[QUOTE]Originally posted by wolfsoul
[B]
I hope he knows that the breed only lives for about 6 years. A major drawback.

Actually, close, but they live to be at least 8, some 10 years old, where the Swissy lives to be 10-12, and some have lived/are living longer, ...another good question to jot down to ask the breeder on the health of his dogs and the averate lifespan that he was seen with his dogs, as well as any health issues.

It is true, the price doesnt mean it is show quality. You can pay $1200 for a dog from a pet store...if you have a great breeder they go the extra mile for their dog and have been breeding for years and years, and if you want to show it, they will choose the dog that most fits the standard, where the pet companion dogs, may have slightly different markings, or a shorter snout, ect. and may be a couple hundred dollars cheaper, but may also be quite pricey..which is expected for a fairly rare ( not so much anymore) breed.