New to GSD in Texas - Page 1

Hello everyone!

I am new to GSD and are looking for a male puppy, maybe in Texas as we live in Houston and would like to visit the kennels.  I would like to find a dog that is well balanced with all the great charachterististics of a German Shepherd.  This dog will mostly be a pet as I recently got married and are planing to have kids in a few years.  We would like however to get involved with a local club and have hm participate to earn his titles.

From what I have read, we know we preffer to stay away from American Lines.  We are not sure if we prefer working lines or show lines (It seems like a mixture of both would be perfect!).  We would like to visit a few kennels and have contact with both types before making up our mind.

Can anyone recommend reputable breeders in Texas of either show or working lines?  Please feel free to email, or send private message.  Thanks! 

JAU

          There are a lot of GSD breeders in Texas. The best thing to do, especially if you plan on having children AND you plan on training an in tact for sport, is to do a lot of research regarding a potential dog/puppy's pedigree. They say that dogs out of German show lines are generally more "mellow." But in the end, variation WITHIN groups is greater than variation BETWEEN groups. The best thing to do is to find a reputable breeder fairly close to you that you can establish a trusted rapport with. A person like that may be more likely to not steer you toward an inappropriate animal as he or she may have a little more at stake as a business person. Then there always is a guilt factor. But the breeders I deal with on an ongoing basis have much more to gain from selling me the dog I want than just getting rid of something they don't want. And the close proximity will give you the option of seeing at least the dam in person, along with the puppies, possibly several times.

          You might consider progeny out of dogs that are noted for their stability. At the same time you may have to sacrifice a little in prey drive. I have a sense you already know that because of your considering a dog of mixed show/work type. In the end its difficult to know what you will end up with exactly with a very young puppy so you might even consider an older puppy that has some training. And how you socialize the dog is going to be very important. Having the puppy and the child "grow up" together might have some advantages.

          I think you have a lot of options so you need to make a number of choices best suited to your situation. Do research on the breeder, get references from customers, possibly stick to a kennel you can visit several times, view the animal you want to buy, and keep your options open.

          There is one male that is actually known for being "child safe." There have been some issues with how he has been managed over the last two years. But for a young dog (4 yrs at that time) he was multi-titled, has gone VA1 in Denmark at least twice, was V8 two years ago at the World Sieger Show. At one point he was one of the top ten stud dogs in Germany. And you will also hear some criticisms, as you will about every dog. But I think looking into this dog's progeny might be a good place to start. His name is Dux von Jabora. If you look at the Videx sieger show impressions, they have a lovely photo of him and some comments. He's also in the database. (I know about Dux because we have one of his sons. He's a goodlooking dog of correct size and structure. Very nice topline and overall harmonious impression and a powerful, fluid gait. He's a versatile dog that is doing well in training. He was a late bloomer so he is actually exceeding expectations. He's doing his protection training now and we might end up breeding him instead of putting him into service. And that's another thing to check - the dam's and sire's progeny.)

Good luck! Feel free to keep in touch.

Leon.

Check out this breeder.  She's awesome : - }  Let her know Anna and Chaos sent you her way......

http://www.archangelgermanshepherds.com

From your email it sounds like you need to do a lot more research into the breed before deciding on kennels.  First and foremost is what you plan on doing with the dog.  Mostly a pet is a lot easier to look for and the price will certainly be lower than a dog that you plan on working.  When you mean working do you mean getting their BH, AD, and Schutzhund titles?  Getting the dog V-rated?  If you do, then you'll have to put a LOT of time, work and money into the process. 

Working lines tend to be a little more high strung and prey-driven.  Watch Animal Planet's K-9 Cops for a little sample of the dogs.  Show lines can are less high drive and prey-driven, but of course there are always puppies within showlines litters that are more high drive and strong willed than others and will need lots of training and guidance.  Whether working or showlines, they are still German shepherds so they all need lots of time for exercise and training.  You really want to focus on temperament; both of the parents and individual puppies in a litter and that's where it can sometimes be difficult to get answers from some kennels.  It doesn't matter who the parents are if the puppy you're getting doesn't match your personality, time, and patience.

I suggest you get into the database's messageboard archive.  There have been lots of great discussions about working vs. show, training and titling, hip scores, etc.  Keep in mind that if you go to a kennel that has working lines that they'll say they're superior to showlines and vice versa if you visit a showline kennel.  You really need to educate yourself and evaluate your lifestyle and goals so you know what questions to ask.   You can also research kennels with this database, see progeny, etc.  which will help you when you're ready to make a decision.

