Working line breeders in Western Canada? - Page 1

I'm looking for a working line dog in western Canada.  My wish list includes medium-high drives (I'd like to do IPO but I don't particularly care about winning), health (of course), and a rock solid fairly social temperament.  Medium size would also be a bonus. This would be my fourth GSD that's mine (as opposed to growing up with family dogs) so I'm more than familiar and comfortable with the breed.  My current dog is primarily Czech/DDR with some WGWL thrown in because I've managed to track down his less than reputable breeder.  I adopted him as a young adult and whoever had him before me mishandled him so badly that he was a reactive mess.*  We've worked very hard together and he's turned into a *stellar* dog at seven years of age, so now I'm looking for a second younger animal to start so I'll be able to carry on with dog related activities as my current guy slows down.   I don't regret taking my current dog on though he was a nightmare for a couple of years -- he taught me more about being a trainer and handler than the good "normal" dogs I had previously, and I've developed a deep appreciation for higher drive dogs.  That said I'd like to not have to work so hard to fix deep problems with the next dog which is why I'm considering going to a breeder as opposed to pulling from a shelter or rescue.  The problem with this is that I'm in a relatively remote area and there aren't a lot of GSD breeders within a feasible travel radius for me to go check out their dogs before buying in person.

TL:DR Do any of you have recommendations for a casual sport home with a somewhat breed experienced owner?  Conversely are there kennels that I should avoid at all costs?  I know the obvious red flags to look for but I don't have any direct experience with breeders here to draw on and I'd prefer not to import from outside North America. Ideally I'd actually like an older pup or young dog (6 months -- 2 years) but I know those are vanishingly rare if you're not buying for work, sport, or breeding.

*I should add that for all my dog had issues dog aggression was never one of them.  He's social, gets on well with both genders, and is patient with puppies.

Thanks in advance for any replies, either in thread or via email.

Dan Juros of Haus Juros

 

Lance Collins and Gabi Hoffman

http://www.wcgssc.com/members.html

 

Hercules K9

http://www.herculesk9.ca/

If you want to look a little farther south, Schraderhaus and Vom Banach in Washington state have put out some pretty good dogs.

Thank you to everyone who has replied so far.  I'm definitely going to follow up on all your leads, and hopefully I'll find a good choice! Your help is much appreciated.

In thr Seattle area

Suzanne Eviston http://www.vongrunheideshepherds.com/index.html

 Suzanne is actually two counties north of Seattle.  I think she now lives in Stanwood.    Dan Juros is also an excellent recommendation--he has brought in some very, very nice dogs, has an actual breeding program and is honest and straight-forward. 

Mystere,    When I was in New England I often drove  3 or 4 states away for a weekend of dog shows. Now that I'm in CA that distance is usually still in state.

Herding   training for me was 142 miles one way and Schutzhund anywhere from 70 to 225 miles (one way).

So a couple of counties - to me that's " in the Seattle area".    

 TIG,  If you lived here, you would understand that it is not about the distance, it is about the mindset.    Seattle aka Emerald City,  is a world apart from the rest of the area.   "Seattle area"  = Seattle city limits and is  quite different than the rest of Western Washington.   Hell, it is not even like the rest of King County (where Seattle is situated).   The  area where Suzanne lives is very rural, conservative doesn't have any traffic, the cost of living is normal, you can get 4 times the real estate for the price.  Seattle, with only 600,000 or so in population is No. 4 in the country for worse traffic;  the median house is $350, 000  and you can't really get anything under $200,000.   Even the overpaid professional athletes choose to live outside Seattle-- just 10-15 miles outside Seattle and they get mega-mansions with acreage for  "only" a few million.  In Seattle, that would get them "only" a  8,000-10,000 sq.  feet house,  no acreage, no gate, no pool and  no fountains.

Hey Mystere,

I was going to send you a PM about moving to WA and what the good areas are in terms of being connected up to trainers and dog sports but I find you have blocked my PMs??? May I ask why since I don't remember ever communicating directly with you before and I usually try to maintain a pleasant or neutral attitude on this board.

BTW I do get it. That's why I included the winking smiley. My sister was lucky enough to spend 10 years living in Friday Harbor before she died so I've been to NW WA a number of times by car, plane, boat - just haven't tried the sea plane yet, so I know how much difference a couple counties can make in attitude and weather.