When buying a puppy how can I assess a pedigree to determine whether it's good or bad? I don't intend showing but how do I know whether I'm getting a healthy intelligent dog?

Hi Meg,
For health purposes, the pedigree doesn't tell you anything!  Make sure both parents have been hip scored and that the sire has been haemophilia tested.  As for intelligence, look at the parents. 

Good luck with your search,
Sarah