New puppy :) - Page 1

   (Hope this works  :)    )   I just got a new puppy.  I was just curious.......What are your opinions.  She is 11 wks old.  It is probably too early to tell, but I'm wondering if she has show potential.

wiildwolf,
No way to tell her show potential based on this photo. You would have to stack her. And even then would be difficult. She is just a wee little puppy. She will change as weeks and months go on. Could you post her pedigree?
And maybe some more photos.
But regardless, she's wicked cute!
PS: What I can tell from the photos is that she has outstanding bone and her feet/toes look nice and tight.

Hi Brandi,

I have never shown a dog before.  My last dog was a pet quality Malamute.  I'm just now at a point where I can spend the amount of time needed.  Unfortunately, I have ZERO experience.  I don't know what stacked means.  ;)  AKC is holding a puppy event here in June.  I will probably take her to that to see what its all about. In a few years we hope to move to an acreage and start a breeding program.  I would like to do it right.  Any advice would be helpful.  Here is Anja's pedigree link.
  
Thank you.
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/german_shepherd_dog/dog.html?id=1983346-anja-marie

SUPER SUPER CUTE.......

She is super cute, breeding GSD's is an admirable goal but caries a lot of responsibility to do it right. Your dog has West German conformation lines that may not be appreciated by AKC breeders. The breeders of your dog's great grand parents held themselves to the SV standard of breeding which required them to go through a breed survey. Each great grandparent had working titles, show titles, passed a 12 mile endurance test, had their hips and elbows ex rayed and certified. After this they were brought before a breed judge who scrutinized every facet of the dog from it's temperament down to every single tooth. Only after doing this were they allowed to breed, the owners of your dogs parents and grand parents ceased to hold themselves to this standard but you can if you want to breed right. Show your puppy in an SV style event, find a mentor who will help you.

Don't let me discourage you from showing her in AKC style events, the AKC separated themselves from the German system a long time ago and hold to a different breed standard. But there is an element there even among the judges who appreciate a German dog and some German dogs can appeal to both standards. Showing a puppy can be quite fun and most people there will be helpful, just consider the source of any criticisms that you receive.

Markobytes,

Could you possibly tell me where I can find help training her for an SV event.  I am brand new to all of this.  I live in central Oklahoma.  I'm really not sure where to start looking.  Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks  :)

You could possibly find a local Kennel Club;  usually they have some classes they offer OR they can refer you to local trainers in your area that might help you get started.  They will possibly help teach you to critique your puppy, and why only the best of the best should be bred and shown.  But it is still fun to learn and get information regarding our beautiful breed and learn how to train, and move and show your dog.  All will be helpful to you for the future.  Great luck with her,  Nan

Another helpful web site would AKC.org.  They will also list other GSD people in your area as well as trainers and   sometimes classes for you to attend.  Learn how to navigate their sight and it can be very helpful.  BOL  Nan

There are two organizations here in the US that hold SV sanctioned events. The most active in your area is probably the United Schutzhund clubs of America ( UScA) the website is www.germanshepherddog.com. The other organization is the German Shepherd Dog Club of America / Working Dog Association their website is www.GSDCA/WDA.org . Both websites list their member clubs and events and have a little more information on what they are about. It is possible to contact one of the clubs holding these events to steer you in the right direction. Generally people get help from a breeder who is active in these events, I for one received help from the breeder where I bought my dogs. Wildwolf, I feel your question deserves more of a reply than what I have given you and I may give a longer response if you wish to hear it. I am also no where near you and I have not researched the people in your area that could help. The German Shepherd Dog world is much different than what I imagined it, not every one out there is an angel but there are some really great people out there who have spent a lot of time, sweat, blood, tears and treasure in dedication to a breed that they love.     

Markobytes, 

Any info you care give I will be glad to have.  I've tried to look around, I just don't know who to trust.  The breeder I got my girl from does not show.  She made no promises of show quality, but her dogs looked healthy and the pedigree looked ok to me.  I didn't pay alot for her, she is sort of a starter pup for me.  I really would like to get into showing if she will qualify.  Another breeder I didn't choose gave me a bad review on her (if you could, will you check my other post from this eve 'truth or sour grapes')  I will check the websites you mentioned.  Thank you   :)