I'm new and asking... - Page 1

Hello everyone, I am new to this site and most eager to hear your thoughts. Please be gentle. What a wealth of knowledge here!  I’ve tried reading specific topics that hopefully would help me ask the right questions. So, I thank you in advance for taking time out of your day to help me and hopefully be of help to other new folks as well. I’ve noticed folks saying to know what you’re looking for and that will be helpful in narrowing down a breeder.  So here goes.  I’m looking for a companion GSD (male) puppy or young dog. No plans of showing him. The health of this future family member is vital to me. I do not want to experience the horror of finding a otherwise healthy 9 year old GS dead for no apparent reason : (  That was an Easter I shall never forget.  We live rural, so I am committed to taking my dog to places and around people to make sure he is socialized properly. I’ve done all the informal training with my dogs in the past and they’ve been wonderful inside dogs and were often complimented by guests/family. My GS’s have either been from the Human Society or a litter I found in the newspaper. After all I’ve read here, I see the importance of going through a responsible and trustworthy breeder. What recommendations would you offer for a reputable breeder in the Oregon area? I would sure love to have another Tan and Black (saddleback) male.  Many thanks!

Welcome, and hope you find the database to be informative and helpful in the future as well as now. I don't know of any breeders in your area, but someone on here may!

Thanks CMills...that's my hope.

Plan on a road trip!

Go see Heidi at Theishof,
http://www.theishof.com/ContactUs.html

Heidi works and titles her own dogs.
She will spend the time with you to ensure you get the right fit.
Black and tan tend to be more predominant in showlines,
but you can also find "saddleback" in working lines as well.

You could also try Randy Tyson-Witmer, another quality breeder of showlines.
She has also likely forgot more than most will know about dogs.
http://www.witmertyson.com/

Good luck!

Thank you Workingdogz. I am totally up for road trips and knew that would most likely be the case living on the West Coast and rural to boot. I was beginning to get discouraged that no one was replying. I'm very excited to start this new journey...so thanks again.

Welcome to the board 50ish. Do your research and don't be afraid to look around (out of your area). I know of a VERY good breeder and have had a great experience with. I to have gone down the road of owning poorly bred GSD's. It the worst thing in the world!!!  Didn't do my homework. If you IM me I will give you a name and contact number. I would just post it here, but I don't want this thread to be derailed. Anyway, best of luck to you on your search. Be careful!
                         Take Care     Pete

50ish
I second Heidi, she can help you... the roads have been great, not that far and she is welcoming, breeding her dogs for ever (Nope she is not old) and she knows her lines like the back of her hand. Screens her dogs, works her dogs, titles her dogs even runs in the circle with her dogs to get ratings.
She has excellent service, good dogs and she actually is a very knowledgeable about German shepherds....
She breeds truly nice working/show line dogs.
She lives in Idaho, but not far from the Oregon border (Ontario), maybe 40 minutes, and hour?

The breeder that was already reccomended is great, also I would also JUMP at the chance to get a dog out of Razzy (Brazen) from Melinda at vom Gildaf (last breeding this year) or Peter, Razzy's son also at vom Gildaf.  Temperments outstanding, hips outstanding, dogs very balanced and DM clear, plus they are stunning.

I third Heidi. She does all the necessary health checks including DM and titles her dogs.

You guys are GREAT! I am so thankful to have choices now as well as recommendations and why. Exactly what I was hoping for. Something I am wondering though...how can you select a puppy when they are already sold before the litter has even arrived? It's a little hard for me to imagine having someone put such an important decision in your hands for the next (hopefully) 12-15 years that you've not chosen yourself?