What should I be looking for?? - Page 1

Would someone with the time explain to me the right questions I should be asking in my search for a quality GSD puppy?  I think I know the general stuff, but then I see things like BH titles, stamps, and ZW ratings and I see I have a lot to learn!  I will be purchasing a puppy to be a family pet.  I guess I got lucky on my last shepherd as he was super intelligent, very well behaved, etc.  All help is greatly appreciated!

Can you see the parents? can you pet them?, see them work? or see videos (pictures lie)

What were they looking for when they bred these two dogs together? drives, temperaments, structure ( a good breeder will go in to details).

Did they train/raise the dogs themselves? if yes they truely know the corks of the dogs (again a good breeder will talk about his dogs), if no - How long have they had the dogs before they bred them? If not long then they really don't know the ins and outs of the dog(s)

Do they have vet , friends and client referrals? a good breeder will have a list of people that are more then happy to talk (brag) about thier babies

What about health problems? if they say NONE ask how long they have been breeding? if they say years RUN as fast as you can to the door!!reason being is ALL breeders have some type of problem (this is a animal and GSD at that). A honest breeder will step up and admitt  they have. Either the breeder does not care to check up on his puppies and have people OFA them or is just flat out lying.

You are wanting a pet so ask how do they know this is going to be a pet and not TAZ? what test do they do?

Ask how they socialized and raised the puppy? Was it in the house under foot (learning all the household noises or was it in the back yard in a kennel?) was it taken out to learn how to walk on different surfaces?, around loud noises? different people? other animals? was it handled daily (played with it's feet, looked it is mouth, being touch from head to toe?)

Do they give a spay/nuetered discount? since it is going to be a family pet.

Just some questions off the top of my head. Hope that helps

ChBailey,  I agree with everything stated above....

The only thing I would add is seriously ask this breeder if they will be there for you when you need them...   When you have a question that you think is silly,  Your breeder should answer with there are no silly questions and be willing to spend whatever time is needed to address your concerns.

I would absolutely reinterate that you SHOULD go see ALL the dogs,  ask to interact with them,  and if your not comfortable or if the breeder is not comfortable something may be amiss and this may not be the right person for you and therefore the wrong dog as well.

Be comfortable,  If you can not be comfortable asking this breeder questions go look for someone you can be comfortable with.  The relationship you will form with this breeder should be one YOU feel will last a VERY Long time,  much longer than the life of the pup you will purchase from them.

Good Luck in your search and don't hesitate to ask for further help if you need it,  But I think it's pretty well summed up by EK vonEarnhardt !

We learned also to look for a breeder who asks YOU questions about your life style, how the pup is going to fit into your family, where it will live etc. It is very difficult for the breeder to  match  you with the right puppy if they dont even know  what you are looking for. Hubby spent 3 hours on the first phone call with the breeder we got our new pup from and it helps so that you can explain your expectations for the pup and define terms so you are both on the same page. If the breeder doesnt ask you anything I would look elsewhere.

why don't you start with the rescue groups or shelters?  If you are only looking for a pet, I'm sure there is a dog out there looking for you.

If you dont want to go that route, I would probably look for a puppy that is linebred 2-2 on Mink or atleast Crok.

Good luck!

Agree with Don Corleone on this one.  The shelters and rescue groups are full of great dogs and if you are looking for a pet they would be a great place to start.

Cole

Hey Don, they want a dog, not an alligator, LOL.

Veronica

I know.  If I don't tell at least fifty jokes a day, I will go home and drive my wife nuts!

Thanks for some of the help and advice offered! 

And just because I don't plan on showing my dog or making it into a working dog doesn't mean I should settle for a mangy mutt at the local pound.  I love and appreciate the magnificence of german shepherds just like everyone else on this website, that's what kind of dog I want to live with for the next 13 years or so!

One thing too, don't be tempted that when you go to visit breeders that if they have a litter on the ground that they'd like you to meet. 

You can get tempted on the spot very easily with an adorable German Shepherd puppy!