still looking - Page 1

I like what I have seen so far on line and in reports of the Von wilhendorf kennel any comments on that kennel ?  you can pm me with your thoughts as I am not interested in boosting or bashing anyone on here

 thank you

Cindy

I don't think there is a kennel with a better reputation.

thank you,

my hubby has a 9 yr old lars son.  wonderful dog.  (out of a jeck dau)  their prices are plenty high, but then they all are :)

pjp

They are very competitive in breeding and showing high-line GSDs in the U.S. and are quite reputable as such. If you are looking for a beautiful pet or a dog for showing in German-style conformation, they would be a good place to look.

If you are looking for a dog for schutzhund sport, they wouldn't be on my list of breeders to deal with. Also, for a pet, the puppies are probably priced on the high side--but that's up to each individual and their budget to determine

I am actually looking for a pet, that will have activities....... I am interested in tracking.... and possibly cadaver work or arson detection.

 This will be my first GSD, although not  my first dog or my first time training a dog, just my first time training for this type of work. I have always had Labs in the past for hunting, now I am not hunting like I use to and my interests have changed, I have looked at a lot of different breeds and have settled on a GSD, however it is not easy finding a breeder as I really have no contacts in the GSD world. I do know that I have looked at some dogs and I like the west german look and attitude of the ones I have looked at. I don't like the 2500.00 and up price tags that most of the pups have............. not sure if that is normal or not

 Thanks

Cindy

bump

Hi Cindy,

I don't know where you are located, but big breeders like John Henkel (Wilhendorf), Julie Martinez (Mittelwest) or Tracy Bullinger (Bullinger) usually always have puppies available or can pinpoint within 2 months or so when they are ecpecting a new litter.

Small scale breeders (like me) usually have a waitinglist for patient interested prospective owners. But mother nature often does not play along, i.e. females not coming into heat when expected, staying empty, wrong genders, long coats (or not), and and and!! Don't we all know about that, ha ha! That is why I emphasized on being patient!

You write that you like the "West German look"? Are you talking about the "classic" black and red/tan conformation lines? If so, you need to carefully look around and find a puppy out of good parents with a proven track record and lines. Pets can be found in all litters, but puppies suitable for SAR, cadaver detection etc. have to be carefully picked. While showlines do have the ability to do that kind of work, it is often among these lines where you find breeders not focusing on workability. At the same time, workingline breeders usually do not have "looks" in mind in their planned litters. As mentioned before, you need to do your homework with plenty of research. This site here is an excellent place to do so, after you wade through some nasty comments. So, don't be afraid to ask questions here. There is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid answers!

If you do want showlines with workability in mind, you might want to develop a rapport with a small breeder, either in person, by email or telephone. I am guessing that you are in the Northern part of the East coast? There should be plenty of breeders around. I am going by an emphasis on breedinng with titled parents, but Wilmothhaus in Ohio or Haus Mansfield in CT come in mind. Randy in Virginia might have something planned for fall (Dog 1 here on the PDB) and I have a German bred litter due in fall as well (hopefully). My female in Germany is due soon and will be bred to V-Nick vom Holtkämper Hof. In addition, I have plans for a litter out of VA-Hoss vom Hirmer Teich. My girl is overdue already, which can happen since she is now 6 years old. There are other breeders, of course which I can't think of right now. But if you let us know the geographic location, you will get more recommendations.

Good luck and be patient and don't rush into anything.

Chris

Chris is right.  You are much better with a small quality breeder.    Have you talked to John at Wilhendorf about what he charges for his puppies?  If money is not a consideration go for it.

If you do your homework and take your time you can get exactly what you want a quality puppy at a price you are comfortable with.

I remeber Wookie who lives in New England was looking for about the same kind of pup your looking for last fall she took her time visited a bunch of breeders and wound up getting a beautiful healthy GSD puppy from a small quality breeder in Massachusetts.

Best of luck to you.

Cindy, consider working GSD, they make wonderful pets as well. I have a female from von Stephenitz kennel in PA she makes great everyday companion, as well even better babysitter for kids, she is active, and intelligent and looks are just amazing (if you like sable). But another reason to get working line is pups is because they are not as expensive, and in my opinion of better quality (temperament, drive wise) Working lines really love to please. I myself considered Von wilhendorf  but the price it’s simply not justify for a pet. I still think that he has one of the best dogs I ever seen but after owning my first working line female I don't really want to go back. I have no prejudice towards any lines (expect am). Go with your instincts. Good luck.

I am recommending Von Stephenitz to you only because their dogs are well balanced, they have outstanding characters, and Steve and his family socializes the pups well. Good luck.