New guy question - Page 2

This is the type of kennel/breeder that uneducated buyers shop at (ie. most of the public). I was also that person at one time. When I went looking for my first GSD I had no clue what quality was, or that there was a difference between German and American lines etc. Consequently I ended up with a North American bred! Rhino please do your homework!!, even if your are looking for "just a pet" do not compromise with quality. Dogs bred to the German standard behold much more beauty and nobility than any of those dogs on that website. Take a look at some of the dog ads on this website, or post a question about breeder suggestions in your area (CA?) Good luck, Melanie

I have a deposit on a pup from them. The mother is 106 and father 100 lbs, is this a prob ? Both mother and father are Orthopedic cert (good ?). What is the normal lbs of a GSD ?

Just curious. What is it about their dogs or their website that got you interested in their dogs?

RHINO -- please take seriously all of the above comments and try to get your deposit back. We have a saying -- "Everybody gets the dog they deserve" -- I'd like to think you deserve better that what I've seen on that website -- READ THE STANDARD -- The German Shepherd is a MEDIUM SIZED DOG - not to be sold by the POUND !!! and not in WHITE !!! (not on purpose) TO REPEAT WHAT'S ABOVE -- IF YOU NEED A DOG OVER 90 POUNDS -- MOVE ON TO ANOTHER BREED AND DO NOT LINE THE POCKETS OF this type of breeder who is not concerned, apparently, with the Standard of our Beloved German Shepherds. Even the German breeders are generally consious of size creeping up and take steps to keep the size under control. I have bred GSD's for over 15 years (West and East German Herding and working lines) and they are not BIG DOGS !! My biggest male ever was 26 1/2 inches at the shoulder and his top weight was 88 pounds - I considered him VERY BIG - and was careful that he did not produce anything LARGER than himself. CERTIFIED ELBOWS ARE extremely important - the dog carries 60% of his weight ON THE FRONT !!! and when that is OVERSIZED AND OVERWEIGHT -- how to you expect those joints are going to hold up. AS OTHERS SAID - DO YOUR HOMEWORK, GET REFERENCES, MAKE THE EFFORT TO LEARN ABOUT THE BLOODLINES YOU ARE CONSIDERING -- (I saw no pedigrees on the site - maybe I didn't look hard enough - but if there are PRINCESS BEAUTY's listed -- you need to think about what you are getting into. HEART PROBLEMS, EPILIPSEY, SPINAL MYALOPOTHY, BLOAT, TOXIC GUT SYNDRONE, SEVERE AUTO IMMUNE DEFICIENCY, ELBOW DYSPLASIA, (HIPS TOO), JOINT AND LIGAMENT PROBLEMS RUN RAMPANT IN SOME LINES -- I believe it was JOB EVANS (MONKS OF NEW SKETE) who said (after he left the Monastary) that he would not own a German Shepherd as they are a SERIOUS MEDICAL LIABILITY !! That may be the extreme end -- THANKFULLY, not all of our beloved shepherds are in that category. but you have to GET EDUCATED. I am well known for being predjudiced AGAINST MOST American Bloodlines -- Yet I do own a lovely bitch who is 100% AMERICAN (A GIFT TO MY WIFE) who will turn 14 years old in a few weeks and can still climb stairs by herself (most of the time). But I consider her an extreme rairity !! For every one of her - there are 6 who will drop dead before they are 5 years old -- SO RATHER THAN GO ON AND ON -- JUST BE CAREFUL AND REMEMBER -- EVERYBODY GETS THE DOG THEY DESERVE !!!

Saoa, I agree with who are we to stop him. However, the difference in wanting a large GSD and stayng with the standard size has a lot of pitfalls. We Americans love the big dogs, but the "general public" does not understand the problems assocatied with purchasing an animal that has had it's genetics altered. I agree get a mastiff if you are looking for size. Now we can also take the other side. As Humans have evolved, we have gotten larger due to correct eating habits, etc. However, we have kept our dogs at the standard set so long ago. Then again, all you have to do is look at a Large GSD and watch him get tired. GSD is a working Dog and unless you give him something to do, They will find something on thier own, I would bet you will not approve of thier choices. They are a smart breed and need excerise along with mental stimulation. I love the big dogs to, but I have learned my lessons the hard way!

Rhino, I would think twice about buying any puppy/dog from a breeder who is not trying to breed a dog that fits within the standard. The male German Shepherd should stand 60-65 cm at the withers. Take your time and listen to what folks have said and go look at a few kennels that not only breed but also title their dogs (Schutzhund and conformation). There is a reason for this. If you prefer a large breed, look at something besides a German Shepherd. Practical experience has shown that an oversized dog is at a disadvantage when it comes to heath issues and longevity.

The larger the dog the more chance of having problems quicker...in German Shepherds HD is a problem that is being attended to...and one way of keeping a check on this is to have all your breeding stock x-rayed for problems...when buying a GSD be sure to keep in mind the original intention of the breed...and that is as a "working breed"...if a dog can't work or isn't from "working lines" then the chance of a problem is very high...in the German Standard of GSD's...GSD's can't be bred unless they have a "working title"...Bob

Rhino Both the mother and father at 106 and 100 lbs. are about 15-20 lbs. over weight at least. If you just want a pet why don't you look into a good show line and get a long coated pup. They would have wonderful blood lines, they are gorgeous dogs you just can't breed with them and the price is usually much less. Good luck! Kevin

Rhino-yes you can do what you want, its a free country, but you asked for our advice when you posted your question on the board. Many people on this website have dedicated their lives to the GSD breed and many of them are highly respected breeders from around the world. I myself remember what it was like to be in your position and not knowing what I was buying, and I wish I had people like these to help me. Please heed the advice from the above comments and try to get your deposit back.

why don't you try looking for a rescue GSD??? Most org's do temperament certification and health checks.