Buying a GSD puppy - need input - Page 2

I did not know you are not able to determine if any hip problems until 1-2 years. Now I understand why puppies are a crap shoot, and as a result - $3500 seems crazy in that respect. Meaning, i wont know of issues for a year or two, no way to tell now if he'd be a good Stud for breeding, so I only can go on - he will be a family pet to love, train, and have a loyal companion and protector, I am committed to the dog I bring into my family, and problems or not, I would love him just the same and stand by him. Which then leads me back to the price, which seems like its crazy high and highly risky..

The Breeder isn't trying to just push me to buy one of his puppies though, as he did state if I was only looking for a family pet only - he did give me another Breeders name, where the price was half of what he was charging. He also asked many questions about my home life to make sure I had plenty of time to spend with the dog, so that tells me - he isn't totally focused on making money, and that he does love his dogs. Just wanted to note that.

The puppy you're looking at comes from German Showlines. There are a number of threads on this board to read about the difference.
I checked out the parents on this database and the info you provided on the dogs (titles) didn't match up with what is on here, but it is possible the info hasn't been updated.

If this breeder knows you want him for a family companion and protector, then selling this "pick" or "stud" puppy so he can be bred in the future doesn't even make sense.  A reputable breeder would want the pup "proven" before breeding. It takes a lot of money, training and time to get a dog to where he is proven breed worthy. Who is going to do this and pay for it? I think this breeder knows you are a novice and seem to be taking advantage.  I'd personally look elsewhere. As mentioned before, to pay $3500 is an awful lot to pay for any puppy.

I'm sure there must be some reputable breeders in your state. Ask here on this board and you'll probably get some good feedback.

If this breeder isn't focused on making money, why is he charging more than double the price of other breeders (who are breeding the same quality) for his puppies? Make an offer of $1500 and see what he says.

Starchar I don't agree to try and negociate with a breeder. If a buyer isnt happy with the price then find another breeder. I think it's insulting for a buyer to think that barganing for a lower price is the right thing to do. Ive had buyers try it with me. At that point, I  no longer will even consider dealing with them.

Now that more information has come out, sorry ladyluck1120 but the idea that you will just "breed him to females in your area" makes me question your intent as well. Would you be trying to recoup some of what you  paid out? Breeding takes so much more than just puting two dogs together and while your here to ask questions to see if your doing the right thing, I would ask you the same question with the intent to buy this dog in the first place.

I would like for the breeder to come forward and comment on this thread. Never mind the price issue. As we all know there are 3 sides to every story...

HERE: http://www.theishof.com/
Showline dogs, she lives in Idaho, she will take care of you and the prices are not ridiculous. She knows her dogs. Talk to her and see what she has to say. Good luck

Point well taken Bhaugh. That said, my guess is that you ask reasonable prices for your pups.

PLease let me explain where I am coming from though. Years ago my husband and I bred, trained and showed horses. I had no problem with people asking if I would take less for a horse and I never felt insulted. Many times I did take less than the asking price if the quality of the home that was going to be provided was a very good one. There were also times I refused to sell a horse to someone willing to pay the asking price because I knew the life the horse would have. Admittedly I was not a good business person in that respect, I guess. The bottom line for me was that the horse went to the right home and that was more important to me than anything else.  LL stated that this person was not about the money and that is why I suggested to offer less.

Thank you all for your information, all helpful with questions I need to ask. I do understand the price is very high, and I do not know what I am getting, as a pup, and I'm taking a big risk; however, my husband and I, have decided we are getting this puppy. Maybe we're crazy to spend that kind of money, but if all checks out in bloodline health records - although no guarantee our pup will be perfectly healthy, but will be good indicators of likelihood - that pup will be ours, for better or worse. Weighing all the information I have gathered from the posts on here, I have a much better understanding of my risks with a puppy, and if we are willing to lay it on the line and trust our gut - in spite of the risks and much higher cost for this pup, we at least know what we are getting into and downfalls. Only time will tell. No matter what, I will love this dog as part of my family.

Thats a good point! I have given dogs away to good homes as money is never the thing for me. Maybe it should be Im always in the hole.