New here and would like some feedback on potential breeders to buy a pup from. - Page 4

So far you are compiling a pretty good list to choose from. Eichenluft certainly gets two thumbs up, having a pup from her myself who I have taken to Regional and National level many many times.

I would look for  a breeder who stays in contact with thier puppy owners. Ask for references. Go meet the dogs personally if you can.

As far as the litter Shelley mentioned, I have a litter sired by Doc on the ground now and they are gorgeous, active, demanding, social little tykes. I would highly recommend the Gabi X Doc litter.

As far as multiple vets, I too disagree it reflects poorly on the breeder/dog owner. I have a main vet I use for routine and most stuff. I have another I use for xrays, ultrasounds and progesterone testing...Xrays cheaper at this vet. Another vet who is a repro specialist.  Two other places for OFA"s. If I am in a jam for a quick health certificate I go to who ever can fit me in quickly.

Good luck with your search, please keep us posted!

You do have an impressive list of potential sources there. I know and trust most of them.

If I am in a jam for a quick health certificate I go to who ever can fit me in quickly.  LOLOL You got that right. We wouldn't be selling and shipping them if they weren't in perfect health! Hard to get a puppy to their excited new family by day after tomorrow when you can't get an appt. for the health certificate till a week from next Noneday???. .. and there's a huge storm due on the weekend. 

SS

Thanks for all the private and public feedback already, this is super!

For those that offered current litters or upcoming, I am not in the market right now, I need to really get out and meet the breeders first that I do narrow it down to, meet the potential mother (and father if possible), perhaps see some previous offspring etc. This dog will be with me for better or worse for (hopefully) 12-14yrs, so I am in no hurry to just buy a puppy.

The ideal dog for me: big strong male, good health (external & internally), steady solid temperment, and of course a nice natural nose for tracking. Most important is temperment, I have a lot of visitors when home, and lots of kids in the neighborhood, so a puppy is a must for me. The dog will live inside my home, no need for a big scary protection dog, thats why I have a hand gun and an alarm system.

Thank you again for the feedback so far.

Dana 

I'd certainly recommend Molly, Haus Wild, or Haus Miller, but the entire list is fabulous!  Can't go wrong with any of them I don't think!

Dana, Good for you in doing your homework AND not being in a hurry. Since you are specifically interested in AKC tracking,  I would like to suggest to you Julia Priest. Her kennel is Sontausen http://www.allk-9.com/sontausen/    and bio page on Julia at http://www.allk-9.com/sontausen/jpdts.htm  . Julia is on her 5th generation of H.O.T. bred GSDs and has competed very successfully in Schutzhund, AKC/ASCA obedience, AKC tracking, herding. In USA she has competed at regional, national and international levels.  Her passion is tracking and it is one of the things she has consistently and successfully  selected for in her dogs.  I think she might be a good fit for you because unlike many of the well known and respected breeders recommended to you already, she does train for and exhibit in AKC events so is quite familiar with the differences between that and the Schutzhund world.  Several owners of her dogs compete at a very high level in AKC obedience, agility and tracking and have come back to her for successor dogs.  In addition she has a well earned reputation in the SAR community for producing fantastic tracking dogs. Finally even  her "real world" dogs are known for their tracking ability. Take a look at the articles which are listed in the comments under Pixel von Sontausen http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/user_comments/460392.html .

If you wander thru her webpage you will notice a number of dogs who have their TDs or TDXs. I know of 3 that are in training for their VST with the ultimate goal of Champion tracker. 4 dogs from her last 3 litters have all qualifed to enter for TDs - the only problem is the short tracking season in California w/ limited trials. On the Schutzhund side she competed at both the FH and FH2 level.  She bred owned and trained the 2002 North American FH Champion. She was asked to represent the U.S. at the 2004 FCI World Tracking Dog Championship.

Finally should you decide to explore additional venues Julia's dogs are noted for being able to compete succesfully in a number of venues.  Four of her dogs hold the P.A.M. title awarded by the GSDCA with several more who will soon add that title to their accomplishments. P.A.M. is Performance Award of Merit  "To be eligible for this award a dog must have completed titles in three (3) different performance areas...One of the titles must be from the highest level of training UD, AX, or AXJ, HX, TDX, or VST, SchIII. The two additional titles can be at any level of training, but must come two (2) different areas of performance." 

Thank you all again for the feedback both privatley & on this thread. I will start contacting some of the breeders on my list right after the Christmas madness is over. I do appreciate all the input! 

There is a certain "look" I like, which I guess lends more towards the DDR type of dog? Not really familiar with GSD bloodlines, so that will be the next thread I start 

Hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season!

Dana