Importing a GSD pup in to the UK. - Page 2

You're very wise to wait til you know what you want before jumping into getting a dog...There are things to consider...Such as what are your priorities...Puppy...Young Adult...Adult...
Be honest about your experience and don't get into something you can't handle or control...
Like I said before...The best advise I could possible give is to find a breeder that you can get to know and let them know what it is your really looking for...
Understand that with a puppy...You buy bloodlines and an unknown quantity...With a Young Adult or Adult you'd be getting what you see...
Do you know of any Working Dog Clubs in your area or of any Trainers? One of the others things to know is someone that can help you and be a bit of a mentor...

~Bob~

@Q Man: I would be inclined to go for a puppy so that I could ensure it gets socialised, I once purchased a young adult that only knew her breeder and kennel manager and the other dogs. She was very coy around people but not around other dogs; so unless I can be guaranteed that any young or adult has impeccable socialisation skills, then my choice for now would be a pup. Plus a good juvenile or adult is going to cost a lot more than a pup.
I've been quoted £2000 for a pup and £12000 minimum for a trained adult.

I have had GSDs for over 30 yrs from rescue to show line but never working line, although who knows what lines the rescued ones carried.
One of the rescues had previously been trained by its former owner in personal protection, never tried her out but could always get her to bark on command.

All my shepherds have always been bitches, unless you count the two dog puppies that I owned once for 8 weeks before their new owners took them home. lol.
So do I stick to bitches or try a dog this time?

I have worked in rescue kennels in the past and have had to deal first hand with confrontational dogs from GSDs, Malinoise, Akitas, Dobermans, Rottweilers, American Pit Bulls and even Border Collies (hey they can be worse sometimes. lol).
I currently work in detection dog kennels and have had to intervene on many occasions between canine disagreements (often on my own as some of the other staff are fearful in such situations ; go figure). I can tell you it is no fun being in a field on your own with 8 dogs when some decide to challenge others.

However the above by no means gives me the gold rosette in anything, it is just to give a little insight of my background around dogs.

Where working lines are concerned, I'm a complete beginner.

The nearest clubs are between a 1-2 hours away. Tried contacting the Secretary but heard nothing back.

The breeder of one of my late bitches is a retired police dog handler and did for a time run his own schutzhund group. I do see him on occasions but he is getting on, so not sure if he is still involved but would probably know whos who to talk to.

Thank you for the advice.