Okay I have a question?????????

[tinies12]

I have a freind that is looking to buy a German Shepherd pup or adult. What should he look for? What and who should he stay away from?

Sasha's breeder is wonderful and great, although the breeds are so much differant. Help Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tempura tantrum]

Finding a good GSD breeder can be extraordinarily difficult. For some reason, in this breed especially, puppy millers and backyard breeders have gotten VERY sophisticated with their ads- they know exactly what prospective buyers want to hear, and they say it.

For this reason, have your friend stay away from ads in the back of magazines like Dog Fancy and Dog World. And for the most part, I would stay away from the internet too. It is A LOT harder to seperate the good from the bad over web page.

Have your friend take a look at the GSD national breed club (they can Google it). Almost all breed clubs have a breeder referral, and that's a good place to start.

Make SURE your friend meets any potential breeder IN PERSON. And sees their adult dogs. Not just puppies.

All breeding stock should be cleared with OFA or PennHip (for hips), and CERF for eyes. (It's best to see the ORIGINAL certificates- they're easy to fake online). I'd want hearts screened as well. In addition, have your friend do a little bit of research to find out what kind of genetically-linked health problems are common to GSDs: those are things you want to make sure the breeder is aware of, (and if possi ble, tests for).

The dogs should be titled in some way, shape or form. In this breed it's a little strange, because the breed split makes it hard for many people to decide what *kind* of GSD they want. There are those that believe an AKC conformation champion is a bad example of the breed. Many contest that American show dogs have WAY over-angulated rear quarters, that eventually weakens joints and backs. Thus, I'm not sure I'd by an American GSD, however, I haven't honestly done enough research into the subject to give any sort of a real opinion.

I'm pretty sure Iliamnas Quest has GSDs, and might be helpful in this arena. Hopefully she'll stumble in on this question.

Finally, I'd look for rock-solid temperaments. Skittish GSDs are a no-no, yet you see them EVERYWHERE as of late.

[whatszmatter]

Tempura gave you great advice. Although true for any time you add a dog to your family, GSD's are not a breed that you just decide you want and go find one. It takes a lot of research, and getting to know a lot of people. There are many types and "lines" of gsd's and sadly most so called breeders tell you what you want to hear and don't have a clue on what a GSD is, or what they are breeding.

The best thing I can tell you is meet breeders meet dogs, ask about heritage and where their dogs are from and start compiling a list of attributes you like and what "type" of GSD you or your friend wants.

[~Jessie~]

I would go through the GSD breed club. They can definately send you in the right direction for breeders :D

[tinies12]

Wow! Such wonderful information! I will send it forward to Jack! I know he will be happy with this information!

[showpug]

GSD Club of America Breeder's list:

http://www.gsdca.org/Noframes/puppies.html

[Jynx]

I agree with all of the above,,

Tell your friend to "know" what type of dog he wishes to live with, there are so many "varieties" of GSD's,,american lines, german lines, working lines, show lines,,the list goes on.

Finding a good breeder who can match a puppy to your lifestyle is also very important..because again, there can be couch potatoes, and dogs you would not want to live with because they have so much drive..

Good luck
Diane

[tinies12]

Thankyou for all the great info: I know that mmy friend wants a dog that he can jog and hike with. He prefer's a male! I will give him all this wonderful info and go from there.