What to look for in a pick of the litter puppy? - Page 1

What should I look for in a pick of the litter puppy? Any good advice? Kaiser, Cheers

That would depend on what you are looking for in a puppy. Pet? Sport? etc. Your pick puppy may be completely different as someone else's. That's why it's a "pick" puppy. It's your individual pick. What are you wanting to do?

Wanting to do Sieger Shows with the pup.

Is the dog supposed to have at least a SchH 1 title in order to compete in a Sieger? If this is true then you would need a pup that will have confidence and a high prey drive. Is this right?

It is obvious that the original poster is new to this. My suggestion is DO NOT go buy any pup, even one someone tells you is "pick of the litter" until you have done your homework. That means you have a lot to learn. This place is a good place to ask questions. Dogs can be shown in SV style shows until 2, but after two at a large show or Sieger Show, will need to have a Schutzhund or herding title to be shown in the working dog class. There is a lot to this whole journey and it is best to have an understanding of the process at the beginning, rather than find out along the way, and possibly find out you made mistakes or the dog is not a dog that will do well in show or Schutzhund. Do NOT believe what breeders tell you about pick of the litter. Learn what it is you are trying to do, what the requirements are, and then think for yourself about what makes a given pup a pick. There are MANY factors to consider and what someone else may consider a pick pup, I might consider average. Do your homework first. If you have serious interest, it might be good to let us know what part of the country or world you are in and then perhaps you can look for a club or individual to help you, rather than simply buy a pup from someone who may or may not be giving you all the information you need. Also, remember this is a long journey. Most people who write posts like the original post, had no idea about what it took and ended up not following through. It is time consuming, and takes energy and yes, money to complete the journey.

But the journey is soooo much fun, and the bond you will develop with your dog, I can not even begin to explain. So any hobby you get into will cost you time, money and energy. This one, just happens to have an awesome payback!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What does "SV" stand for? What is done at an "SV" show? Are they done in U.S. or only in Germany? Cheers! Kaiser

To buy a puppy is almost like to buy a lotery ticket, so if you are decided to get a puppy here are some advices! I agree you must study first, then you must look at the best females, and reserch their pedigrees, this female must have good nerves and drives, correct constrution and a solid bloodline for Hips (Displasia), gait and anatomy. Does it sound too much? it isnt even half of the way, and there is no garantee of sucess. The female is very important, just as much as the male, but take care, chose the mother of your puppy because a good female is never breed with a modest male!. After the litter is born go whach them since the beguining, with a month they start to play with their brothers and you can start to see who is the boss, who is shy and who is just lazy, look at those active and interactive. With the age of two you had figure out who are the dominant and who just dont want to lead the pack, choose one with good activit level and that likes people, it will help in the future, now you go to the gait and to the lenght of the puppy, at this age most of the have too much angulation, dont worry but dont take those that at this age just dont have enought! Try the short animals, I like them because they normaly became more correct, try to get one with good uper line! They normaly are more firm when moving. A good test is to watch them running, the good movers are starting to develop their ability even at this age. Remember, those are just advices that had been working with me here in Brazil, in German it will be even more chalenging! Because there are the worlds great dogs, but you will have the chance to buy a puppy from a siegerin, I believe those puppies will have some chance if you chosse it well.

Quite honestly if you do not know what "SV" is then you have much to learn about your choice,style,type of dogs that you seek. Please go han out a few shows before you delve into the endeavour. IM not trying to be rehtorical,but trying to say learn as much as you can. Most people do not even have the true determination that they need, or muchless enegry once they see the reality of it all. JD