Total Newbie ---- Would love advice on looking for a German Shepherd Puppy - Page 2

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Jenni78

by Jenni78 on 18 February 2017 - 20:02

Wow, yeah, what Koots said.I am jumping for joy if I can find the dog I want in the *country* I am in, let alone state! Airplanes are there for a reason if you cannot travel yourself, and road trips for new puppies are even more fun than regular road trips. I always tell people to find the DOG they want, then figure out the best way to get it to you. :)

by Gsdjackson on 19 February 2017 - 03:02

Hi Joy,
I am by no means an expert. I have an 8 month old male and have been doing lots of research on gsds for a year. First of all,as you know,nino von tronje is a highly accomplished dog. You can find similar quality breedings with time and research. Do your homework as far as the breeder is concerned.
You can search fred lantis seiger show results for the yrs nino competed. Mr lantis has an extensive knowledge of the breed. According to his review of nino as a 3 yr at the seiger show,his zw was an uncomfortable 98. Since then,it has dropped to 78. That means that he has produced dogs with very good xray results in the last 4 yrs. Zw scores mean a decent amount when looking at 100 dogs.,but not as much for an individual. Unfortunately, the percent of gsds through approved breedings in germany with dysplasia is around 15-20 percent. They are a regal breed,but not without their health issues.
Starting with a sire like nino,coupled with a good breeder is a fine start. Best of luck. Enjoy your journey!

Rik

by Rik on 19 February 2017 - 04:02

Nino is a great dog. 70 or above is a good hip score. With the GSD you gotta take a chance no matter the score. Get an airtight hip guarantee or move on.

I have no idea about the bitch or breeder you are looking at.

I have had a few GSD over the years, a few AKC Champions, some Sch. titled V1 rated regional winners and if I was looking for a GSD tomorrow (and I'm talking about something way past a backyard dog) I would contact Charlie Starr or Huerta hof or the girl on here from, I think North Carolina, and can't recall her name but like her breeding and working dogs.

And there are many good breeders, these are just the ones I would start with.

but what do I know and
JMO

Rik

Sunsilver

by Sunsilver on 19 February 2017 - 05:02

Rik, you wouldn't be talking about Melissa ( Melba) would you?

Nah...that would be too much of a coincidence...

Rik

by Rik on 19 February 2017 - 05:02

sunny, I'm getting old very fast. I'm talking about the girl that was a rodeo performer and animal trainer. was always impressed with her dogs and breeding for working dogs.

and as I said, there are many ethical breeders, just have to search them out. I've just named a couple or three that I have dealt with or would at least consider.

but,
what do I know,
Rik

Sunsilver

by Sunsilver on 19 February 2017 - 06:02

Ah, that would be Joanro!

Yes, I agree, she knows her stuff, and I like her dogs.

BTW, sent you a PM.

 


Koots

by Koots on 19 February 2017 - 07:02

My dog is from Joan (Joanro on here) and I am very pleased with him. To the OP - when I suggested looking out of state, that is what I did and got what I was looking for. My pup came to me from over 2000 miles and a country away.

Hundmutter

by Hundmutter on 19 February 2017 - 07:02

OP - re: gsdjackson's post ^ - think you will find that reference point is to Fred LANTING, not "Iantis" ... getting the experts' names right tends to help you to find them LOL.

by JoyMartinWhite on 19 February 2017 - 22:02

Thanks for the tips---to the person that mentioned him----I actually spoke with Charlie earlier today. I have narrowed it down to the original breeder I was looking at and Charlie. My original breeder has two liters coming---one from Nino and one from one of Charlie's dogs. After my research I feel they all will be very quality liters and I can't go wrong with any of them. Trying to figure out timing and just fine tuning which is the best fit for us. One is three hours north and the other three hours south so both are relatively close.

by GSCat on 20 February 2017 - 02:02

You need to decide what gender you want and what purpose you want your dog for you so your breeder can help you pick out the right puppy (or pick out the right puppy for you). Temperament, as well as good health/genetics are critical to a great match. Do you want a companion/pet, family/personal protection dog, show dog, police dog, sport dog, therapy dog, emotional support dog, seeing eye/service dog, or? Do you have a color/pattern preference?

The temperament, drives, appearance, etc. that makes a dog perfectly suited to one purpose can make him/her unacceptable for another. For instance, conformation is far more important for a show dog than a police dog. A totally ball-obsessed/high prey drive dog might be a poor choice for a pet that doesn't get hours of high intensity play and a lot of training/stimulation, but would be great for a sport dog or police dog. A reputable breeder will temperament test and match the puppies with the prospective owners' intended uses.

It is possible the litters your intended breeders end up with will not have any puppies that will be a good match, so you might have to wait for another litter (perhaps by a different dam/sire), or find another breeder. A reputable breeder that generally does not end up with puppies that will fit your needs will say so and may be able to refer you to another reputable breeder that generally/often does if they are familiar with someone.

I agree with looking farther than your own state if necessary. I traveled halfway across the U.S. for my dog and she is absolutely perfect for her intended purpose. I was not able to find a suitable dog any closer, and I am so glad I didn't compromise on anything. The additional time, research, contacting of breeders, and travel were worth their weight in gold. By the way, had I arrived at the breeder and found anything objectionable, I was perfectly prepared to forfeit my deposit instead of buying the wrong puppy/purchasing from the wrong breeder.

As far as the hips and DM testing, I went back 7 generations for both the dam and sire and checked to make sure all of the ancestors had good hips/elbows and no DM. I also looked at working/sport titles because of the intended purpose for my dog. I also thoroughly checked out the business and business owner, and ensured the breeder produced the type of puppies I was looking for, before putting down a deposit.

Here is the Orthopedic Foundation (OFA) website that has oodles of information about hip/elbow and DM testing/certification http://www.ofa.org/index.html

Make sure you get a written health warranty and take the puppy to your vet for a thorough check-up as soon as you get him/her. If there is a hip warranty, make sure it extends long enough for you to get your dog's hips checked at 2 years.

Other things to consider... Are you getting pet health insurance? Does the breeder include the first 30 days/90 days/1 year in the purchase price? Will your organization/employer pay for it, or is it available as part of your cafeteria plan at work? Do you get a full or limited registration? Is full registration conditional on something like titling? Is there a spay/neuter contract? If you intend to breed, will your breeder mentor you and is your vet experienced with reproductive health? Will your breeder take back the puppy/dog if you are unable to keep it?


Have fun and good luck!





 


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