bloodlines - Page 1

could someone give me some suggestions on current bloodlines for good working gsd .....im looking for strong protection, good with kids, good around other animals ..will be housedog  any suggestions appreciated

i'll give it a shot.....first off,if your choice is a puppy,be advised that they all tend to be little butt-heads(work/ german show/am.show),and kids that haven't been exposed to a typical high drive pup may tend to be put-off after about five minutes of ankle bitting/pamper pulling,ect.so the usual supervised training activities/containment will be in order(if you have toddlers).also remember that if you intend to maintain your dog as a "house pet",you'll be chasing dust bunnies and hair balls from know on.they do tend to settle after they adjust,but they can really put you to the test in the initial stages.then there's the socialization process to deal with(leash training,daily walks),which actually should be one of the more enjoyable chores,but it has to be done,keeping safety in mind(shots,worming,stray dogs). get your self a reliable mentor to help you thru the process.as for bloodlines....if you want a dog from the "traditional working bloodlines"...maybe you'd like to check out the results of the "bundeseiger prufung"(2009) and past years,or look at the entries for this years "gsd nationals",by checking the peds on these particular dogs,you can begin to formulate your own plan as to what bloodline may possibility produce the type dog that will fit comfortably into your family structure.a very good resourse is (www.vombanholz.be) they have tons of video on famous "foundation dogs",and no doubt you'll see "the usual suspects" that comprise the basis for just about any good "WORKING PROSPECT" that you may select.also you may want to see the articles from my good friends at (www.wildhauskennels.com) .....then there's youtube...some great video there...check out the post on this database of great posters like,molly graf,gustav,silbersee and some of the others...they provide information,along with "the usuals" who also provide good info,maybe they'll have some good sites to recommend also.check out breeders/trainers within a comfortable driving distance from your location...go and see a few of them,visit a training club in your area(usa/wda/dvg) and actually see the dogs working.hopefully your quest will be an enjoyable one and you'll luck-out and get a great dog...but beware!!!! there are plenty of people willing to sell you an inferior dog at a superior price,look for clean kennels,clean ,healthy looking pups and well adjusted adult breeding stock,educate yourself on the" breed standard" and don't be fooled by the whacko"s selling german shepherds "BY THE POUND"(as in "my dogs typically reach 120 lbs")....also lookout for those that say"MY DOGS NEVER HAVE HIP DYSPLAYSIA",no one can guaruntee that,you can "hedge your bet",by selecting from hip/elbow screened breeding stock that show a history suitable joint conformation,if they offer a replacement clause in the contract,well,that's fine...but be sure you understand the contract....shipping a 2 yr.old dog across the country,then waiting for a suitable replacement,to be shipped back to you can be costly....hope you find a great dog,good luck

could someone give me some suggestions on current bloodlines for good working gsd .....im looking for strong protection, good with kids, good around other animals ..will be housedog any suggestions appreciated

 

There are so many that would work, let's be honest here.  With children you probably want to avoid dogs bloodlines with high levels of aggression or perhaps very high prey  (small children will appreciate this)  Small children will, no matter how wonderful you are as a parent, at some point grab a tail, ears or hair.  The dog needs to be tolerant.  I've heard a lot of criticism on this one but lets be realistic here.  So you are testing the overall temperment of the parents or if an older "puppy to adult", the dog.

Now for the important part - visit the person you buy from.  They should want to meet you and you definetly want to meet them.  Visit at least 3 or 4 different places.  You're new, you have some things to learn and this will help you.  Dog social behavior,  mostly learned, is also genetic.  Are the parents dog social?  Yes, we all have HD no matter how good we are.  What is the HD rate?  ask!   OFA does not preclude a normal dog, you want to see a production record.
Enjoy the visits. 

Happy Hunting
Nancy Rhynard
www.westwoodkennels.com 

 

May I ask how old the kids are?

OK thirteen is a great age for a dog wanted to be sure they were not 2 & 3 or something;  I would look for a really nice well bred raised with kids l-2 year old.  There are lots on this location and truly some really good dogs available.  Also if you want to start with a puppy, just k9's on this forum has a new litter of  beautiful working dogs and an older l/2 sister to the new litter that is awesome so you can see what the puppies will be like as they grow up.  Her name is Isabella she is about 7-8 weeks right now, already sold I believe but the new litter is available.  Best of luck, this is a great breed you have chosen.  Nanci

thanx, keep the suggestions coming

3 words. Clear headed, Temperment. Look at the parents for this and ask if the kennel breeds for this.  And dont get it wrong clear headedness doesnt always mean weak protection.  If your worried about aggression coming out in your dog just look at the lines and see what type of aggression levels they have.  Later in training you can bring out your dogs aggresion ( if its needed) without losing the clear head.

I believe these types (clear headed) of dogs have a better understanding of biting and what needs to be done as far as protecting you/the family instead of a dog that is out to protect himself and is just insane. One dog that comes to mind that is more worried about protecting itself and is just extreme is Leo Erlenbusch.

My breeder is going to have a litter the week after thanksgiving so if your interested just pm me.