Temperment and Drive - Page 1

I do not yet own a GSD, but I plan on doing so in the "near" future so this plays into my question.  As a novice, how do I determine the temperment and/or drive of 8 week old puppies?  Is there something to look for or some indicator to avoid? 

Any words of advice or suggested places to get further information will be greatly appreciated!!

Find a breeder you can trust.  

Tell him/her exactly what you're looking for.  

Fair enough and thank you emoore! 

Emoore said it best.  Easier said than done.

First know what you want based on what you are willing to spend.  Often times people that are new are shocked at pricing of quality dogs.  If you can accept that you will spend 800 to 2500 for a puppy, then you can follow through.

Pertaining to positive traits to look for, depends on type and what you want.  

As for negatives to look out for in the puppies specifically, fear.  Well bred dogs are born with none.  Most of the behavior displayed by puppies has allot to do with the mother.  If she is shy or fearfull she will imprint this behavior on the puppies.  

What do you like? What will you be doing with the dog?

Thank you live4shutzhund!  As for costs, based on some hasty research I was planning on the $2000 mark for a puppy, although a cheaper price is ALWAYS welcomed!

I am still torn between the SL and WL "types" of dogs as I see positives and minuses for both.  However, what I am looking for is a great family companion- first and foremost, a dog that is protective of the "pack" (yet not crazy viscious), easy to train, obedient, something with character.  TO be honest, I dont see me packing up the family and taking the GSD to shows.  At the same token, while interesting and we may give it a rudimentary shot, I don't see us competing in obstacles, biting events or other endurance type events.

I know this seems schizophrenic, but what I would really want is an all-around and healthy puppy to add to the family.  Any suggestions on how to "refine" what I am trying to say will be very helpful!!

This is a big decision for you.  Here is what I sugest.  Go to two events, one show, one working.  Actually see these dogs in person to see what you like.   Once you have narrowed down your preference whether WL or SL then you can begin your search.  

To refine your search, start with the basic.

1) What do you like looking at.
2) What is your living situation and available time.
3) What is your experience with various drives and dogs in general.

Here are some pics to fuel the search.

West German Show Lines - Arlett


West German Working Lines


West German Working


Very good Czech site that has videos so you can see the dogs working etc.
http://www.errinor.cz/plany_kryti.htm

Some Top Kennels in Europe familiar with shipping dogs to US that you can trust.  I am sure there are more but here is what I have that are full service with no uncertanty.  The ones I am giving you handle shipping so you wont have to worry.  I will give you those links for shipping too below.
Top Kennel in Italy - Show Lines
http://www.allevamentodegliachei.it/

Germany - Show Lines
http://www.arlett.de/
http://www.wix.com/diogos8/vonarminius2000
http://www.altenberger-land.de/
http://www.fichtenschlag.com/

Germany - West German Working.  He has enough selection you really dont need another link.
http://www.salztalblick.de/

Germany - East German DDR
http://www.schaeferhunde-ddr.de/
http://www.artzlipin.cz/newsen.html
http://www.altostland-haus-iris.com/frameset/index1.htm


Czech
http://www.aritarbastet.cz/index_en.html
http://www.majoruvhaj.cz/
http://anrebri.cz/stenata-aj.html

Shipping is most often out of Frankfurt.
http://www.petshipping.com/en
http://www.lufthansa.com/us/en/Animals

Most dogs from Europe are 800EU to 1500EU.  When you convert to US and add shipping, it will be right around 2000US.  If you purchase two puppies, shipping does not increase as they share a crate, food for thought.

Another idea.  Take a vacation to Germany and bring your laptop.  Visit the kennels above and fly them back with you, much cheaper shipping but you are paying for your flight and everything else.  It pays off this way if lets say you are purchasing more than one puppy or more than one adult dog.

When breeders in Germany have less than show quality, which is often way better than what you find in the states, they advertise on places like this.  Be careful though, crap there too.  Use google chrome to translate.  Gives you idea of pricing.
http://www.markt.de/Tiere/Hunde/Rassehunde/Deutscher+Sch%C3%A4ferhund/categoryId,1202013400/suche.htm
http://www.deine-tierwelt.de/kleinanzeigen/?q=&c=79267&l=&r=20&i=20&dt=0&so=80&send_by_form=1

I am not familiar with the latest American German Line Kennels.  I am sure people here will list several for you.  I know of a guy many years ago that I can tell you has his heart in the right place.  I know him personally but have not spoken to him in well over a decade.  Where I cought the GSD virus.  He is not cheap though, but hey, it is what it is.
http://www.steinquelle.org/

Regards

Live4shutzhund,

I am very impressed with the generosity of info you've just provided, we are lucky to have such a good member with us  

 live4schutzhund    I agree with Ibrahim. Your post contains much valuable information for a newcomer. Thanks for being so kind with your time.

Anytime.  Didnt know this stuff was a secret.  Been collecting links for a long time.  Your very welcome.

I would've tossed ArtzLipin.com under the czech breeder list.

So with the United/Continental airline merger, has anyone had any bad experience with their cargo operations?  To me, it still looks like they're smoothing things out, and I know their passenger reservation system was all jacked up yesterday.