New to GSD - Need some questions answered! - Page 1

Hi Everyone,

I own three GSDs that I purchased in Germany: one longhair, intact male (King von Sensei), and two shorthair females (Gloria Mac Donell and Ileana aus dem Burgenland).  All three are registered with SV and you can find their pedigrees on this site.  I have never shown or bred dogs at all but would like to start (all of my showing and breeding experience is with Arabian horses).  I currently live in Germany, but will soon be moving back to Oklahoma.  Once I move back to the States, I will be registering all three with AKC, and maybe UKC.  My kennel website is www.HighSteppinShepherds.com

I would appreciate it if you guys could point me in the correct direction on how to get started at shows, what clubs in the states I need to join, etc.  Like I said I'm a beginner, but with some incredible dogs to get started with.  Also, I know the SV requires x-rays to breed.  Can these be done in the States, or does the AKC even require them.  Is there an American version of SV?

Thanking you in advance!
Jessica

I think you should actually know the breed before you start making more of them. That would be the first step. Not just what registries and things like that. I would go to a Sch club while you are there, and see if the dogs like to to work. They can tell you what you need to know.

as for hip/elbows....."ofa" or "penn-hip"...or the xrays may be able to be sent back to "sv" for certification.....you bought some nice"showline" dogs......you can research "gsdca/wda" or "schutzhund usa".these organizations have conformation shows closer to the "german style" than the "AKC", while you can show in the AKC RING,my personal preference would be a german style venue.i'll assume your dogs are micro-chipped or tattooed for identification prior to taking them in for xrays,otherwise you'll get"nopi" when you go to "ofa" .any breeding that you do between these dogs will result in "linebreeding"...not a bad thing if it's well thought out and has a decided direction.....check out the results of some of the big shows in europe and compare it to what you have to get a better idea of what your combinations may produce....you didn't have to go to germany to get dogs of this type,there are tons of them right here in the states,hopefully you're not thinking that you've "elevated" youself beyond other breeders by going to germany to get breeding stock,because you haven't.....educate yourself as to quality,proven dogs,maybe even very close to your location..take advantage of clubs and shows that are in your area or a comfortable drive from your home..speak with knowledgeable breeders/handlers/oweners at those shows and evaluate what you have....puppies are only "prospects".....even the most well-bred can turn out sub-par....good luck.

highsteppin....if you're still in germany,be sure you have all of your paperwork together,there's a "transfer of ownership"form you'll need from the original owners(signed,dated and completed)... to get your AKC registration...you'll also probably have to "DNA"your dogs,this can be very time consuming if not done prior to registration,also as a suggestion....if you intend to use"HIGHSTEPPIN GERMAN SHEPHERDS" as a kennel name to affix to your breeding program,i'd suggest that you translate that name to german.....looks a bit more in tune with german tradition....as it is, it may be mistaken for an "american show/pet breeding facilty" and completly overlooked by the buyer you're trying to attract,just my opinion....good luck.

There is NO organization called "schutzhund usa." United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA)is the organization. It publishes a magazine that is called "Schutzhund USA."

thanks for the correction mystere,(but loosen up the pinch,and back off on the e-collar)i was only trying to provide some info.....surley that site can be found a number of ways...that "keyword" being one of them(tried it myself,found the site).i post on this site from time to time but i'm not into semantics nor"clubs" for that matter....it would be nice to be able to join and utilize any organization,but it seems that option does not exist(usa vs. wda)i join an organization when i have a trial ready dog(necessary evil)if "usa" is your "thing",then great...but put the whip down...doesn't help!

Checked out your website. Are you breeding now or are you planning on starting once in the states. I was a bit confused. OFA for hips and elbows as stated. Will you be trying to "improve" showline or working line GSD's? For working line, check out a local Sch club, or "German Shepherd Dog Club of America" Working Dog Association (WDA). As for showline, not to familiar with it. I would imagine check internet for local show venus or clubs. Good Luck with your venture!   Pete

I'm with Jeff on this. I'm all for newbies getting into dogs but the questions being asked are basic and should have been asked BEFORE getting the dogs. I may be old school here but I believe you put your time in and pay your dues THEN you consider breeding dogs. Guess that thought process is out these days.

Wow you want to breed and really dont know alot about the breed and i am not saying that i know everything about gsd but i have did
research for 6 months before i even bought my first gsd as now i own 4 WL gsd..I really suggest that you use the internet before you do any breeding of your dogs..But i also give you credit to come on here to look for help first and ask questions.
Michael

I tend to agree with most of the other comments.  Most of us that start breeding especially the WL shepherds have trained and or competed for several yrs before starting to breed.  It makes it much easier when you are deciding which dogs will be a good match for breeding, which traits will balance each other out.  It also helps to be very familiar with dog behavior so you can evaluate the dogs you bring into your breeding stock. Yes bloodlines are a very good indicator on wether a dog will work or not, as we all know periodically in every litter you will get one that just would prefer to be a family pet in an active home.  Also knowing something of the breed and it's behaviors and being able to evaluate them well also allows you to match the personality and drive of the pup to the prospective buyer.  Everyone wants the pup they think is the cutest and reality is sometimes that is just going to be too much dog for them, or is not going to fit into their lifestyle, or ever be the dog they want it to be, which of course spells disaster for everyone involved.  Joining a Schutzund club there is a great idea or find a reputable breeder/trainer that you can spend alot of time with "mentoring" ask questions and lots, and just remember the ONLY reason to breed the WL shepherd is because you are absolutely in love with the breed, because you sure aren't going to get rich doing it. On a side note just disregard all of the rude responses you will get in response to a question posted. Good luck!!