Is one better than the other? (bloodlines)

[WeLuvGSD]

I was just curious, what bloodlines work best for a dog you want to you use in Schutzhund (i mean as far as, german, american, showline, working etc)? I know it mostly depends on the dogs temperament and prey drive but i was just wondering, do certain bloodlines work better in this field than others? Also, i've seen alot of puppies going for top dollar even though the dogs pedigree has titled dogs about 2 or 3 generations back. Would you still consider that dog to be worth (1,100-1,500)? I know this seems like alot of questions, but i'm really hoping to learn as much as i can before i purchase a german shepherd. I do have a theroy, to me i believe that just because the pedigree shows the dog should be able to compete in Schutzhund doesnt mean it will excell just because its grandparents or parents did, am i correct? Any help would be great, Thanks .

[Dr89]

Plenty of people on here know a LOT more about different lines than I do so I'll leave that to them, but as far as a dogs pedigree having titles 2-3 generations back--no, not good enough for me personally. Say the grandfather had a SchH III, there are 3 other dogs involved to make this pup, they could be from anywhere, have done nothing, people not paying attention to what kind of lines they're crossing, etc...that one title doesn't mean anything.

If you see a history of titles in the pedigree, and both parents are working for titles or at least have CGC's etc, then it's a pretty safe bet I would think. For that I would pay the money you're talking about.

[Chris Wild]

If you want to compete in SchH, you want working lines. Not show lines of either type, nor domestic "pet" lines. When it comes to titles in the pedigree, you also need to be aware that their presence doesn't necessarily indicate working lines. German show lines also have pedigrees full of titled parents, but lets just say there is a difference between barely squeaking by in favorable conditions, and having the traits to do it well.

You are absolutely right that a pedigree that says a dog can do SchH doesn't necessarily mean that it can. There's an old saying that "the paper says what the dog should be, the dog says what he is". And certainly letters after a dog's name doesn't affect his genetics and those he passes to his offspring one bit. So titled parents are no guarantee that the pups will be able to do it. But that the ancestors showed the ability to be successful there shows that they had the genetics for it, so a pup from such lines is far more likely to have it than one from unproven lines. Just like if one wanted to breed basketball players, one would have more success by pairing an NBA player and WNBA player than two random people off the street.

So yes, from that standpoint getting a pup from parents who are titled, bloodlines who are titled, and where the ability to title has been proven not just in the parents and grandparents but in their siblings and previous offspring, certainly loads the dice in favor of getting a pup with the genetics to do the work. Going with a breeder who trains and titles, rather than just buys titled dogs, and who has a proven track record of placing pups into work/sport homes and those pups being successful, also helps load those dice because someone whose done it is in a better position to evaluate the ability of breeding stock, evaluate which pups are good candidates and which are not, and has demonstrated that ability in the past.

[Dr89]

After reading Chris's post it reminded me to tell you that when you find a pup or breeder that you're interested in, see if they have paired up the same sire and dam before and just MAYBE you could locate and meet some of their offspring. That'd be about the best way to really see what you might get.

[WeLuvGSD]

Thanks a lot, that really helped. I've seen a lot of breeders with puppies out of titled grandparents and there asking high prices. Then i turn around and see a puppy who's parents are titled for around the same price. It just seemed a little strange, also is there any way to find out if the dog's pedigree is of working bloodlines? What about a puppy who is out of showline and working? I'm seeing alot of German and German/American cross bloodlines. Is there any major difference between a German bred german shepherd and a American, are these crossing's good or possibly bad? Also would you suggest buying an adult or puppy?

[Dr89]

If you search around on here you'll find all you need and more as far as the different lines, there's a ton of threads.

but as far as a puppy or adult, thats preference and price point. I got a puppy and am completely glad I did, its challenging, rewarding, and you just develop a great bond. However, for my next I'll probably get an adult. The puppy stage is fun but--it lasts a long time haha.

[WeLuvGSD]

lol ok, is there any chance anybody has links to the threads? That would really help . Thanks

[Dr89]

Here's an older thread, and within it are some good links too.

Different GSD Lines??

hopefully it helps some

[GSDElsa]

As a very general rule when looking at a kennel or pictures in pedigrees...

Black and "red" saddle back dogs with plush coats and a slightly "humped" back when stacked will be West German Show Lines. Those dogs will almost always be "V" or "VA" rated for conformation.

American Show Lines tend to have more washed out color and a straight back with hocks that angle towards the ground when stacked are American Show Lines. Usually saddle back, but come in other colors. Often times will have "CH" titles.

Working lines are usually sable, bicolor, black, or blanket black and tan. They have straight backs and a rather non-extreme look when stacked. Generally "SG" or "G" rated with the occasional "V".

You'll start to learn the kennel names after awhile and will get a feel of the "look" of the lines.

Price is definitely not an indication of quality. German Show Lines are usually quite pricey. $2500+ (some are less, though). Working line dogs are generally $1200-$1800 with a couple breeders much more than that. I really am not sure of the "going price" of American lines.