Picking out a good puppy - Page 1

When one is picking out a puppy that will potentially used for showing and schutzhund and probably breeding what would one look for? For instance when looking for correct structure how would one go about doing that when looking at young puppies. The puppies were temperament tested so that would not be a problem. I know when I was young and went to go pick out a puppy we used to look for the puppy that was the biggest to me when I was little and to inexperienced parents that meant they were the healthiest and usually the toughest.

The biggest doesn't always mean the best...but it depends on just what you want to do...do you want to show in conformation or do you want to work in Schutzhund...now you can do both with a conformation type dog or vice versa but to be good at either one will propably mean that you have to decide...but generally you look for a puppy that will be willing to leave the mother and play with an object...is active and is in generally good health...but chosing a puppy is always a shot in the dark...what you're buying is the blood lines...so be sure to see both parent and study their pedigree...you might need the help of someone that is up on the lines that you are looking at...don't let me or anyone else dampen your enthusiasim for any particular dog...it all comes down to what you want and if you really like the dog...(puppy)...just remember...there are show dogs that can work and there are also working lines that can show...good luck...!

Have an expert in conformation select for you.

Gimmie, Honestly? An older pup/young adult.Lets face it,EVERYBODY loves a puppy nothing like them,little ball of fur running around chewing on everything in site,pooping on your new carpet,and who does not like getting up a couple of times during the night to let the little guy out to take care of business,this is twice the fun in the middle of winter when there is snow on the ground. Even before you are to enjoy all of the above mentioned you must deal with the purchase of the pup,of course every litter you look at is going to have the finest quality,the next VA dog,the best money can buy.......fact is,the shepherd pup at the pound and the pups that are sold as the super dogs we hope they someday will be look very much the same. My suggestion to you or anybody that is attempting to achieve a goal with your dog is a older pup or young adult,this will get rid of many possible headaches.I cringe at the thought of the money I have spent over the years,only to be let down for one reason or another,many nice pets,but that was not my goal at the time. If you are new to the breed,learn all you can,do not be shy or feel stupid when asking questions. (the only stupid question is an unasked one)Know who you are dealing with,do not be taken by smooth talking car salesmen type breeders,ask for and CHECK references.Beware of breeders/brokers with crystal balls that tell you EVERYTHING you want to here to close a deal. Hope this helped,if you have any questions feel free to contact me,if I do not have the answer for you,rest assured I will be happy to find it as we are all still learning something everyday.Good luck!

Great advice, Charlie.

Have and expert in conformation pick for you.

Charlie......Dittos

Lenny. And then what? You wait and see.Are you one of the crystal ball readers?.Sure there are things you can suggest to a buyer,things to look for,but when all is said and done most if not all of us can not tell the VA bred litter from the local pounds litter of shepherd pups from a couple of pet store dogs. Define a conformation expert for us please. Are you a conformation expert,is there a class to take or something?.......lol....A pup is a pup is a pup,If one considers 50/50 odds good then heck,go for it. If you want higher odds,better chance of reaching your goals with that dog, then buy a little older,Have the hips done or at the very least prelimed, The older the dog the better the overall picture of what the dog is going to be at adulthood,and of any things not wanted have already hopefull made an appearence if it were going too. Best to all, Charlie

Like they stated above you can not tell with an 8 week old puppy...I have a friend who bought a "pet" quality puppy, and it turned out she is now a show dog..the breeder is bummed because she is better than the one he kept for showing..he will now sell that one as a pet at 1 year old..

puppies are a study over several weeks, and a knowledge of the dogs in the pedigree. its best to find a breeder that will chose one for the novice. you get only what that litter has to offer. do like the breeder (if your choice is a puppie) keep it til its thought it has no ability for your interests. bonding with a young puppy gives an advantage over the older dog for several months. being around several puppies will (if you have the eye for it) give you an advantage in future effort. this is the reason the kennels win, they have that advantage.