Best advice to give a new buyer... - Page 1

A lot of you seem to have been doing this for a while. I am trying to get some ideas and advice. I have been looking for a nice bitch for almost two years. Over the past year and a half, I have had a couple of bitches imported through a very reputable and large breeder here in the states. All had either MAJOR temperment or health issues. They took all back, and agreed to refund money-- Very ethical and decent. My question is, for someone like me, with no contacts of my own in Germany, and having to go by word of mouth, what is the very best way for me to avoid this situation again? I will add that I am looking for a titled bitch under 5 years, preferably proven, to show in conformation (at least a strong V contender), and still be able to have fun on the Schutzhund field, and eventually breed as well. Strong character and nerves are a MUST, and I like a very happy upbeat dog with a lot of prey drive.... Is this being unrealistic? I know that dogs like this are expensive and maybe not very easy to come by. Knowing today's inflated prices, what would be a reasonable price for what I am looking for, and some ideas sabout how to find it? Thanks, Theresa

you are not being unrealistic.

I should add, it doesn't have to be an import, that's just how it worked out before.

Sheesh, Yes, I think you are a little unrealistic. It is VERY difficult to find a strong female V contender who has really had good Schutzhund training, even in Germany. Most training done by people who also are interested in conformation is rushed, to say the least. That goes for the three month wonders so many people who sell advertise here and on their fancy web sites. Add to that an imported dog who does not understand you (the language included), your possible lack of experience in show and training, and yes, no wonder you have been disappointed. My advice to you would be to find someone to help you locate a younger female who is strong in drive and temperaments and who also looks like she will develop nicely. Get someone to help you who does both show and Schutzhund and preferably, someone in the U.S. who knows what it takes for a given dog to really be successful in trials and show. Then get involved and learn all you can in a good and supportive club. There are some around. Yes, I can import a female I KNOW will be strong in V and also well trained, but it is very costly. A really good SchH 1, KKL1, V rated female who is really strong is not easy to come by. But this is probably not the best way to go about it. The good news is that to date you dealt with someone who returned your money when you were not happy with the dog, but there are many who would not have done so. But remember, most quality breeders everywhere are not wanting to part with a dog as you describe. Such females are hard to find. Good luck.

thanks for the feedback Hodie. I guess I wasn't very clear, it's notthat the dog has to be "trained" to perfection, I am able to make improvements on training. It's the foundation of the character, temperment and nerves that I am most concerned with. I can assure you that the problems that I have had, have not been in anyway related to my relative inexperience. The dogs were completely unacceptable. What is your idea of "very costly" just out of curiousity? Just so I know if I am on the right track.... Thanks, Theresa

Sheesh, I'm looking for a bitch like you are for 2 years. Really is very dificult. The price of a V rated bitch, SchH 1, 24-48 months old, without problems (health, character) and really competitive at shows (V1 to V5 at LGSZ or V1/V2 at OG)is € 15.000 - € 20.000. Top localed at BSZS (V1-V10 or SG1 - SG5) maybe € 25000 or over. Mateo

Hmmm...that seems a bit high to me... thank you for the input- I appreciate it! Theresa

that kind of dog usually is kept by owners for breeding stock purposes. you will be extremely lucky if you can find one. the price will be too expensive also.

Sheesh, Again, not to deter you, but if indeed you have the ability to do some of the training, it is to your advantage to buy a female who is younger and bond with her and then do some of the work. My experience is that a really top notch V rated female with SchH 1 and KKL, who is not being dumped because she is a poor producer, can not compete at Sieger Shows etc., will range beginning from $10,000 on up. Again, if one has a dog who meets with the qualifications you are desiring, why would someone sell? There are, of course, rare instances where someone has too many females with the same or similar bloodlines, or has an illness in the family etc., but it is very, very difficult to buy such a dog unless money enters into the decision. Most people who are on this database do not hear this, even if someone tells them, and they continue to make bad decisions on purchasing a dog. Again, just because someone tells you, as they all will do, that the health and temperament and bite work is good does not mean it is really true. When I ask friends who have such females whether they will sell, yes, sometimes for the reasons I stated above about bloodlines they will consider it. But the price ALWAYS starts at least at $10,000. And they do not want to be bothered if the buyer is really not serious. Many times they are not and I and others waste lots of our time as well as the breeders time. That does not help the situation. Others, in this country as well, will buy dogs for half that, with piss poor training, who have health or temperament issues, and try to sell a dog to you for much more than the $10 K I mention. Don't do it unless you know exactly who you are dealing with. Good luck.

Best to look for a pup that you can go see before you buy. Try to get 1 or 2 pick of litter.