pedigrees - Page 1

I have noticed a lot of new people on here that ask one question and then don't ask another.  I assume if they went through the trouble of finding this website just maybe they are trying to become a little more educated about the breed.  That is a good thing so the question I figured I would ask is how did everyone become as knowledgeable about pedigrees? Now remember not everybody has a sch club near by.  Not everybody wants to do sch w their dog, not because it isn't a wonderful sport but some chose to do SAR, work w police k9's, some with service dogs, pp, and some are just VERY active homes that want a dog that goes hiking etc, some have SLs.  Some like me started out as a handler.  I was lucky enough when after years of handling have a very dear friend that also started out as a handler who went on to be an amazing trainer and breeder.  She has since stopped breeding but when I said I might like to think about it she gave me a reading list told me where to go, and allowed me to pick her brain and question her endlessly. I had never looked at a pedigree I knew what type of dog I wanted and needed to fill my purpose, because I was looking for a type based on the work I wanted turns out I lucked into some pretty good dogs. But for new people pedigrees can be VERY intimating it is like reading instructions on how to put your stereo together in a different language.  I'm pretty sure organic chemistry and calculus in college were easier.  So how did you all learn it, what would you suggest to a new person wanting to get familiar with them, and what is the line you prefer and why?

I decided to comment after I did not see more knowledgable members sharing, I am not very good myself at pedigrees but I can say I learned what I did on pedigrees by searching info on specific dogs on the net, here on PDB and by asking breeders.
Things that also help are comments on dogs, siblings and offspring, and the koer reports, reading impressions and the like. Hope that helps.

Ibrahim

 Thanks Ibrahim, nice to see somebody is willing to share.

I try to learn by reading threads that speak about specific dogs. I also look at dogs pedigree that are for sale or for stud service to see the different pedigrees. And then you can compare the dogs in those pedigrees and see which ones you see in different dogs. Then compare the names of "great dogs" listed on different threads. Kinda like finding out the hottest toys around Christmas time. Look at the commercials and listening to the kids. lol
Reggie

I am also struggling to learn to read Pedigree's. I also have a very knowlegable mentor, my breeder.
She really would explain things and they would go over my head. However it's starting to sink in slowly but surely. I also try to find video's of GSD's I'm intersted in learning about. I think you really need to look at progeny and siblings and try to find there accomplishments and progress. Easier said then done. Take Care    Pete

I started by looking at dogs and noticing what they were. I would then look at their pedigree and try to group the dogs that seemed common in the pedigree that produced similar traits.

Start with your dog;  go into this data base on this forum and look up every dog, all information you can possibly gather on the dog,YOUR thoughts on the dog, write it all down then go back and study info you have dug up;  your dislikes, and what clearances you have found on the dogs in  this pedigree then go from there.  It is time consuming but worth it.  Keep this info and notes and go back every now and then and study it again.  Attend shows is you can, buy a catalog, makes notes in the catalog and when you get home look all the dogs up, study the pedigree, your likes and dislikes about the dogs you did see and keep those notes, attend the next show and compare notes and dogs.  The process is endless but very informative.  Things you are looking for at a dog show are type, workability, temperament, structure, and overall picture of the dog while showing;  where did it place in the class and why?  When you get home look up those dogs, makes notes, keep notes and go to another dog show and repeat the process.  Best of luck  and have fun,  Nan

I am on a pedigree list with some amazing people who know German Shepherds....from all over the world. They discuss pedigrees and the dogs within the pedigree. Some of the older members have witnessed some of the great dogs in person. It is a mixed group...Sch, Ring, KNVP, herding, SAR...and a very knowledgeable group. Breeders, trainers, police...etc. I also bought the WIN-SIS program.....great tool! I love pedigrees!

This database is greatly flawed....IMNSHO:-) Though it does have some nice features. A lot of untrue info!

Thanks guys!!! I am doing the same things as I said before I have always looked for a "type" of dog, I know what I need in a dog to do the work I want it to do, and I know what kind of personality in a dog works best with me.  I also know what I like when I look at a dog.  Turns out even though a couple of mine were bought on different sides of the country they had several dogs in common on the pedigrees (funny how that works :) ).  I know there are new people on here that avoid asking questions because of some of the responses they get.  Hopefully this has helped them some. Thanks again!!!