Need advice with regard to getting new pup/dog - Page 1

Hi, I am lurking at the posts and thought I would ask the "higher ups" on here.

I am in the process of getting a new pup or tad older dog, and not sure what is the best choice.  I don't care much for drives, just want a family friend, that is good with the kids both young/old, elderly, non dog aggressive, just a pretty happy dog for the family.  Unfortunately we were in a position and purchased a dog from a breeder and the dog had a heart issue and hip problem and breeder would not help with anything, as they said it was over the 2 year mark by only a week.  I don't care to speak with him.

First possible breeder was www.kreativekennels.com in CA. He has a nice boy 1 y/o and also a 8 mo. female.  I saw some posts that he is one of the largest seller in GSDs in the USA, but from past posts on here, I am getting mixed feelings about him, as I am hearing too costly, grounds are not in good shape, 150 dogs in kennels, situations not good for dogs, etc.  So I've deleted him, although the dogs seemed nice. 

Second is www.Weberhaus.com .  in Kansas.  Breeder has a lovely all black boy 3 months old, with fabulous temperament, wants him in a good home.  Low drive, wants him in a loving home.  Did some research and can only find good info, nothing bad anywhere, unless I've missed something.  I have not seen the dog as I'm in NY, but going by her recommendation.

Third is www.liberatore.com.  Not sure if that is correct, but Liberatore Shepherds is in Maine.  Has a lovely, from photo that is, 1  ish boy with no aggression towards dogs, is handler friendly, will work for food and was told he is a very kind dog.  Saw just a photo, but again, I can't find any negative feedback on the breeder.

Last was Hidden Valley GSD's in Ohio.  Breeder has some fabulous HUGE puppies, all ready for homes, and breeder recommended her blue collar boy to me, as she said he is inquisitve, outgoing and a character.  Pups raised in her home with her children all the time.  www.freewebs.com/willowvalleygsd  is their site.  She said the blue collar boy was best choice and he was highly social.

Before I jump into a purchase of another dog, I need to be sure, and the investigating on my end won't pull up anything.  After dealing with a horrible breeder, I'm hesitant to buy anything site unseen, as we did that with the other breeder, and got "screwed."  Along with a costly price for a dog (3,000), later I found out he charged me 750 to ship the dog.  I spent 16,000 in vet bills, and the AKC is looking into their practices.  I was surprised that they would even help me, but they said they want all bills from day one, plus the contract with how much paid, etc., w hich is now being sent to the AKC's case management unit. 

Could REALLY use some VERY dear advice, please, before I make another costly mistake.  Comments/suggestions are open. 

Thank you.

Amanda - would prefer phone calls if at all possible, or PM me here.  I would like to give one of these nice people an answer, just unsure and afraid of making another very costly mistake.  Thanks.  914-374-7656

You in NY there is a lot of good breeders in your are, why not check them out first :), at least you will be able to go and meet  them. If you need links to any breeders PM me and I will be more than happy to provide few to start your research. Any way good luck :).

I agree you'd be better off dealing with someone close to you and seeing thing's first hand.

And don't pay a fortune for what your looking for.   A healthy dog of pet quality doesn't cost that much.

And big breeder dose not always equal better quality. :)

"I don't care much for drives, just want a family friend, that is good with the kids both young/old, elderly, non dog aggressive, just a pretty happy dog for the family." - ateanybit

this is similar to the type of gsd i will be wanting so i looked at the kennels as if i were considering buy a pup. first i agree looking locally is the best idea this way you can go and meet the pups and at least the dam before hand and see how they are being raised for yourself.  but if you live a longs ways from any breeder you wish to work with then buying long distance can be a good experience but you really need to trust your instincts and be willing to walk away if you feel the slightest twinge.  we bought a card corgi and had her flown from or to tx and are very happy. they were great breeders did a great job with socializing her even to kids - we have 2 and the pup puts up with everything they do, so imo this early socialization is a must for family companions. anyway we couldn't have asked for a better experience. we also have had the flip side experience - we bought a gsd from a local breeder and she was nuts - we consider him a rescue and we couldn't get away from her quick enough:) we've also had every experience in between:)  no matter always be careful.

here's my take on the breeders you listed. kreative & liberatore look like they breed primarily for protection and & police work, if it were me i wouldn't really look at kennels that breed for the this type of temperament especially when buying site unseen, unless of course someone recommended a specific breeder & a specific breeding that they felt fit my needs. the reason i would not look at these gsds is because they are generally bred for a harder drive then i'm looking for. 

weber haus & willow valley both look promising. i ran a search on this board and no one has said anything one way or another about either of these breeders but they are both small breeders so no big surprise there.  again if it were me:) i am found of west german working lines because i find them to have nice even temps and it's not hard to find one that has a moderate drive. also i tend to favor smaller breeders who raise their pups in their homes instead of in a kennel because that socializes them to typical household noises which is what they will be moving into. so both weber & willow have appeal.

at weber haus are you looking at their 'e' litter? specifically Echo z Vom Weberhaus? the parents look nice and the description of a balanced drive would be attractive to me and i like this pups expression -lol.  at willow are you looking at - LONG COAT LITTER ~ "C" BORN July 30, 2008 Sire: Bacardi Dam: Sidney - this litter sounds very nice as well, and they are adorable:). but i do have a question about the choice. why the blue male instead of the purple male? the purple male description sounds closer to what you described.  on the website the blue collar male is described as having a lot of drive and first to meet you; both of these traits don't seem particularly mellow characteristics, sounds more outgoing then what you describe. where as the purple is described as - laid back - sounds more moderate temp.

sorry not much help about the specific breeders don't know if you will end up with having problems down the line with health concerns like your other gsd, which is a very sad experience - i think most people who have had dogs have their share of sad stories but it's like throwing salt in the wound when the breed is cold hearted or deceptive.

just thought - have you contacted suzanne clothier Hawks Hunt German Shepherds i think she's in far north ny if she doesn't have any pups she might know someone near you http://www.flyingdogpress.com/gsds.html

if you are in new york and looking for a good working line pup with super tempermant and health there is a guy in long island that i have seen breeding super consistant dogs from his program and he has a very strong following. plus he is a trainer not just a breeder so he breeds the same type of dogs he likes to train..

check out his website www.haussimpkins.com

i dont think he has anything avaialable now but i am on his waiting list for a pup out of his bitch nikki i have seen 4 generations from her and i am very impressed she is due to be bred in november or december of this year

I got his pup :). No, I am the proud owner of one pup from his breeding program :). My pup is out of Cona absolutely love the dog, his male is just outstanding producer, I seen some of his male progeny, they all are  just amazin, perfectly balanced dogs, everything in the right place. Plus Steve dose not like to b/s and that is always good.

You didn't hear longer coat are special ;) hihihhi Yeah there is no reason to charge more for long coats :)

I third Steve at Haus Simpkins  I got a pup from him last year   When no-body would listen to me Steve not only listened to me but got me exactly what I wanted.  A year and a half later Gunner is by far the best dog I ever owned. He is much more than I could ever imagined.   Steve is one of the top breeders around.