Reputable breeder..VON DEN WILDEN RABBITS? - Page 2

As usual Bob, you nailed it right on. For all these reasons, I wpuld be VERY hesitant to buy a pup without at least one, preferably several visits. After all, with just one visit you may be seeing the pup on an off day and bypass a real winner. Or, conversely, you may see her on a very good day and be setting yourself up for disappointment. It is my opinion that the purchase of a pup should be a lifelong commitment and so deserves all the due diligence you can put into it. One thing too, that always raises a red flag with me is when someone says, "You had better buy this pup now, I have ten other people who are interested." My response to this is usually to take myself (and my checkbook) elsewhere.

Bob you are a shrewd man. Thanks!

To PSP and I quote you. "You had better buy this pup now, I have ten other people who are interested." This sounds just like my realtor trying to close a deal with me this past summer. I ran like a bat in the wind. "You had better buy this PROPERTY now, I have ten other people who are interested."

I buy darned few dogs sight-unseen, and (usually, anyway) only then from people I either know personally and have dealt with in person on many occasions, or a puppy from a close friend of theirs, as when one buys a puppy one is only buying the pedigree of the puppy. (All puppies are a gamble no matter who you buy them from in my book ;) As for the "concentrated bloodlines" thing: es, I have to agree with you there. Most of the working dog breeders in the US are painting themselves right into a corner with Fero and Mink. That's why I have kept my own program essentially free of both... One of these days these people are going to NEED lines free of those two dogs... unles, of course, they're going to try to raise the dead so-to-speak, and I HAVE what they're gonna need! ;) ( See Carol vom Arolser Holz, Portia vom Haus Roecker, Gabi Arolser Holz, ) I also agree wholeheartedly with Bob-O about the relationship with your breeder, nearly impossible when you purchase a puppy overseas without actually meeting the breeder in person. Many foreign breeders will not send their best pups to the US because they know the puppy will likely go into "the backyard of obscurity" over here. US breeders, at least the better ones, (like ME! ;) will bend over backwards to help you achieve as much success as possible with pups from their breedings throughout the lifetime of the dog and into the future as you become fast friends. We are often available 24/7 for advice and support, especially for novice handlers/breeders, where our European counterparts may not even return your calls and/or e-mails. Aslo, please be aware that European breeders typically guarentee puppies only as far as their ability to walk off their property on their own four legs. Once out the garden gate they're YOUR problem! If you don't care for the excellent working litter I have on the ground right now, (priced extremely reasonably to potential working homes) or any of the other fine litters available in this country nowadays, and are insistent on purchasing a pup from Germany, may I reccommed a litter my friend Horst has: 2x Weltmeister "Eros von der Mohnwiese und Xita vom Werraland" www.arolser-holz.de After some 40-50 yrs. Horst produces a consistency which is hard to beat. He is NOT breedings dogs for his living and, after having bought at least a dozen dogs from his I can swear that he is a truly wonderful man to deal with. Good luck whatever you decide Andrea. Shelley Strohl 610-392-7197 www.frauengarten.net

I agree about going to see the litter, but also would warn that some are very adept at making their dogs appear to be the best and they the best breeders. Currently one I has waited months and months for the registration on a dog that was adopted because the breeder had no room for her. Said she was abused and she wanted her out of her kennel. Promised the dog free and clear with the papers if she paid the shipping charges which she did. My friend took this dog in good faith, has worked with her religiously. Although this breeder has been contacted multiple times and she has promised the registration since before NASS, still no papers. Not a matter of their not being available due to some screw up by AKC or SV. The dog is AKC registered already, all it takes is to transfer that registration. This breedeer is a poster to this board, one who promotes herself loud and clear as an ethical breeder. Another I know of is also still waiting for the registration form although the dog has been in their possession for months now, the litter is still not AKC registered. The dog is paid for, there is no excuse for this breeder not having registered this litter although it now appears that this is a habit with this particular person. Again, one who talks a lot about his/her own ethics. Talks the talk, does not walk the walk. Neither of these breeders are in Germany, both here in the US actively breeding and showing and actively cheating buyers. I would venture to bet thtat if a newibe went to either of their kennels for a look see they would be most impressed. What a pity. I would always suggest that before you buy a dog from anyone to find out who else has puchased from that person. Don't ask the breeder, go on every GSD list and post the query asking for a private response. You might be shocked what you learn. Shame on you 2 for not giving the papers with these dogs. You both can be glad I don't have one of them.

A breeder who does not provide proper reg. with their dogs is headed for a very short career. Always ask for references.

Let's hope.

Try Fruend German Shepherds. She is in Michigan and affiliated with Zwinger Sch..... last I heard. I hope that helps.

(This is a little off the subject but Mosemcr said "Even try looking at some Canadian breeders. They have some great dogs there as well and they wont rape your wallet" I am currently in the process of importing a female pup. I have spoken to several breeders in Germany about their upcomming litters and most of time I have been able to get the pup with shipping for $1500. In the US most of the time its $1500 plus shipping. Just an FYI...) >>>> Thats exactly why I am importing one. I know there are several good breeders in the US, but its higher in price HERE by the time you get shipping in it. I have e-mailed alot of breeders here and got a price range about $1500+$300 shipping. I then looked at some in germany and was almost shocked to see they are only about $850 + $500 shipping. Some breeders have "import pups" and selling them for a ridiculous amount of money. But just curious what kennel are you getting your from?

GSDandrea email me privately and I will be happy to share the kennel names with you. Shawn