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Ok I have just started my search for a breeder of GSD. I am 8-9 months away from purchase and wanted to start looking. I have never purchased a dog from a breeder before so would like opinions before I write that fat check. This GSD will be part of my new "pack." I will purchase a female. She will be the first so will be "mama" to the other dogs. We are moving to "the country" in jan/feb of next year, so at minimum I will have 2 acres, fenced and cross-fenced.
For all those that ask why don't I adopt from the shelter? I will, but I have a specific reason I am buying this dog. I will adopt the rest of "the pack."
One of our members on this forum breeds GSD's. Learn what you need to look for in the breed. The American GSD's confirmation has really been screwed up - roached back, weak hind end. If you really want to see what they USED to look like google Rin Tin Tin a very famous GSD of the 50's and 60's much straighter back with great free movement.
You need to really educate yourself about the breed and it's history, did you know the GSD's the USA police use aren't even bred here, they are from Europe.
That's why this kennel appealed to me. She imports her dogs from Germany and breeds them here. One of her females is sister to a World Champ. I am not familiar with the bloodlines and titles. That's why I'm asking about the kennel. She travels to Germany several times a year.
They health test, they breed for health and temperament above anything else (and the price reflects the quality), and they're knowledgeable about other things like diet. Seems like a fantastic breeder to me, from first look, and I wish everyone who was seeking a purebred would only exclusively go to a breeder like this.
To the OP:
I was also researching the same. Basically, it depends on what kind of dog you are interested in. Also, if you plan to show the dog, it is better to live not far from the breeder. There are people who import dogs directly from kennels in Germany, but I would rather deal with a domestic breeder.
That breeder's dogs are apparently from West German show lines, which are beautiful big dogs, but also expensive. If you want a purely working dog, other breeders, who breed for high drive may be more suited.
Last edited by oberon_1; 05-07-2013 at 10:28 PM..
Reason: i
Im not familiar with this breed but I helped my mom recently when she was looking for a reputable breeder and we researched so much about life span of the dog,common health problems,etc. Are you able to go look at them in person and see how she keeps her home and the area? Does this breeder allow you within a certain time frame to take the new pup to your vet to get checked out? I think that is important. Also to see the parents in person?
This GSD will be part of my new "pack." I will purchase a female. She will be the first so will be "mama" to the other dogs.
The dogs themselves will determine their order in the pack, not you. It is important that you know this, so you don't treat one as the Alpha "mama", when they may actually be lower on the chain. Doing this will create tension and fights.
While, on initial reading, they seem to be decent breeders, in person research is also always necessary. Do NOT rely on a website alone.
(One thing that I didn't see (which I see as a hallmark of a great breeder) is a statement that the dog must always be returned to the breeder if you can no longer care for it or no longer want the dog.)
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