I need breeder help...

[.sarah]

I'm not experienced with the titles that are usually in GSDs pedigrees, so I'm not sure about that. You do want to look for inbreeding or linebreeding. If it exists in the pedigrees, ask them why the dogs were bred that way. If they don't have a good, solid answer then be wary. Even if they themselves didn't breed the dogs they should know everything about their dogs' pedigrees. I'd type more but I really shouldn't even be on PT now ...

[Giselle]

I disagree. Some people have qualms with linebreeding, but my breeder linebreeds three generations back. As long as the breeder has a firm grasp of genetics and has extensive knowledge of the lineage and the dogs are of exceptional quality (and completely free of genetic maladies), then there should be no problem with line/inbreeding. I guarantee you that all the top show dogs are in some way shape or form quite inbred I'll PM you with the rest of the info.
Edited to add: I'm not so sure I like the breeder you just posted. There aren't any significant red flags, per se, but she does tend to focus on why you should buy their puppies and it disappoints me to see that she has just one non-import sire who isnt championed....Whatever. Some breeders focus more on Sch. rather than conformation.

[areias]

I found one that I personally liked.
Hunt German Shepherds

[.sarah]

Giselle - what I was saying is IF they are/aren't line or inbred that the breeder should say WHY. Basically, the breeder needs to know the dogs pedigree through and through. Maybe I didn't say it clearly, sorry

[AllAmericanPUP]

I found one that I personally liked.
Hunt German Shepherds

looks like a nice breeder but those are Shutzund dogs(personal protection) those dogs have ALOT of drive, i dont think they'd make a good pet for her parents. These type of dogs NEED to be WORKED.


just a few things you want to look for in a breeder.
health tests- OFA hips, patellas and elbows. Cerf and thyroid. and if there are any other genetic health problems in the GSD, make sure they test for those too.
Titles- conformation and or working.
Temperment testing- it's a big plus, *i* personally probably wouldnt buy from a breeder who didnt temperment test.
does the breeder have homes lined up BEFORE a breeding takes place or does he/she just sell the puppies whenever they are olde enough? (a responsible breeder has at leaste 8-10 homes lined up BEFORE the sire and dam even mate, each of these homes should have been throughly screened)

those are the major points that need to be looked for.

and the obvious things are like.
how are the dogs kept? in the house or in kennels? if in kennels are they clea kennels with good insulated dog houses.
are the dogs fed a quality food or are they fed a cheap store bought brand?
are the dogs part of the family or just dogs that that work and make puppies for the breeder?(you'd be suprised at the amount of breeders who show their dogs but that is ALL they do with them, when the dogs arent being shown they are locked in their kennels)
are the puppies whelped and raised in a clean environment(in the house) and are they well socialized til the day they leave?
what age do the puppies go to their new families? a responsible breeder wont even think about selling a puppy before 8 weeks most prefer closer to 10 weeks.
does the breeder take back dogs whos familys can no longer care for them? or do they give you a puppy and wish you best of luck but dont keep in contact with you to see how the dog grows and lives? a responsible breeder keeps in contact with ALL families that buy a puppy from them until the day the dog dies

if you're parents buy from a RESPONSIBLE breeder they will most likely have to be on a waiting list first unless they get really lucky, seriously alot of people wait a year or two before getting to buy from a responsible breeder.

also any responsible breeder wont have more than 2 litters MAX a year, MOST only have 1 breeding every one or two years.

and remember that REPUTABLE doesnt always mean RESPONSIBLE.

a breeder can get lots of praise and recomendation from alot of people and be "reputable" but that doesnt mean their breeding ethics are responsible.

[K9karen]

Amber, Dog Fancy Magazine, lists lots of GSD breeders with websites and photos and info.

[AdoreMyDogs]

I, also, have researched GSD breeders extensivley. If you don't go the rescue route, you may want to check these folks out. The prices are very high, but the GSD's are the prettiest and the highest quality temperments I've seen. I have met one dog out of this breeder many years ago and I've been hooked on them ever since. This is where my dream GSD comes from, and I've researched GSD breeders so, so much. The add can also be found in the Dog Fancy gallary of breeds.

Vom Waldenhaus GSD's

[tz1]

Woah, 3000 bucks for a GSD puppy! And I thought my pup was expensive! Those dogs do look beautiful but that is quite expensive.