Deciding on a litter. Updated *Pictures* - Page 1

Hey All,
I'm looking to get a few opinions on choosing a puppy. One to title and hopefully trial in SchH. If she does well and health testing comes back all clear, I would eventually like to use her as a foundation bitch in the future.
I had been waiting for several weeks for a litter to be born and get pick female. The litter came this weekend and (and I knew this was going to happen!) Only one female. The breeder mentioned that if I wanted a few to choose from, that he has different  litter that's a few weeks older. The parents on both litters are all fantastic dogs. WIth impressive dogs behind them.
The single one from the new litter is a bi color female and the three from the first litter are black. I don't care so much about the color, but thought I'd throw that in there.
I thought originally I would just take the one bi color  female and in a couple years get a a pup from the other stud. Then I realized that stud is already going on 10 years old, and I may not have that opportunity later on.
Out of respect for the breeder, I need to come to a decision quickly because he does have a waiting list on the single female pup. She was born over the weekend, but I don't want to dawdle.... I'm going to give him an answer in the morning.
I would really appreciate your opinions.

This is the sire to the bi color female
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/471579.html

And the 3 black female's sire
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/418105.html

Thanks to all who reply

Stacy

STACY THERE IS NO DECISION TO BE MADE. THERE WAS ONLY ONE FEMALE IN THE LITTER BECAUSE SHE WAS MADE FOR YOU. IT IS AN OMEN. RAISE HER UP AND YOU WILL SEE THAT I SPEAK THE TRUTH.

Thank you so much  :-) I hadn't looked at it that way. Here is the pedigree for my two year old male. We have just started him in SchH, and loving every minute of it...Ok I'm lying, HE loves every minute of it. I have a lot to learn ;-)

Stacy

Galan
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/610858.html

Wow, that is one tough decision!  Both males look very impressive, as do their pedigrees.  Sheesh.  I love Bi-colour, I also love black.  What are the mothers like, that would have to be the deciding factor for me, I think.

Stacy,
You didn't share who Zasko or Zender are being bred to so it is difficult to give an opinion on a pup.

I'm sure that you already know this but thoughts that I ponder when making a decision on a pup:

Even though the sire or dam of the litter may be nice dogs but what are they producing? Not every great dog produces great pups. (Of course a repeat breeding would be ideal to see what the combination produces but that is not often we get that option before picking a pup). 

When asking for others opinions, examine what basis individual opinions are based on. Do they like a particular color or they did something that stood out during a competition. Is there knowledge on the working abilities, temperament and health of the dog(s) that are being bred. Ideally talk with those who really know the dogs you are looking at AND have the experience to make a credible statement.

Keep in mind, puppies are a gamble no matter how much homework you do.
I went thru several good (and not so good) ones before I found a "great one".
Good luck in your decision and I hope you get a "great one" !!

Deb
Enja vom Teichblick

Red sable, the female bred to Zender is SG rated, SchH III, Kkl II. Is willing to please in OB and is hard in protection.
She is linebred 4,5-5 on Afra
And 5-5 on Falco Von Haus Sindern

The female bred to Zasko is G rated, SchH III, IPO III, Kkl II She is fast and serious and comes from a long line of proven prducers.
Bred down from Orry von Haus Antverpa
The pup is line bred 4,5 on Troll vd Bosen Nachbacrschaft

My breeder really put a lot of thought and effort into both breedings, and has left it up to me to decide. I wish I could afford one of each. As it is I am pinching pennies to get one LOL
Thanks again to all who respond
Stacy

Great post Deb.

Keep in mind, puppies are a gamble no matter how much homework you do.
I went thru several good (and not so good) ones before I found a "great one".

Ahh, I agree, hear that Bob!?!

Stacy, I know we are not supposed to, but both litters have extreme potential, so, if you feel all have the qualities you like, and everything adds up for both litters, than go with the colour.  Bi-colour.

Stacy:

Good luck with your pick, and if your going to issue such a bold statement you ahd better grow a thick skin around here.

I,m Glad your looking at getting a pup to start your work (to some here it is a waist of time if you can,t breedum 2 days after you get um) It,s a lot of work and I hope the best for you. Your decision can,t be made from paper(pedigree) it has to based on personnel opinion (I still think that is okay here isn,t it?) and your knowledge of the parents and there lineage and there previous produced litters I would get as much info as possible on the parents of the pups. Again good luck to you I wish you well. 

Remember it,s always easier to take the simpleist path but not always the best.    

If you are not dead set on a pedigree, why don't you just take the best available female pup?

Deb,
Thanks for the advice. I am hoping for someone credible to come on and offer up more advice or information. I know that  great dogs don't always produce themselves. Luckily my breeder is very discriminating in his breeding, so I should have a good chance of getting another nice dog with either breeding.  I have been searching the database all day trying to see which dogs are producing what and my head is spinning. I have seen videos, read and read some more.
I do know for sure Zasko is producing well so far so I've been comparing bloodlines.
I will post the dams pedigrees here. I don't know why I didn't earlier.
Zender was bred to
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/492050.html
Zasko was bred to
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/583431.html

Bob, What was the bold statement I made? I tried to word my post carefully. I went back and re-read it to see if I could find something that could be considered bold and couldn't find it. I don't let myself get all sensitive anymore about what people say to me, as much as I used to when I first found message boards LOL I used to actually get teared up over some comments made to me. Now I look back and laugh.
I like to start with puppies. I believe strongly in bonding with my dogs. My 2 year old male I got as a pup and have really enjoyed watching him grow up. We recently joined a club and I can't believe the work involved but I'm really learning a lot and wish I had started sooner instead of waiting.
My husband will handle this female pup. As much as I would like to "do-it-myself" I already know that I'm not good enough, knowledgable enough or patient enough. I have too much to learn handling my adult dog. I have to add that he (hubby) already told me it was my choice too. He would work whichever pup I pick.


GARD
The reason is, that there is a waiting list for the 1 female that was born a couple days ago, so if I go for the other with 3 pups I want to let my breeder know right away so he can notify the next person in line that she is available. Maybe I should go with the litter of 3 so the breeder can pick one for me as he told me he would? Probably give me the best odds for getting the pup with the right temperament...I may have made my decision :-)

Thanks everyone for the consideration!
Stacy