Ostsee,

please read my post again. I was referring to your statement, not your breeding practices. I did not even know that you are a breeder.

I am glad that you were able to sell your puppies for $ 400 and that none showed health problems. Good health should be the minimum everybody can expect from a breeder. Where did you take your female to? How far did you have to go?

As to your remarks regarding "targeting a specialized market", "serious breeders" and this "not being your goal or focus": That is sad! You are further stating that your puppy sales feed your three males. This to me sounds that you are breeding to generate an income to afford your dogs? If I am mistaken with my assumption, I am sorry. But these were your words, not mine! Please read your own statement again!

The breeding of German Shepherd Dogs should never target a "specialized market" but should be done in accordance with the philosophy of our founder. This reminds me of a former club member of mine who bred a couple of pet litters, so she could afford a "well bred" dog. A wellbred litter will have nice pet quality puppies too, so there should never be a need to breed for pets. Pet quality puppies in well bred litters will be sold at a significantly reduced price, mine do. But they come with a stipulation: They will have limited AKC registration, and this is where a lot of so-called "pet owners" want to draw the line ("oh I don't want to breed but I am not sure if I change my mind").

Something else I would like to mention, Ostsee: It is a common misconception here in the U.S.. A BH is not a recognized title, it is merely a prerequisite for a SchH1. The origin for this was that the SV in Germany had to show the general public that these "biting" dogs were obedient, had good temperament and were under control at all times. The funniest thing is that some people call it the "SchH B". I guess they think if there is a SchH A (no tracking and not recognized as a title either) , there should be a SchH B. The WH is also not a recognized title for a breeding qualification. Only the VPG1 (SchH1) or the HGH is.

I also wanted to mention that being "one of the little guys" or something similar was never at topic here. Anybody who is doing dog sports (regardless of what it is) has my utmost repsect. And any pet quality dog on limited AKC registration is perfectly capable of participating in any sport. So, there is hope for the "little guys" to purchase a wellbred puppy at a reduced price after all.

Chris