Question to Working Line Breeders - Page 4

4 litters.

1st litter that is 7 yrs, 8 pups. 2 SchH1, 1 2X SchH3 IPO3, the other 5 in active pet homes.

2nd litter of 5 that turns 6 on Wed. 1 SchH3 AWD1, 1 SAR, 1 BH that is also titled in agility and dock diving. The other two unfortunately the handler never titled (life got in the way).

3rd litter of 6 that are 2.5. 1 BH, 2 BH OB1 TR1 (one of these will also be doing SAR) and will both have their SchH1 this year. 4th working on his BH. 2 pets.

4th litter of 7 that will be 16 months on Thursday. 4 in SchH homes. I expect all to be titled. 3 in very active pet homes. They may title in obedience or agility, but were purchased mostly as pets.

So, that is 26 puppies with 12 either titled or in working homes. Hard part is finding working/sport homes where the handlers stay motivated to title.

I'd hate to admit having anything in common with Vickie or Molly, but I'm also a lab hater :-)

I haven't bred a public litter for a couple years now, but I was steadily getting between a half to two thirds of my pups to (intended) working homes.  Probably close to half of those clients don't follow through, but I'm pleased for the ones that do.  Overall, I put more weight on evaluating what I've produced by the ones I've held back myself.  I get some very valuable feedback from some of my clients, but I don't assume many are experienced or objective enough to overly rely on the information they provide.

This diagram quickly illustrates my targeted breeding ideal.  I want to produce dogs that can be completely safe and reliable in family social settings, can settle down and are handler willing, that can quickly focus with sufficient drive and a trainable mind to accomplish the requirements of sport, and have the courage, hardness and persistance to withstand the pressures of real work.  They should also have the clear headed discriminating sense that would otherwise surpress, but would also allow the invocation of strong social aggression when given the proper context.



My opinion is, that most handlers concerned for the emphasis of serious working potential in their upcoming prospects, are readily willing to import themselves or buy through a broker, and don't commonly seem to consider purchasing from a U.S. breeder.  Can't say I would blame them.  I've tried myself to be openminded, but the potential is still very high for disappointment.  Breeders of like-mind that attempt to work in alliance together, later on get a knife in the back.  Look at the general behavior on this board.  And nobody seems to be able to agree on common goals.  Welcome to America.

I'll give you numbers.

Litter 1: 5 pups. 1 laidback female to a pet home. 1 male who we thought had an undescended testicle (came down later, kicked myself for that one) in a pet home, 1 male in pet/obedience/PPD home, 1 female in an AKC competion home (now VCD1, SG rated), and one female to a breeder, now V, SchH1, KKL1.

Litter 2: 4 pups. 1 very laidback male to a pet home, showed him once for fun, VP rated, 1 LC female to a pet home, 1 non-show but drivey male to a proven AKC OB/junior/rally home, 1 female we kept, SG rated, 3 AKC titles and working on her SchH1.

I like to breed a dog that can be either/or, and of course in any litter you will get a variety of personality. I do try to put a drivier dog with a buyer who wants to do something, and the occasional more laidback puppy in a companion home- because yes, most people who contact me want a companion. The GSD is supposed to be a versatile breed and there's no reason a correctly bred, stable dog cannot be both in the right hands.


edit: I'm not a WL breeder, btw, SL.

Thanks Bob and thanks for all the responses from everyone else.------------------------------------------------------- Daryl, I agree with your point about holding back to evaluate too. I know as a lesser known breeder, it can be difficult to find well known or super knowledgable handlers to give you a chance. So if you have a litter of 6 and 4 of them go to beginner handlers, it's not a fair shake either. Thanks again for responding, all! I'd give my kennel's numbers, but I usually have 20+ litters a year and since I have 4 different breeds and I just added Great Danes in anticipation of a demand from the movie, Marmaduke, I don't have time to keep track of all the pups. Heck, I don't even have time for vet visits. ;p

It is difficult to find working homes that the puppies will be brought to their potential. By keeping half litters, raising and training them you can more accurately gage what you are producing. Yes, if you think there is absolutely no money in it, you're right BUT I know for certain that at least half ARE working and in a real life situation to boot. In that way I can ensure the dogs really are working.

If an experienced handler wanted one of mine I would gladly give them one for free.

Melissa

Geez Vickie - really?  more drama, please.    duh.

* "I'd give my kennel's numbers, but I usually have 20+ litters a year and since I have 4 different breeds and I just added Great Danes in anticipation of a demand from the movie, Marmaduke, I don't have time to keep track of all the pups. Heck, I don't even have time for vet visits. ;p" *

-- Holy Cows is right. Gezzzzzzz

Here's my working dog taking a break. Ha Ha

Vickie,
I think Sam was joking and wanted to see who will bite! He got you, lol!

Thanks, Vickie! I needed a good laugh right now.