Evaluating GSD puppies - Page 1

Hi guys, beginner here looking for advice on my first GSD.

 

I've done my best to weed through the various breeder scare articles and warning signs to find a breeder that I think produces healthy, intelligent, and well tempered GSD's.  However, there is still a lot of deviation, even within one litter and I'm wondering, what's the best way to evaluate a puppies strengths / weaknesses.

 

In my research I have come up with the Volhard Test, which comes with a bit of controversy.  Some people say its mean and I have found several sources showing research into its inaccuracy.  I also don't want to offend the breeder by asking to pin her puppies down and pinch their toes if she is on this side of the fence.  Ultimately, I'm the one making a purchase and I don't want to let myself be pushed around; however, I would also like to make a good start and if the test isn't useful, I'd rather not subject the puppies to it. 

 

There are also some people that say the breeder will know what the dogs are like and you should ask their opinion.  Others say they use their own evaluation that they learned from a friend, but don't share.  It's difficult for me to find a more widely accepted puppy evaluation or some concrete evidence as to what to look for.

 

I'm also concerned that as a novice handler I will mistake responses for what they actually are and end up with inaccurate results due to my own lack of experience.

 

Anybody have similar experiences or a good way to test the puppies?  If so, what's the best way for me to ask to test the puppies when meeting with the breeder?

 

Thanks again everyone and all the best,

 

Logan

The apple doesn't fall very far from the tree .. first is mom and dad .. are they what you want in your puppy.  Second is verical pedigree .. siblings from other litters, uncle, aunts, grandma, grandpa, etc.  I am using human terms ( not dam and sire ) because it makes it easier for most people to visualize.  Most important do you like the puppy you are choosing??  Is the puppy forward leaning and coming to the front .. shows confidence and drives.  Appearance physically can be so deceiving.  I often let buyers pick because they do such a bad job of choosing even with me telling them which is the best puppy or puppies.  If I pick for them they think I am giving them a runt or a weaker puppy and if I let them choose they pick a puppy inappropriate for them .. damned if you do and damned if you don't.  I have just as many strong, physical, mentally intelligent and confident adult dogs that I birthed and raised to adulthood who were not the most impressive pup at 8 weeks than those who were "pick of the litter" at 8 weeks.  Some pups get a quicker start and some mature slower.  Most of the testing methods favor one type of dog as the finished product so if you know what you want as a finished product then the testing methods may help .. or not.  In the end mom and dad are the best predictors of who your puppy will turn out to be.  If you know what you want in an adult dog ask the breeder for suggestions and listen to the reasoning.  As a breeder I can see bits of mom and dad as well as grandmothers and grandfathers in the very young pups because I raised most of the pups family from birth.  The truth is however that very often the pups true character and physical appearance will not become evident before 8-12 months of age.  A good breeder that has generations of experience with a bloodline has a much better chance of predicting outcomes than a pedigree scholar or a newbie, but even they are often wrong. 

mY FIRST  suggestion is find a breeder and interview like you want to, and ask about you testing your own pups  you wouold like...If any breeder is on the ground floor for breeding quality pups , and has the knowledge they will understand and help you test and be right there beside  you helping you...You can tell immed if a breeder is full of (^*(&*( or genuine..Run if you get excuses and no answers and if you get no proof by paperwork and testing of the mom and dad with full disclosure of all facts..

If breeder is not willing  RUN..

Find a mentor in one of the schutz clubs or a german shepherd club and ask them for help  or take a trainer recognized by german shepherd owners with good repoire.

Every area has people some here may know so ask and take pms of who in your area without publishing where you are on line.. You are smart to do your homework\\

YR

Yellow Rose is exactly right...Be happy with the breeder FIRST...then ask for their help in which puppy would they suggest as the best for what you're wanting...Be sure to understand what it is that you're wanting...Do you want a Pet...Or do you want a Sport Dog (Schutzhund, etc...)...Or do you want a Protection Dog...or a Dog for Police Work...What is you experience...Be honest...because if you get too much dog then it won't fit and you'll be uncomfortable and not happy...

Do you know and understand the difference between Show lines and Working lines and what each brings to the table...

~Bob~

Logan, you have zero experience as you said, evaluate nothing.
Your first goal, decide what you want a dog for, in detail.
Next, find a breeder or 7 who you like the looks and sounds of. Call them and speak to them, when you are happy with one of them, after talking and feeling good about this person, here is the best part, pay attention to this, be completely and 1000% honest with them about your experience, no BS, no exaggerating and have THEM pick a puppy for you based on THEIR long experience with the breed and breeding. Do not pick your own dog, there is so much more that goes into a puppy then you would ever be able to see...trust me on this.

All of the advice given is Good Advice...And I totally agree...Find a breeder or breeders...Talk to them...tell them what you want...and even find someone that have experience...confide in them and if possible take them with you to evaluate the puppies...

A good breed will assist you in choosing the right puppy that will fill YOUR needs and wants...You as the buyer has the last word in which puppy you get...but listen to experienced people and then make a wise decision...

~Bob~

"You as the buyer has the last word in which puppy you get...." no they don't. If a buyer insists on a pup which is not the right pup for their needs and experience, I will return their refund and send them away. This is always an inexperienced person who has read just enough to think they know the gsd and won't listen. Evaluating dogs and puppies isn't like reading the instructions for putting together a playhouse for the kids.

All above advice is good, my personal experience says Hired Dog's advice suits inexperienced buer and suits a buyer from distance who can not see litter in person.

Testing puppies in theory sounds a piece of cake, but believe me while interacting with the puppies your heart may click for the wrong puppy, once your heart clicks you shall find excuses for all what that puppy does and you will end taking it home.

I bought several puppies over the years, first of all choose a trustworthy honest breeder, explain your need and let the breeder decide and choose for you. Good luck.

 

Ibrahim