Maybe a silly question, but............. - Page 1

..............could someone please explain why there are so many adverts for a dog's daughter or son/grandaughter or grandson etc. I get the impression that people are more interested in the older dogs that they can see on a pedigree anyway rather than finding a reputable breeder and choosing a pup depending upon their lifestylel and needs.

I wouldn't have a dog purely because it's related to another dog in some way. I woudl look at the temperament of the dog and look at how it would fit into my life/lifestyle and family with all the trimming that go with that ie strangers coming to teh door, children running about, lots of noise, living next to an airport etc.

It's something that I feel (although I'm happy to stand corrected if I'm wrong) is more prevalent in the US than the UK or Europe.

For example, I have a 7 month old GSD pup here to train hopefully in SchH. When I went to visit the breeders I saw a lot of their dogs working that day and I was amazed at the level of control. It's that, that I want to do with the pup I have here as my other GSDs weren't suitable.
I was shown 2 pups and although I felt it would have been easier to train the younger pup, I chose the one that although will need more effort on my part, would fit into my home life a lot better than the other one.

He wasn't chosen based on who his ancestors are although of course they've done extremely well on the field. I suppose my poin tis that I was told about the pup, went to see the dogs and meet them and up until I got home with him, I had no idea who he was related to.

Usually,when you buy a dog because of ancestors,is the bloodlines you are after for future breeding; in your case that you just want a dog that has the particular trait that you want ( and maybe overlook any faults in other areas ) is ok is that all you want. Good luck

Stumpywop,
Many people all over the world search for puppies/dogs out of certain champion dogs. Temperament, as you stated, as well as working qualities and conformation characteristics are passed on genetically. In other words, if you want certain qualities in a dog you search for the bloodlines that produce those qualities. While there is some variance even within a litter, it is all part of making a conscientious effort to either improve what you have in a breeding situation or to get what you want in a companion, competition, or show situation. Breeders should be able to help pick the best puppy for your needs/wants, but the prospective owners should do research also.  It all boils down to figuring out what is wanted, educating ones self and not just knocking on some breeder's door who lives close to you and has German Shepherds, but finding the RIGHT breeder and RIGHT dog/puppy for you.
It makes me happy that you went to observe what your breeder had and seeing first hand, how they work and play! That certainly is a big part of it, but knowing what lines you are getting into and what good and bad there are in them is also just as important.
Some of the other characteristics you describe are training and socialization issues. Having that solid, proven, foundation to build upon and raising the dog/puppy correctly is all part of the "dance".
Hope that helps some?
Debby

Certain lines are known to produce certain traits, ie Fado Karthago brings in prey/happy.
However, what you will find with a lot of dogs being bred untitled is, those breeders use the "famous" names to sell their litters.

We look first to the immediate parents and what they have achieved when we look for another pup. If a dog is 25x SchH3, but only ever at a club level, well, that might be indicative of a problem. We then look to what (if anything) these dogs are producing, have produced etc. Obviously the pedigree of both dogs will already include dogs we look for, so the rest is research research research.

Then cross your fingers and hope it all turns out ok, but by following proven breedings/lines, you are at least stacking the deck in your favor.
This is where it is nice to deal directly with a breeder who lives with and works/titles their own dogs. They are generally not counting on the sale of puppies to pay a car note, keep utitlities on etc, so will usually tend to be more selective where their puppies go, and also be a little more "forthcoming" about what they are producing.

Stumpywop or what, you are correct. Those doing that are "basking in their own paradise". A champion/great ancestor does not always translate to a champion son or daughter. I see some dogs with weak legs, yet was told the father was "CASIUS CLAY", MICHAEL JACKSON, SADDAM and even ASAD. . . Just to rip-off .

People want to know the bloodlines so they can have degree of certanty that the pups will have good traits. These include health, balance, and fitness for purpose. E.G. GSDs for protection work. Greyhounds for racing. Its just the same in horse circles. Now a good unbroken bloodline means that as I say you have a degree of confidence that any pups will be fit. However, its not cast in stone some pups may not have the temperement or ability needed to perform say in protection work but couls still themselves be good Sires or Dams.

Many thanx

You know the old belief. Take a look at a girls mother, cause that's what she will become.

LMAO!

LOL @ Chaz.... if that's true, then I'll still be getting carded at 50 :) :) I'm ok with that!