Info on a kennel - Page 1

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Last week you said you may potentially be interested in a working line dog (whether or not this is the best choice for you is still a topic for discussion) and the kennel you reference above breeds American show lines.  Within the breed, these two are at complete opposite ends of the spectrum.

Can I make a recommendation?  You should start your quest by learning more about the differences between not only American and German/European bloodline German Shepherd Dogs but the difference in the latter between show and working lines.  Do a Google search using any of the above keywords and you should be buried in articles.  Learn the basics and then come back and ask questions...most of us will be more than willing to help where we can.

I have been doing my research, and have contacted several clubs. I've also gotten a hold of several trainers and had long talks with them. (It has been a very very long) I now understand. that a working class dog would be to much for me handle so I have changed my search for an american line kennel. This kennel was brought to my attention from a friend of mine who has a friend that got a dog from them. I'm sorry if I seam to be stupid on this. This is why I have been talking to so many people.  However if you wish I will not come back to this borad or ask any questions on here. Good day!

Even a working kennel can have a pet quality puppy for you.
The thing is:you need to find a GOOD breeder who recognizes your needs. From my past litter. 3 dogs are working, 2 are pets in active families. I have one asistend dog on my list, one police prospect, couple schutz dogs. Not every puppy from a litter is going to be a WUSV caliber dog.
I would not go searching in American lines. I rather reconsider, find a breeder who will listen to you and I am positive that you will find a pet quality working line GSD. If a breeder tells you that EVERY single puppy from a litter is going to be the ultimate protection dog... that is just an illusion or a wish.
Good luck searching for a puppy.
Have you considered a young washed out dog? maybe the dog did not meet the needs for some type of work, not the cleanest hips and so on.. fantastic animals just not good for breeding and for work they were chosen for. I am just throwing ideas out there.
Pack

 Hi,

I learned the hard way that many "American" gsds have temperament and hip problems - extreme shyness and nervousness, and bad hips that will cause pain and tears in the future. 

German show-line shepherds might be a better options. If the parents have been German breed-surveyed and titled, you will have a lot of information about health and temperament of the parents, which often translates to their puppies. (My show-line dog has a wonderful temperament and has been very trainable. I couldn't be happier.) There are excellent American kennels that breed German show-line gsds.

That being said, the right working-line puppy is still a good choice, as someone previously mentioned. A good breeder could help you pick one out.

When you go to pick out a puppy, you'll be very glad in the future if you pick out one that shows no signs of shyness or fear. These traits will remain with your dog forever and can lead to a lot of problems like fear biting. There is puppy test information on the Web and in books. 

I hope this helps. 

RadarShadow, no need to be so defensive; you are more than welcome here and we are only trying to help...if you want it.

Working dog make a great pet, the only thing they require is structure, but that goes for any dog. You create boundaries and enforce them. I just don't get it when I hear working line dogs don't make a good pet. Dog is out of working or show line, just because dog is out of working line dose not mean is a good working dog. Working line dogs breed pets too. Just like some SL can breed good working prospect. You could be surprise but many times working line dog make a better pet, that's because some breeders breed balanced dog, that his number one thing is to please it's owner, which makes it very easy to train. Simply when you buy a dog out of working line don't buy the working prospect ask the breeder which one would make a good pet, and trust me even the working prospect makes a good pet. I have one, she will eat sleeve till she passes out, but at the same time she loves to chill with me on the couch watching action movies. Hey my wife lets her out of a kennel into a kitchen when she coosk and the dog just chills on the floor watching her, hoping she will get small treat for being nice lol.

Radar,

From everything I have read I woud steer clear of American GSDs.  A weak temperment is a terrible trait in a GSD.   I have a West German showline, and he is a doll, but has structural problems and allergies.  He is still a GSD, protective and with good ball drive, but very very bidible.  He has very good nerves, as far as I can tell.  But, because of health concerns, and because I feel that I have learned a lot from raising him, I will go with a working dog next time, making it very clear to the breeder my goals and limitations.  Any good breeder wants to make an excellent fit for their pups, they don't want them returned, or worse, sent to a shelter. 

I suggest you do some more reading, and when you decide which style of dog suits you best, come back and ask for specific recommendations in your area.  There are outstandng breeders of both working dogs and showline German dogs who post here.  Also remember, that the price of a dog is only the beginning, food is expensive, and vet bills can be murderous.  If money is an issue, consider a young adult, already housebroken and past the chew everything in sight stage.  There are a number of people on this board who do rescue, and many are also breeders; they are expert in matching dogs to owners.

Please take your time, there are lots of fine companion animals out there.  Good luck.