Looking for working dog breeder: which studs to look for, or look out for? - Page 1

Hello, I'm on the West Coast looking for a working GSD pup for SAR. Any suggestions where to start, or where to avoid? Budget is $3000 + shipping or transport. Thanks very much.

We will be producing a litter from a Pohranicni straze (Czech Border Patrol) line breeding. Should have them on the ground around Christmas. We only produce a litter, maybe two a year and they go quick. We have been providing working dogs for the military and other government offices for over a decade. http://www.patriotdog.com
 

I have a young working litter it should be very nice but early to tell yet,when you say pup are you wanting an older pup already showing good tracking skills or pre-trained as your budget is very high,very nice young untrained pups you can find far less than 3K, I,m in the northwest feel free to pm me if wanting any help in your search.

If I were looking for a SAR dog on the West coast, I'd contact Julia Priest in California (von Sontausen) -- http://www.coachforcanines.com/ -- or Kathy Moacanin -- her female is expecting a very nice litter  -- she has a Facebook announcement up for the litter.

 

Christine

I have had Kraftwerk and Vom Banach recommended to me but was subsequently told that Kraftwerk has a history of parvovirus and that Vom Banach's foundation males are not DM clear and that the primary stud Aron vom Poppowitz which is advertised on their website as DM clear is actually dead. I think I understand the parvo issue but should the DM matter be a big concern?

My last question today: are any showline GSDs ever used in SAR? Thank you.

DM is pretty rare even the dogs so called at risk for it does not mean they will always develop it over the coarse of their lifetime only that it might be possible, yes you could find a showline dog suitable for SAR,but your chances to get an exceptional SAR dog are much much higher in workingline dogs and buying older seeing what the temperament is all about will help your chances even more.

RinTin10,
Do more research on Kraftwerk, there are far worse issues there than parvo. Keep in mind that a case of parvo isn't always indicative of a bad breeder, things happen. However, routine cases would cause me to worry.
As far as DM goes, the testing for it is unfortunately unreliable. I know this may sound terrible, but DM typically is an end of life condition so I would not place too much emphasis on it.
Your budget is quite high for a puppy. I personally have not paid more than $2,000 for a puppy, and would not go higher. At your price range, you should be getting a health and working guarantee, proven producing parents, and someone with one hell of a puppy program.
I would highly recommend looking for a breeder who does many developmental things with their pups, especially since you are looking for a SAR prospect. Lots of exposure, socialization, etc.
Unless you are set on getting a puppy, your price range would open you up to a green dog. This would carry less risk, older the dog is, the more you can tell how he/she is going to be. Puppies are a crapshoot. One that is a rockstar at 8 weeks can mature into a sh*tbag.
Good luck with your search!

Thank you everyone that has taken the time to respond here or PM me. Thank you for the warnings re: Kraftwerk and Vom Banach. I am heeding them.

I'm determined to be a better educated buyer than I was with my first GSD who suffered from severe hip dysplasia.

Good advice from all posters.
In case you REALLY want to train your dog ( be it SAR or something else ) go with a breeder who trains and titles his own dogs.
Maybe there is an SAR group in your surrounding, ask them where they got their dogs from.
One dog with severe hip dysplasia is enough. $ 3000 is a lot of money, try to buy a 6-8 months old youngster, that is pre-x-rayed.

Forgot to mention: You asked for a stud - a puppy is the result of two dogs, sire and dam. A good sire bred to a mediocre dam most often doesn´t better the next generation. I really like breeders who train and title their DAMS, too.

I really like breeders who train and title their DAMS, too. <- Thank you for pointing that out to me, it's a really great point. I went back and looked at one of the breeders in Washington I was told about and noticed that none of her females are titled. Another forum mentioned many of her dogs had white toes or feet. The standards are kind of vague, sounds undesirable but not disqualifying? I appreciate the the suggestions to look for a green dog or x-rayed pup, that will save me much anxiety. Also, I am a fan of the Pohranicni straze dogs for sure.