Reputable breeders in NJ--pet quality

[cafrhe]

I have had 2 requests in the last 3 days for info on breeders in NJ (and eastern Pa). One from a stranger who loved my guy (we had a garage sale and he supervised). She told me a horror story about her last dog biting her daughter and being returned to the breeder (this was the replacement for the 1st pup who had a worse temperment....). She has fond memories of shepherds in her youth and is very disappointed.

The second comes from a friend who is having to decide to put down her 1yr old pup due to extreme hip and elbow issues (surgery is not an option due to the severity of his problems). She unfortunately fell in love with a pup on petfinder--I checked out the 'breeder' after they already had the pup and saw it was a Pa byb. He has been loved and taken care of for his short life, but the family is now heartbroken (2 young girls) with a tough decision to make. We will be exploring chiropractic for him to see if we can extend his comfort/life. She wants to start researching now.

I favor working line breeders, but neither family cares about lines, and neither sounds like they want a huge amount of drive--each wants a beautifully tempered pet dog with no major health issues. Does anyone know breeders who they trust to match families with pups and have good reps for health and temperment?

Also, anyone familiar with River Mills Kennels? http://www.rivermillskennels.com/

Thanks all!

Please pm me if you have any info on River Mills.

[srfd44-2]

Have them try Theishof shepherds in Idaho. If you need more info please PM me. She breeds for temperment and matches the pup to the family.

[SouthernThistle]

Originally Posted By: cafrhe
She unfortunately fell in love with a pup on petfinder--I checked out the 'breeder' after they already had the pup and saw it was a Pa byb.

Question - do you mean "Petfinder" as in Petfinder, the website that shows rescue/shelter dogs needing homes? Or do you mean there is a PA BYB'er selling dogs on the Petfinder Classifieds section?

If the PA BYB'er is selling dogs on the PF Classifieds, someone needs to report them to Petfinder for removal of their ads.

[cafrhe]

Thanks Kathy, but they want to stay closer to home. We would need to be able to drive to visit the kennel.

I am pretty sure she said she got the pup on pet finder. She said she was rescuing him, but she also knew it was a 'breeder'. I am not sure if she reported the lady or not especially after becoming aware of the health problems pup has.

[SouthernThistle]

Breeders can't advertise anywhere on Petfinder.

[KeiraPup]

If they are looking for an American line, I understand that Alkarah in NJ has a good reputation.

http://www.alkarah.com/

[cafrhe]

Thank you Pat! Any lines are fine, just a breeder who we can trust, who has pups of the right temperment.

[sit,stay]

Originally Posted By: srfd44-2Have them try Theishof shepherds in Idaho. If you need more info please PM me. She breeds for temperment and matches the pup to the family.

I have been lucky enough to work with Heidi Theis of Theishof for the last few weeks. She has been doing tracking training with me and my Tanner, and helping me work on his dog reactivity issues.
I have been so very impressed with Heidi and her knowledge of the breed. I have seen several generations of her dogs working and am blown away by the quality of her dogs.
I highly recommend Theishof.
Sheilah

[srfd44-2]

Sheilah, tell Heidi that " Kathy and Kai " say hi ! She just had one of her females give birth today. Last count was 5 boys and 3 girls.

[Liesje]

Heidi's one of the few people I'd consider a dog from without needing to meet them first.