Choosing a puppy - Page 1

Hello, I'm new to the boards and wanted a bit of advice. After several years debating if I really wanted a GSD I finally decided that yes. I friend of mine has to wonderfull dogs from working and show lines (although she doesn't show them)and a beutifull litter was born, I have already seen what the past litter produced and I'm in LOVE. These dogs aren't only smart, they are strong and beutifull. This is their second litter and they have no plans to breed again. Out of the 6 females available I have no idea which to choose. right now they are only 18 days old and I assited the welping. so I know I have several weeks more to see them and choose based on temperment first then conformation. I plan on doing Obediance, Agility, and Conformation(if the pup has what it takes for conformation). I currently show Italian Greyhounds so a GSD is a big change. I was wondering what you look for in a particular pup out of a litter. I know what I would look for in an IG but not in a GSD. I mena when you hsow dogs you can usually pic up on a good specimen but it their anything extra I should look out for. I fell in Love with this line after spending over a year with them and working with them. The female from the first litter is just what I'd want in a good GSD with the brains and temperment which to me is my priority in choosing a member of my family. The pups Sire is Sired by this dog: http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/119724.html thanks in advance for you advice. Mayra Puerto Rico

Any advice? also what's in a name. I see lots of dogs with Vom and Von in their names does it have a special meaning? and all the abreviations I see being used have gotten me dizzy I have reaserched a few but not all. So anything you can let this newbie on would be apreciated.

The father is a very interesting looking male. I have not seen or heard of him before. If your interest is a pet. I would select an average or better than average female from the litter based on personality. If you spend some time with the litter. Chances are one will win your heart over the others. It just takes a couple of hours of watching and playing with them. No matter how much you show or train. 98% of the enjoyment you get will be from the companionship and love from the dog. Get a super personality and faults if any are minimized. In the end you will remember the dogs expression, personality, and relationship and not how her croup was set.

Dog 1 the pic is of the grandsire but her sire is a replica soon I'll have pics of them. She'll be first off my pet and if we can we'll do the fun stuff like obediance and agility and who knows maybe conformation. thanks for your reply.

MayrainPR...von or vom just means "from" ie:Dog vom My kennel..(just an example, never heard of such dog)ha

Last year I was in your situation, and chose a pup based somewhat on appearance, but mostly on temperment. I wanted a more reserved pup as a family pet. The dog is now 10 months and everything I wanted. After a lot of socialization and obidience training, he is very steady in nerves, playful with other dogs, protective only if needed. Dog1 is absolutely right, a great friend does not need perfect teeth.