Need lots of advice getting a new puppy - Page 1

Hello everyone.

I have spent countless hours in this website pouring over information. Unfortunately, I think it has left me more gun shy than anything.

Like everyone here I am a big fan of the breed. At one point, I had 3 german shepherds all sleeping in my room. Last year, I lost a show quality male to cancer and I am finally to the point where I am ready to get another.

What I am looking for:

1. A big boned strong male of show quality (yes, I am looking for a pretty boy)
2. Good temperament and obedience a must for indoor living with family, baby and two other dogs (GSD and Golden Retriever)

I have decided I don't mind a puppy or a young male (18 months max) who is already trained. Anything older than 18 months, I probably tend to shy away from.



Here is the problem I need the most help with.

1. The more I read, the more confused I am as far as good breeders are concerned. The two I have dealt / am dealing with leaves me feeling like they're really just trying to get as much $$$ as possible. So I would appreciate anyone steering me down the right path as far as getting me in touch with good breeders.

1a. I realize that I may possibly be getting a number of referrals from less than reputable breeders touting themselves. Any advice on how I can spot these?

2. I am also very partial to getting a dog directly from Germany, either through a broker, referrals or flying to Germany myself if someone can refer me to a number of breeders I can visit.

Please contact me by:

email:    dpartono @ me.com


I am in Orange County, Southern California.

 I do see the post below as far as good breeders go and I am keeping an eye on that post.

Hoping my post will lead to someone advising me on how to go about picking a puppy directly from germany other than the breeders I see on that post.

Thank you.

why get one from germany?

 Getting one from Germany is not a requirement. Perhaps this website has led me to believe I may be able to get better value directly from Germany.

sorry, I just don't understand people's reasoning for importing a pup from europe when there are plenty of great reputable breeders in the states.  is it a new fad?  just to say your dog came from germany?

don't mean to sound bitchy or anything, but I have heard more and more new buyers saying this.  like they are going to get a better pup just cause it is from germany.  RARELY does a pick of the litter or top puppy ever leave germany.  generally, unless you know someone, the lesser pups in the litters are sold over here.  just my experiences and the people I talk to.  and you damn sure won't get a gurantee or even help incase something does happen to the puppy.  their are nice breeders in germany to work with, but I feel safer dealing with a reputable breeder closer to home.

 

 

and no pup is worth $5000. period.
pups are a crap shoot, bites can mess up during the growing months, hips and elbows could be bad, and many other things can go wrong.

$1500 would be the most I would spend on a young, un proven pup who hasn't had hip prelimbs ect.  and it would have to be a really nice pup to get me to spend that much.

and make sure on the guarantee's, you read the fine print.
most only guarantee against "severe or crippling" dysplasia.  and even then there are soo many stipulations and requirements that it is near impossible to fulfill your end of the contract.

 your point is noted.

however, i would appreciate it if the focus of this thread does not veer towards the discussion of whether to get a dog from germany or here locally, please.

Have you read the thread "Buyer Beware" which is specifically to help people searching for a puppy? If you are wedded to the idea of a show line male about 18 months old, I would STRONGLY recommend that you deal with a breeder who actually trains and titles dogs from their own breeding program. Get cogent responses as to WHY they have a puppy/young dog that age. If they werwe "growing it out." Why are they now giving it up? Import does not equal better quality. The Germans are using the exact same bloodlines, and often the exact same dogs, as the Americans and Canadians.

The only German breeder I know personally and would vouch for posts here as "Francis". I have spent time with her, her husband Ferdi and her son Brom. They are small breeders (with excellent females) and are all GSD fanatics and I would trust them completely.

I notice they have a litter from Piek Holtkamper Hof (sp) now. 

I went to Germany, visited several kennels and ended up buying a pup from Silbersee Kennels in Maryland. I am not a novice so I don't do the "here's my money, stick a dog in a crate  and send it to me" thing anymore. I go see them and I can tell you that I got much more dog from Chris and Joe than they got money from me. I am thrilled with him. He has been shown twice and won his class both times against some of the best competition he could face. Very good character as well.

There is also a guy on here who posts as "Netty". He is from Germany and has an excellent reputation for honesty and  supplying good dogs. I think he is more of a broker, but people I trust say he is 100% trust worthy.

I hope this is of some help. I just in the past year decided to switch from Am. S/L to German and I know what starting from nothing is like. I made a very costly mistake right off the bat. Be careful who you deal with in both Germany and the U.S.

Good Luck,

Rik