Opinions/Experience on CO breeders - Page 1

Hello, 

I am new to this site, but not to the breed.  I have had 2 GSD, and am starting to look at breeders for my 3rd.  

I am not planning to breed or show and am looking for a male.  Might be interested in training him to be a therapy dog for volunteer purposes, that is all. 

My #1 concern is for a breeder that has HEALTHY dogs.  My last, sweet GSD male was from a breeder who wasn't reputable, but of course I fell in love when I met him and purchased him anyway.  I think that due to the poor breeding he might have had a compromised immune system and left us too soon.  Heartbreak with animals cannot be avoided but I want to do all the research possible to see that I am purchasing my next GSD from a reputable, loving, responsible breeder - with the hopes that my GSD can live the happiest, healthiest, longest life possible. 

Of course many people say to get a mixed breed dog next as they will have less health issues, but to me GSD is the best breed and though I am open to having another breed for my 2nd dog, I also want to have a GSD as long as I am able to properly take care of them (exercise wise I mean). 

I have been looking on the internet and of course plan on visiting various kennels to get a feel of the dogs and breeders.  But if anyone can let me know their opinions and experiences with CO GSD breeders I would appreciate it.  Honestly some of the different guarantees, etc are a bit confusing to me.  When one person can guarantee 5 years and another 3 days? Should that be the deciding factor or do I need to focus on other aspects just as much or more? 

Again, I want a healthy male (both physically and mentally) with main purpose of companionship, a long coat would be a great plus.  

Thank you for any opinions, experience, thoughts, etc. 
 

Certainly wouldn't let a 'guarantee' be the deciding factor.
Most of those don't seem to be worth the paper they are
written on (if they are written down at all).

For instance, a good breeder will explain what they have
done and continue to do to reduce the incidence of HD
in their animals;  and be honest and tell you that if you
are unlucky you can still end up with a dysplastic dog
anyway.  They may even offer to replace a dog with HD or
give you some money back, but they will also acknowledge
that by the time  of diagnosis you will have become attached
to the dog as an individual.  Nobody can guarantee their stock
"HD free".  NB Get them to show you the results of hip xrays
on the parents of the pup you are looking to buy, don't just take
their word for it.

Same with DM - although there is now a genetic test for one
type, there is a lot of argument about whether that is the right
or only sort that affects Shepherds.  The breeder should mention
and be prepared to discuss this.

Denwolf, who posts here, lives in Co.Denese is a stickler for health. We talk from time to time about health, longevity, and such. I think you would enjoy speaking with her.  http://www.luckysevenkennels.com/about.html

 

Thanks so much, good information so far and I will add Denwolf to my kennels to check.

 I truly appreciate your time and hope more people respond with their experiences.

 With my past dogs, my female was purchased from a great breeder and she was overall a much healthier dog. With my sweet boy, I took him home from a SC "breeder" who never sent papers and ended up changing her phone number!!!!  I would never have traded him for anything though, he was the best dog I ever had, just fell on health problems too early.  

With my next GSD I want to take the time to do more research to try to avoid future and premature suffering of my next friend.

Glad I found this site and all of your knowledgeable and ​GSD loving people. 


 

I had two from CO and do not recomend the breeder, so do be careful. 

Which CO breeder are you speaking of GSDNewbie? 

Thanks! 

Don't take a guarantee meaning that it is a good breeder. My first GSD, was just looking for a nice dog, maybe sport, found a guy with a nice guarantee (lifetime hip guarantee), bought the pup. Great dog, got prelims at 18 months, severe HD. Had to go back to the man and get her replaced, and he was really picky about replacing the dog. Find a good breeder and do research on them. What are the dogs producing hip-wise (most can tell you and have proof)? What are the dog's hip statuses and ask for proof? The pup I bought that I was sayin about I was lied to on, said it was from a schh3 male and schh1 female and with OFA good and excellent hips. Truth be told, neither had their hips done and neither were titled. I learned the hard way. 

Anyone here have experience with Littleton Breeders?  I like their philosophy and how they raise pups in home with kids.  Dogs look great and happy too. Thanks in advance. 

I dont know them but I went to the site and I would pass if it were me. One of my criteria is the breeder must work their dogs. These people do not show, at least through their site that they do. Someone can say what their dogs will do but unless you work them, your guessing. I also couldnt find any of their own bred dogs with clear hips/elbow scores other than ones they bought. Another red flag. You can buy expensive dogs and breed them but it doesn't make you a good breeder imo. For what she is asking, you could do much better. I would NEVER buy a 1600.00 dog on limited registration. You can find a well bred dog  for much less. Patience is key when looking for the right dog.

I still like True Haus in CA. Not too bad of a drive from CO.

Thank you Bhaugh for your input.  May I ask you another question... is limited registration an issue for health? or just for future breeding and/or showing? Honestly I purchased my first GSD when I was pretty young and had little information.  Both were amazing dogs, one was luckier with health than the other.
 When I looked at the Littleton site, and of the two dogs she was currently breeding, there was a line of their parents, grandparents, and I thought great grandparents and if I am correct they were all showing A1 or A2 ratings. I should just be able to ask for the dog's ratings too, I would suspect they would also be good, but see what you mean, why aren't those ratings mentioned? Would want that information definitely. 
So that would obviously be something to put on my list when I meet her and check the kennels, dogs, etc.  

We don't want to breed or show, just want a healthy dog, and a stable temperament is also important to us. 

What is your opinion in regards to the guarantees? 

Thanks