pet home bred german shepherds - Page 1

A lot of breeders advertise their pups as pet home only dogs. Can these dogs ever be trained for work etc? Some of the dogs are stunning and impressive sizes too. Would a show or working breeder allow their titled stud to sire litters with bitches bred for the pet market or is that uncommon? Views and Experiences, are welcome.

In my opinion, if a dog is sold for a pet only, it should be sold on a spay/neuter agreement on a limited registration.  At maturity there would be no option as to whether it could be breedable or not.  If a reputable breeder sells or places a dog or puppy as a pet, there is obviously a reason the breeder determines that it is "NOT TO BE BRED!"   As a stud owner, I would never breed our boy to a female sold as a pet that is not spayed, UNLESS I was able to speak DIRECTLY to the breeder that sold the female as a pet and learn why it was sold that way.  Out of respect and ethics as a  breeder, I would never go against the wishes of another breeder's terms or reason for the decision they made or make.  Thats the ethical way. JUST MY OPINION!

Just to correct myself am talking about dogs who have been bred for a few generations to be softer and family lifestyle suited xx

All German Shepherd Dogs should be able to live within a family unit,
if it has a stable temperament, if anything a Shepherd being sold
strictly as "Pet" quality seems that perhaps it has one or more faults
according to the standard,
faults that are passed on from the parents of the pup,
the name "German Shepherd Dog" should not be associated with "soft"
soft does not resonate well in my ears.....

As far as using a stud dog, a stud is used to improve on the breed and should
produce pups like himself if not better than himself.

Also being of an impressive size, must still be within standard, too big or too small
just means that already the breeder as strayed off course....

I sell all my pups as pet/companion dogs on limited registration,
cause even though you may have a well-bred
pup, he can be ruined with incorrect training, exercise, socialization, that being caused
mainly by the owner, or something that could be of unforeseen circumstances.
   I can't say what will happen to the pup after he/she leaves my home, I have an
idea and do all I can to help the new owners, but then it's totally up to them.
  
   I will reverse the limited registration upon the new owners having certified hips/elbows
and earning an obedience title equal to a CD or BH, then I know the person has proven
to be responsible enough to breed his dog and place pups.
   

 

I tend to see the opposite- dogs bred for generations for no particular purpose at all being touted as great working dogs. 

Dogs that come from bloodlines bred for larger size and softer temperaments may still make fine obedience dogs and service dogs for people with disabilities but it is doubtful that they would excel in schutzhund, police or SAR.

As far as those who own show or working line dogs allowing stud service to those who raise large, pet type dogs.  Well, that's entirely up to the opinion of the stud owner, some will and some won't.  Most do require that the female at least has her health testing done (hips, elbows, maybe DM, brusc., etc.) and has full AKC registration.

Depends on what you want your pup to be when it grows up, if you want a pet and working ability is a bonus, you could well be lucky with a pet bred litter, but if you want a working dog, then you need to look at pups bred for purpose, if they have a balanced temperament, they make great family dogs too.  You also need a breeder who actually trains their own dogs so they know what a working dog is.  If the breeder cannot show you at least a decent bit of obedience, then how can they know they are breeding working dogs?  If you need a hammer, no point making do with a spanner.

Margaret N-J

From the original post it is unclear if the puppies being sold are the pet quality pups as the result of a breeding or if the breeder is intentionally breeding pet dogs (big difference). 

IMO there is never a reason to breed FOR pet dogs.  The reason to breed is to be for a purpose.. and any puppies that don't seem to fit that purpose become pets. 

Can pet quality dogs from a purposeful breeding "work?"  Some can.. you have to see how they develop. 

I'm with Rass: if they're intentionally bred that way, that's just stupid IMO. I have two GSDs, who were bred for sport and breeding, who are excellent as pets. They both have great drives, but a nice off switch. I think all dogs are pets, I mean, they're all loving and devoted, and the relationship between people and their dogs should be a great one. If they're just for pets, why not get a rescue? Most responsible breedings are for some purpose. They come from a good, healthy line of tracking, or herding, or Schutzhund, or K9 work, or other sports. Not just that you have two registered GSDs, who do nothing, but maybe could but you don't even try, who you breed to have pet dogs. Is it the lower drives? But if the owners don't even try to do anything with them, how do they know what the dog can do?