Breeding question - Page 1

I have a question for breeders of GSD's. Do most people breed their dogs for the sport of schutzhund or for protection dogs. I am asking for the working line GSD. I ask because how many people actually do the sport? If they are not going to do the sport, can they do protection or be family dogs? 

Victor

My take on it is that people breed for the betterment of the breed... the GSD is such a versatile dog that they can be placed in just about any situation (sport, PPD, etc).

Of course, then theres the WL vs SL deal, but the breed is meant to do SOME kind of work. It just depends on what kind of temperment a pup has that decides what it will be best for.... did that make sense?

But I don't breed... maybe one day, but not now. I just enjoy my dog. :)

Thanks for your response. The reason I asked was because I do want to breed. It won't be for awhile. I just want to know how to advertise. What are people looking for in a GSD. I have my male in Schutzhund, he is a Bomber son and my female is a Como daughter. They were looked at by a  guy that does bomb detection and protection for law enforcement here in California. So, that made  me think, what are people looking for a dog that will protect or a sports dog. Any advise will be appreciated. 

Victor

Well for me, *I* look for a dog you can do anything with. I like a dog that can protect you, but that is not a liability. I like a dog you can take into public, have around kids and other dogs, without worrying about too much. I like dogs that you can do sports with, or take to the park on those really nice days and just throw the ball for hours, but that will also be calm in the house. I also like happy dogs... but at the same time dogs that can turn serious if need be.

To me though, that is just a well bred GSD. :)

Good luck with your dogs! They sound awesome!

Hi There,

I don't breed my dogs for show or sport. I do train them to work and part of that work is protection. I dont mean some nasty dog on the end of a lead though but a calm confident dog that can do the business if required. My dogs deter and its their power of Majesty that prevents a situation occuring . However, my dogs are part of my family and that is the bottom dollar. They are happy and loved and know where they stand.

I do know others who are involved in Shutzhund and their dogs are very capable PPDs.

Thanks for the comments.

I have been breeding WL dogs since 1998,
I look for temperament first.
I have just become serious in training my 5th generation homebred pup in sport, she is 7 months,
and her cousin 1 year.
I mostly have gotten titles on dogs in AKC obedience, and have about 7 dogs that have certified
to be therapy dogs, I also like to do odor detection work, called nosework.
 If I could earn a Schutzhund title though, that to me would be satisfying, as I know my dogs can protect when needed, it teaches the dog when to bite and when not to bite.

The trick to that is to start the pup young before they get set in their ways!

 

Out of the many pups I have placed in homes, I find that the majority of people just want a faithful companion that will worship them, that's the nature of the Shepherd when he is loved and respected by the right family!

I agree with all of the above and I must add that I want to keep the GSD breed as a whole "versitile".  That is the most important to me;  which will allow them to do any job you want them to do, include protect naturally.  Temperament, good health, conformation goes without saying.  Should automatically come with the breed, without question.  Nan

Those who are responsible breeders breed for the betterment of the breed. Those who breed WL GSDs are looking for the high drives desired in Schutzhund, but who are stable (that is, who are predicted to have a switch that allows them to not be the crazed WL you sometimes see). WL breeds are not just bred for Schutzhund, but are used in police work, agility, protection, search and rescue, and other things, or just as overall great high-drive and high-energy dogs.

My GSD is of both SL and WL, and I hope to get her into Schutzhund or something like it, mostly because it is a great bonding experience for the owner and dog. Sports allow the dog to achieve its natural drives and release energy. I plan on breeding in the future, but I prefer to breed for the stability of temperment and the health of the breed. There are many people out there who love the breed, but whose lives cannot accomodate the high-drive WL.