Choosing between two litters-Pedigrees

[sddeadeye]

I have spoken with a breeder about getting a pup from them in 2012. I have it narrowed down to two prospective litters. The breeder gave me very in-depth information about the parents of each litter as well as what they have produced or what she expects them to produce. I am trying to get as much information as I can before I make a final, hopefully even more informed, decision.

I am not looking into doing ScH or any type of protection sport as we do not have any local training clubs within a driveable distance. I do plan on doing at least competetive OB/agility/rally as well as offer a very active companion home.

This is the pedigree of the first pairing. Mating test - German Shepherd Dog

And this is the second. Mating test - German Shepherd Dog

I would appreciate any input as pedigrees are still pretty foreign to me. I am starting to recognize some names, but most of the time I am still pretty lost.

[Freddy]

I'm far from an expert and am sure I'll be corrected by more experienced members of the forum but it looks like #2 brings much more handler aggression and drive than you're looking for in a OB/agility dog.

This is based on my experience with a Yoschy grandson/hutch son. Serious, civil dog.

[carmspack]

why stop looking ?
since the breeder was so thorough what did they say that would convince you that either one was appropriate for your needs.
Carmen
Carmspack Working German Shepherd Dogs

[Geeheim]

I wouldn't hesitate about getting a puppy from either breeding. Both litters will have a solid pedigree backing them. The question is which did Melinda say would fit your needs better? Which do you personally like better?

I know Melinda. Known her for about 3 years. I trust her 100%. I know that if I ever get another puppy. I'm going straight to her.

Just wanted to add that I have a Brazen vom haus Behm daughter and she is also full sibling to Altpeter vom Gildaf. She is an amazing dog. Nice drive (high but, not extreme), nice off switch at home, confident, solid nerves, very obedient, no aggression whatsoever. I could go on and on about her.

[GSDElsa]

I'm not sure that I would agree the second pedigree would produce "handler aggression." I feel like very few dogs out there are genetically known to do that and I don't see any in there. But while I consider myself someone who enjoys reading pedigrees I am certainly not the best.

I don't know a ton about the first. They are very different breedings.

If you are happy with your breeder decision just let them decide based on what they are sewing in the puppies. If the first litter on the ground has a good fit go your it. If not-wait and see what the second has. I think it is hard for a breeder to say what litter is going to be best when you are looking for something general and the puppies aren't on the ground yet. If you are at the point of knowing 100% this is your breeder and you aren't looking for something super specific defer to what they think once the puppies are here

[sddeadeye]

At this point it is still up in the air as to whether I want to look more at a working or showline dog. I, personally, would love to have a high drive dog for sports. But, at the same time, my job in the National Guard requires me to be gone weeks at a time. So, the dog also needs to have a compatible drive level for my husband to be able to handle while I'm gone with his physical limitations. I'm not certain that a high drive dog would be a good match for him. Especially in the event if I ever get re-deployed.

It may be more beneficial for me to go with a more moderate drive showline dog and wait to get a high drive working line for when I am completely out of the military.

Melinda mentioned the first litter would likely produce high drive pups while the second litter would likely produce super high drive pups. The second litter is a repeat pairing and she did mention that the pups may be too much for even active families to handle. So, I think that litter is out for sure.

[Konotashi]

Boy oh boy, Boy sure is a good looking dog.... Unfortunately I am uneducated in the way of pedigrees, but wow that dog is a looker.

[GSDElsa]

Um, neither of those litters is showline..........

[sddeadeye]

I know neither is show line. They are from a working line breeder I was going to go with. I just don't want to cross show line completely off my list yet.

[sddeadeye]

Originally Posted by Konotashi

Boy oh boy, Boy sure is a good looking dog.... Unfortunately I am uneducated in the way of pedigrees, but wow that dog is a looker.

Boy is a looker for sure. I think there are a couple people on the boards that own Kulla dogs as well with one being a Boy son.