"You really need to educate yourself and evaluate your lifestyle and goals"  by momofbeckett

This is very good point.

Before you decide on wark vs show make sure it fits in your lifestyle, GSD's tend to be very active dogs, and they will expect you to keep up with them, they are very social, they will not be intresting in staying in the back yard and playing by them self, so make sure you can allocate fair amount of time for their needs. Work need more exercise then show, but you can still end up with a pup from showlines that will be just as active, make sure you do you homework, learn how to pick a right dog before breeder do it for you so you can check if his decision makes sens. Other than that good luck.

Thank you all for your comments and advice! 

I have been doing research for the past month or so on these topics (Defenitly not an expert)....  And I think we would be a better match with show line.

I am looking into the following breeders.  Any feedback is greately appreciated.  Please PM, or email me if you preffer.

Nevada Haus, Nobleheim, Gerdeshaus, Von Jagendstadt, EurosportK9, Fenwald, Fleischerheim.

Thanks!

JAU 

all are reputable. I have a female pup sired by Nevada haus top male Voltan, but bred by Von der Burg Rubin.  another reputable breeder.  Prices will be high on Fleischerheim and Nevadahaus.  Gerdeshaus is about an hour from me and also very nice reputable people, though you will find they breed mainly workingline, I love Arkan. Fenwald has been around forever, though they recent;y just moved to Texas and Eurosport's reputation speaks for itself

smaller though just as reputable breeders are Fernheim gsds, germelhaus, dornburg, Vom Tal Der Schatten, von der burg rubin these are in northern texas though.

Von Jagendstadt

I know Andrew personally, and have a dog from his male, affectionately known as "Little Man".  "Little Man" produces nice dogs with the drive and ability to work, but have no issue being a couch potato either.

I would never hesitate to allow children to climb all over Gallon.  He runs in my yard with my other dogs, big and small, intact and neutered, and don't have any issues with him there.

I have used him in the past, and will use him in the future as my assistance dog, and he does great out in public and a model citizen.  A wheelchair pullin' fool, I might add.

Andrew is above reproach in his business dealings, and backs his dogs completely.  I don't think that I have ever heard anyone say anything negative about him at all.

And, no, I am not being paid for this commentary....Altho, Grin, maybe I should be......

hopefully you're aware that the "nationals" will be held at "TRIPLE CROWN'S FACILITY",if you time/lifestyle doesn't dictate dealing with a "full tilt" WORKING DOG,select from the "SHOW LINES",of course if you're leaning towards a puppy...they all tend to be little"buttheads"(working or show),so be prepared to get busy with crate training,obedience,management,ect.,ask TWO breeders or trainers or breeders the same question and get THREE different answers!!at a major trial hopefully you'll be able to speak with knowledgeable people from both spectrums(work/show) to get a better idea of the "TYPE" of pup that will fit your programe....a top level working pup,that may never see work is basically a waste,a top show prospect that's never shown...why bother?i've personally seen combos(work/show) that were decent,but it's not a concrete formula.....and most people that select this type of pup have the idea of "A BEAUTIFUL WORKING DOG",seldom happens!in the texas area i like"VON DEN RABEN FLUGEL,BOORMAN HAUS,MELLODEE MIDDLETON'S BREEDINGS,VON ZWART,surely some will bash my selections,however i have seen dogs from these kennels/breeders and i haven't seen any that i didn't like!

Hi and welcome to the GSD world!  I am also in Texas, but in the Dallas area.  Texas has a lot of good breeders.  I know of some in more my neck of the woods, but if you don't mind driving, PM me and I can share.  I know you were wanting to stick to local so you can see the kennels in person which is always an excellent idea, but don't be afraid to research out of state breeders as there are some very trustworthy ones who can assist you in getting the right dog for you. We got both of our dogs sight unseen from out of state breeders and it turned out great.  We actually have a female from german showlines and a male from german working lines.  Our male is actually more mellow than our female, but also has great drive to work and do sports when he's in the mode.  He is great with people, dogs, and even our cat, he has a very stable temperament and is a great family companion.  Our female is wonderful too, she is very protective, extremely loyal and loving with her family, but has dog aggression issues and can be a little "nervy" at times.  I've been told that showlines aren't exactly known for their stability, but as always, that does not apply to every dog, just as every working line german shepherd isn't crazy bouncing off the walls.  They both need daily exercise of course and we do keep them pretty active by taking them lots of places and by ongoing training. They are also both indoor dogs, so they get a lot of interaction with us, and they've learned how to have good indoor manners.  Overall they are both great house dogs and relax well in the home.   Good luck and please post pics of your pup once you've made your choice.