Recommended Breeders & Lines - Page 1

Hi All,

I am SURE to get a TON of responses to this post, but it's OK... bring it on!

I am planning to get a GSD within the next two years and am doing some research.  My dog will be a companion first, but I'm single, have my own business, lead an active lifestyle and can see us doing obedience, agility or tracking.

My last dog was a poorly-bred, but a wonderful Aussie, whom I also spent a lot of time with.  He excelled in obedience and had wonderful focus, but was not confident and had poor nerves (he was a first time breeding from a reputable breeder who did not breed the bitch again after that first litter).  We'd be walking down the street and a nail gun going off would cause him to jump several feet into the air.  Cars whizzing by on the street would leave him panting and stressed out.  I learned a ton about working with shy dogs, but I wished I just had a solid nerved, confident dog who looked out for me instead of the other way around.

I've been reading up a lot about GSDs and know there are several different lines - American, West German Show, East European working lines,  - would one line be more suitable for me in this case, or should I look at GSDs on a case by case basis? 

Also, are there any GSD events going on in the PNW in the summer that an outsider like me can attend?  I'd like to meet with more GSD owners and their dogs.

Finally, are there any breeders out there who breed according to the specs I laid out?  I would prefer the Pacific Northwest area; I know there should be some very reputable breeders in my area.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
SueZ

Sue, I seldom recommend any breeder. My suggestion would be to check out as many as you can then check Ramona Helmer at Sapphire Shepherds. She is first class and her dogs are second to none. My advice would be to go visit her and see what she has, and the care, quality she offers to the purchaser, and the breed as a whole. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Hank

My Recommendation would be at a DDR, or any East German Bred German Shepherd. The Confidence is always there and were for the most part isolated from western influence. Very solid working dogs. Nerves and such are a bigger problem with American bred GSD and show dogs, Dont focus so much on what color the dog is. That is my recommendation: Blacks, Black Sables, Bi-Color these are not as well known as the Black and Tans but If you want a working animal go with working lines.  
As for a shallow Gene Pool..... Not Exactly, East german dogs were bred very soundly with alot of restrictions in the program, The program was ran by the Government and They Culled these dogs hard and only the best working Genes were passed on. Hips and other health issues are less likely to be found in DDR lines. But to each his Own.

Do your Homework on the breeders and quiz them completely on what they are breeding. Alot of people are trying to turn a profit. The size of breeding program should be a good indication whether or not they breed for quailty. As well as if The Dogs they have reflect a Type or are they all over the place. Look at the size of the litters and how many times the mother has been bred.


Most of all good Luck.

Tyler

Wher in PNW are you? I could send you to couple people I trust to take care of you. People whose dogs I trained, titled or just raised! Let me know, I will be happy to help or even discuss your options.

Vom Boyer Haus, blacks, sables, and bi colors are not as well known as black and tans?  Maybe because the general public views German Shepherds as 120 lb black and tan giants, typically too fat as well. Which is unfortunate. (Not disagreeing with you, just stating, I agree)  I think the other user mentioning the DDR gene pool being shallow is because there isn't much to chose from as far as diversity goes.  Most every DDR dog I see now has the same dogs in the pedigree.  Sven is one I see in the majority of them, Tino as well.....That is, in the so called "pure DDR" . 

I agree, I think the Pure DDR fell with the BERLIN WALL

http://vombanachk9.homestead.com/

Please, please do not come on here and tell a new person that the DDR dogs are healthier.  I have known more than I can count with health issues, several of them fatal.  I personally have raised and held two in my arms as they were dying from inherited genetic disorders.  One at 14 months from Juvenile Renal Disease, one at 4 from Dilated Cardiomyopathy.  Both were from "pure", titled, imported parents.  The one with DCM also had bad hips.  I don't know that I will ever recover completely from her loss.  One of my friends got out of dogs all together after her stint with DDR lines.

I wish those with limited knowledge would preface their posts with that fact.  It might save newcomers a lot of heartache.

Sorry but those who tell you the DDR dogs are sounder healthier and with more solid nerves then you are being told wrongly, My advice to you is if you do not see what you like in your own country then look to Belgium and Germany. There are some top Breeders in both these countries
For me i look no further than these two countries the Gene Pool is correct and true and it is strong with great working dogs coming from these countries,
Why is it the Czech are bringing in Lines from Belgium and Germany to put into there Stock But you will not find it the other way round i.e. Belgium and Germany going to the Czech for Dogs to bring in, No' as i said the gene pool is strong enough not to need these dogs But i do understand they are all the rage in the USA and for me that is where you can keep them and i do know what i am talking about i live in the heart of the Dog World over here
Whichever you go for do your homework very throughly first as been said , Look at the breeding of the dogs and follow the lines which are performing best for what you want your dog for and good luck
Steve1