Puppy adoption questions

[Antimony1019]

Hi Everyone! I posted in the introduction section, but do not see my post over there, does it usually take a bit for the post to show up? I just want to be sure to follow the rules correctly before I start posting in these sections...

A little background... I have known for about 10 years that I wanted to eventually own a Boxer. I have done a moderate amount of research, but still have a lot to learn. A good opportunity has arisen for us recently and we might be bringing home a 9 month old fawn guy named Baxter sometime in the near future.

I had always planned on making sure to find a reputable breeder when the time came for getting a puppy, to hopefully reduce the odds of getting a puppy and inheriting many problems. Well obviously with Baxter that's not really an option for us. I'm waiting to find out where the puppy was purchased, any medical history that he has, and if his bloodlines can be traced.

My main question is this, if his bloodlines can not be traced and he was bought from a pet shop, should we hold off on adopting this guy? My understanding was that when the puppy got older hip and heart problems could be easily diagnosed, but is 9 months still too young? I would plan on bringing him to our vet before making a final decision, but wasn't sure if he was still too young to see any of the common genetic problems?

My fear is that she is going to come back and tell me he was bought from a pet shop, and I have already fallen for this guy!!

Also are there any other questions I should be asking her? I already know he is crate trained, not neutered (which would be one of the first things we did), and is most likely up to date on shots (have to get confirmation from the vet).

Thanks!
Stephanie