?!!? If there's no waiting list and you can have the puppy today - WHY?!?! Why isn't there a whole group of people ahead of you, waiting for the same pups? I know of some breeders where people have been waiting for pups for YEARS!!
So be honest with what you can offer to a breeder, their kennel, and opportunities for one of their pups.
I've been very lucky in that I was referred via another breeder to a network of people. I was referred to a lovely breeder and I've been BLESSED to have had a dog from her. I've proven myself, in which case has allowed me to learn more, be taught more and to be lead by some fabulous breeders. I still have a lot to learn, but I have a wonderful network of knowledgable doggy people.
There's an old saying: If it's too good to be true, it probably is.
No truer words have ever been said.
