Why would a Breeder? - Page 1

I am new to German Shepherds, and I am very interested in doing schutzhund. I have been looking at different puppies and saw one litter that I was partcularly interested in. However this breeder says on the website that these puppies are not suitable for first-time handlers or as pets. What exactly do you think they mean? Why would a puppy not be good for someone new, but dedicated? Are people new to schutzhund not allowed to have good dogs? I am kind of worried to call this breeder and tell them that I want a puppy for Sch but have never done it before.

:o) its not necessarily that. Many people have great intentions of doing SchH and when they do not follow through with it, they might find themselves left with a dog that can quickly get the upper hand and become too much for them. A dog with drives needs an outlet for these drives. A good breeder or seller will discuss your needs and the level where you are at. Don't expect to go to the Nationals with your first pup. Remember you are both green at this. But getting a pup you can be proud of will certainly help you stick with it. And a nice pup can certainly help you progress faster than one where SchH is like pulling teeth. Rare to find someone who truly seems dedicated. Maybe I can help you. Send me a message, we have some nice pups available right now. References are available of course. Looks like we will have an Asko puppy available since payment has not arrived from the person who wanted to buy this pup, dam is a BSP competitor. Just an example.

Many times if a breeder sells a high drive dog to the wrong person (including a newbie) bad things happen to possibly both the buyer/seller and the dog. These include having the dog returned in 9 months with bad training, the dog ends up in rescue, someone gets hurt and possibly a lawsuit etc... Especially if you are looking at hard workingline pups? I have no problem with the right newbie buying a pup from workinglines if he will be training with someone or a schutzhund group and if he is in my mind the type(to take control) and not scared. My workingline female has to have a firm hand to control her, if not she will be the boss..

Desert ranger Are these considerd hard working line? They say pups are linebred: 4-4 Bella vom Kirchgraben 4-5 Verwin van Blitsaerd 5-4 Orry von Haus Antverpa I have seen some of the names mentioned before. But I do not completely understand what linebred is? I am trying very hard to understand and to pick a good puppy.

some breeders breed for "extremes" in drive ("crazy" drives), temperament (strong, dominant, aggressive) - so they might think that their puppies are not suitable as pets. Then there are breeders like myself who breed for excellent temperament, high drives but not extreme, solid nerve and health - what the breed should be bred for - and the results are dogs that can compete in Schutzhund, go to whatever level the owner is capable and willing to take the dog - yet at the same time be able to be the excellent companion and house dog that the breed should also be. They should work well, AND be your best friend. IMO that's how it should be. I'm always thrilled to place one of my pups in a home such as what yours sounds like - someone who wants to raise their pup as their companion, and have fun with and enjoy the sport of Schutzhund with the same dog. molly http://workinggermanshepherd.com

Sammie Line breeding is when the sire and the dam are distantly related, inbreeding is when the ancestors are closely related. The general strategy is that there is a common ancestor that is being doubled up on both sides. So the desired dog appears more than once in the pedigree in an attempt to concentrate the genetic contribution of an outstanding ancestor. 4-4 on Bella would mean that Bella is the great grandmother to both parents. Showing up in the pups pedigree twice as the great-great grandmother. To answer your question: "Are these considerd hard working lines" It would be more helpful to name the parents rather than the linebreeding, there's 4 generations before these dogs that is going to have more of an impact on whether or not they are considered "hard working lines". Hope this helps, good luck. Take care, Melanie

Hi Sammie, the linebreeding you mentioned; 4-5 Verwin van Blitsaerd 5-4 Orry von Haus Antverpa seems incorrect. Verwin is Orry's sire (father). So if Verwin is 4-5, Orry must be 3-4. Orry is a very accomplished dog and 3-4 is a significant contribution to the blood line. I would be interested in seeing the full pedigree. Like others have told you, the breeder is not snubbing you. Good breeders want to make sure that the owner pup pairing is a good match. I train with someone that has been involved in the sport for 20 years. This person has to concider selling a dog they have had since a pup. Why? The dog is too much for them. This is a responcible decision. If you don't enjoy working your own dog because of a fear factor a change is needed. If no one has told you yet. Schutzhund is not a weekend activity. Its very time consuming and training is and should be constant. Drivy dogs become destructive if no outlet exists. Good Luck, Kyle

Looks like you have some good feedback.. Like Melanie said the actual parents are important to know about. Being back 4-5 generations does not mean much if the parents are poor quality.It happens. Plus like Molly mentioned breeding for extremes can be a negative thing. Sad for a dog if it can't live a normal happy live due to being over breed for drive.

I believe this is my new litter that you are talking about Sammie. Feel free to contact me and we can talk further. Kyle the listed line-breeding is correct; it is really 6,4-5 Verwin. Art Shaw www.Zahnburg.com

And Molly Says alot in her post !! These dogs should be able to work all day, then come into the home and be a cherished "Pleasant" family member !!