Import or Buy Local - Page 1

most imported puppies do not come with a guarantee,  at least in the states you receive some type of guarantee.
shipping from Europe has gotten expensive. 

there are a few people I would recommend to import, one being Eurosport K9.  they can get you what ever you like and they generally stand behind what they sell.

Jennifer

www.freewebs.com/uberland

Liz, I would NEVER recommend you to buy a dog "sight unseen". The world is full of crap dogs and slick salesmen over in Europe who can't wait to pawn off their losers onto the next unsuspecting American with an open wallet. Yes, there ARE scrupulous importers, but if you are new to the game it is just not worth the risk. There are many good dogs here in the US. Go check out the breeder, the kennels, and the dogs with your own eyes and make your decision once you have all the facts in front of you. -Yvette

Thanks,  I have definately seen some nice pups for sale in the states.  And now that I think about it, I probably would like to see parents, kennel, breeder in person.  I was just curious as to how many people have imported and were happy with the transaction and was it a smooth one. 

Liz

Liz, I recently imported a dog from Germany with the help from someone on this board named Ulli Dresbach; he goes by Oskar1 on here. It was a great experience thanks to Ulli-a very honest man with high ethical standards. You might want to check with him before making a final decision. Feel free to email me if you want more information.

Uber Land has some totally beautifull puppies.........he's local U.S.A. - Maybe Texas? There are many breeders who have wonderfull German stock dogs producing second generation puppies much closer to home......

I imported a Pakros/Hanny  puppy through Eruosport and I can recommend them. When Hero arrived he was healthy, ACTIVE, and a quality showline puppy with LOTS of drive.  I'm very pleased with my puppy. I would suggest an older puppy as the travel is quite extensive and stressful.

http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/580423.html

http://www.eurosportk9.com/

You may save a buck or two on the initial price of the puppy, but you will more then spend it on shipping pluss some. Shipping costs adds about $750 or so to the price.

A very young puppy will be in home quarenteen until its 4 months old (30 days after its first rabis shot which is admisistered at 3 months), and you will not recieve the registeration papers for up to 6 months, and to get AKC pink papers it will cost another $100.

If you choose to import a puppy, you really, really need to trust your importer - get references, check and double check references...........

So much depends on the risk you are willing to take and can afford.  You may have a higher risk and spend more money getting a dog from overseas.  Your risk factor can be lowered if you buy within the US as you can use the court system if things don't work out.

That said........  We see just as many "stuff" happened from people who bought in the US and got the short end of the stick.  
I see a dog in Germany that interests me now.  I could find a comparable dog within the US I'm sure, but these bloodlines are something I really like.  So, if I feel I can afford the risk, I will do so.

Thanks for the tips, I will be looking at all aspects before I make my final decision, the breeder I bought my male from also knows an importer with whom he has depended on for many years, I may contact him as well.  I have plenty of time, I'm not going to rush it, I will look and do some more research.  I still like the idea of actually picking out my pup, but I might find something that I like better.  Oh...... Decisions Decisions!!  LOL  Dogs!  ugh!!  lol 

Puppy shopping is PURE JOY, so take your time and enjoy!

Get a contract in writing.............

Importing into the USA as an option tends to work better for you when the US dollar is strong and you get a better exchange rate. When the dollar is weak, you  can pay up to 50% more in American $ than Euros or other currency. (Research current exchange rate before you negotiate.) Ask for price in native currency or Euros and not US dollars. (Many times prices given to Americans are intentionally inflated. (You guess why.) 
Shipping overseas can also be cost prohibitive.
Then you also have to be dealing with a seller you have strong connections to (use shameless name dropping and referrals). It helps to have family overseas, too, especially involved in breeding or possibly the military (K-9 handling). 
I would recommend chatting up breeders ahead of time. It never hurts to dangle a carrot or let people know you have other options or that you are not too desperate (even when you are literally salivating.)
If you have no connections or contacts, an importer in the USA can also be an option as they usually bring over more than one puppy at a time and pay less for each puppy - which reduces the price considerably.
If the dog/puppy is pink-papered and tattooed, you could check it out by its tattoo # with the SV prior to the purchase.
If you import it yourself, arrange to pay the shipping upon arrival at the airport instead of directly to the seller. You pay $50 -$100+ less that way.