LOOKING FOR FEMALE LIGHT GREY SABLE WORKING PUPPY - Page 3

this is how se looks now(after pups , and a son of her \

Nypiper, ok, thanks for explaining what you meant.

Mambo is not too far back in the bloodline of my male and is an awesome specimen. I bought mine after a first opinion based on how he looked was backed up by his temperament and character and I agree with the notion that you have to live with the dog for 10 years plus so why not get one that's pleasing to your eye. As others have said it's a crapshoot buying pups anyway so what harm can it do to buy one you like the look of.


Good luck !! 

It must be a guy thing Vito!!! Ha
GSD...that dog is ugly in every way!!!!!


I know buying a puppy is a huge crapshoot...but the way I figure it...half the fun is reaping the rewards of your own training.  I hope to enjoy learning with my dog about schutzhund.  IMHO...anyone can buy a trained dog and reap the benefits of someone elses hard work.  I would rather enjoy the rewards knowing it was done by me and those around me.  Again...personal preference!  Plus...I am sure I will have more to learn than the dog!

I agree totaly. I bought 3 pups in the last 9 months and am enjoying the training aspect with all three.

This is one of my bitches, she's become much lighter on the body than when this was taken but has a dark face still.

http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/german_shepherd_dog/dog.html?id=746802

@GSDPACK  - I appreciate you explaining the difference. (I'm sorry if it was obvious.)

Some people prefer starting with a puppy, even if there are more risks involved.  I personally prefer to start with my own puppy rather than purchasing an adult.  

I also know that different people have different preferences in looks, color, etc... As long as the person is not picking ONLY on those looks/traits and is willing to wait for the "right" dog who also happens to possess those traits, I see nothing wrong with it.  

As for the OP's question on what to look for in a litter.  I would find a breeder who has dogs that you like, a litter where you like the parents (as the puppies should resemble the parents and grandparents at least somewhat) in temperament, working ability, looks and structure, explain to the breeder what you are looking for, what your plans/goals are and what you want in the dog, let them pick the most suitable puppy for you.  The breeder (if it is a good one) is with the puppies day after day for 8 weeks and does a lot of watching, interacting and evaluating of the entire litter.  For me, I look for a breeder who titles their dogs before breeding, has kept puppies from their own breeding to work/train/raise, keeps dogs in their house at least part time, is active with the dogs in training/trialing, etc... 

For me, I like a puppy that comes from a litter where every puppy is sound, happy, social, curious, confident, friendly, likes to play/chase/tug/bite.  Puppies will change so much between 8 weeks and becoming an adult... but if you start out with a sound happy confident puppy (from good breeding) who loves to play, interact with you, chase a rag, shows no issues with noise/environement, is able to go off and explore on their own, etc... you will have a good start IMO :)  

FWIW this person wanting a lighter grey sable really is not different then those who want dark black sables.  Or the person who wants the black/red color.  

JMO of course
Valerie

Thanks Valerie!  Of course temperment / health / pedigree/ breeder are primary...then color and look. So Valerie...if you find a great litter of all sound happy puppies....what do you look for when observing them interacting with each other / you / animals and at feeding?  Is the "alpha" always the best choice for Schutzhund???  Is ball / prey drive readily apparent at 8 weeks?  I have never had to select for "good work prospect".

Being alpha does not mean it's a good Schutzhund prospect. Yes, you can see drive at 8 weeks (earlier in fact). 

I'd recommend you find a good breeder who an help you select a good prospect. A breeder who is active in Schutzhund can help you determine that. 

I have received several good recommendations on such breeders and would love to hear some more. 

Thank you again for all the info and advice!