What Questions To Ask, Good Breeder!?

[RileyMay]

So, I am looking a for a future German Shepherd Dog breeder. I might get another German Shepherd Dog when Riley is older. She's 8 months now, but I want her trained first before bringing in a new addition. Well I found this breeder, and they seem to be reputable breeders, but can you click the site link below?


M&M Quality Shepherds - Our Home Page


What questions should I ask them?

[Shaina]

Are you looking for just a companion? Their website is a little bit iffy for me to read, links are set up weird and I don't see a whole lot of information about their dogs/their training... wouldn't be my first choice simply because of that, but I'm no professional. I'd ask about the individual dogs, if they train/work any of them, temperaments of them, if they stand behind their dogs in case of genetic defects (and how they determine so), how they match their dogs with potential owners, and what they expect out of each litter.

[GSDElsa]

Not impressed...it appears they do not work any of their dogs themselves. The only one that is titled was trained and titled by someone else (per their own admission). They mostly rely on the relatives in the pedigree, not anything their dogs have done.

There are definitely better breeders out there.

[RileyMay]

I want a companion with sound temperament, I want a lot of drive, but not a butt load to where it's out of control. I just want an amazing companion!! I want to do sports like Agillity, Disc, Dock Diving, Schutzhund, Rally-O, Obedience, and any other dog sport out there!!

[RubyTuesday]

They've got some very nice looking dogs that appear to be closely descended from some other very nice dogs. IF you're interested in them, visit the breeder & see them up close. I'd also recommend that you ask Cliff's opinion about the lines/parentage of the breeding stock. He doesn't know everything (at least that's what HE claims) but he comes spittin close, IMO, especially when it's evaluating pedigrees.

I'd suggest a pm so he can go into more detail with you about what he likes &/or doesn't like & why.

[RileyMay]

Okay I'll pm him. Stupid question, but which Cliff?

Originally Posted by RubyTuesday

They've got some very nice looking dogs that appear to be closely descended from some other very nice dogs. IF you're interested in them, visit the breeder & see them up close. I'd also recommend that you ask Cliff's opinion about the lines/parentage of the breeding stock. He doesn't know everything (at least that's what HE claims) but he comes spittin close, IMO, especially when it's evaluating pedigrees.

I'd suggest a pm so he can go into more detail with you about what he likes &/or doesn't like & why.

[bocron]

Not impressed. The only one I'd take a pup out of would be the imported bitch that someone else titled, and I'd want her bred to something other than what they have there. Not saying you couldn't luck out and get a nice pup from what they've got, but I'd rather spend my money on a pup with titled parents on both sides and from a breeder that wants that as well.

[RileyMay]

I want my pup to come from a good breeder, and amazing dogs'. Can anyone give me some websites to look at? Should I go ahead and email this breeder some questions?

Originally Posted by bocron

Not impressed. The only one I'd take a pup out of would be the imported bitch that someone else titled, and I'd want her bred to something other than what they have there. Not saying you couldn't luck out and get a nice pup from what they've got, but I'd rather spend my money on a pup with titled parents on both sides and from a breeder that wants that as well.

[Emoore]

If you're looking for working lines, Gerdeshaus, Germelhaus, and Meerhaut in Texas are very nice.

Also check out Von Eintze, Austerlitz, and Rittermark in Oklahoma.

I have met the people and the dogs of Gerdeshaus and Meerhaut. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting any dogs from Germelhaus or meeting Mellodee herself, but I've heard a *lot* about Germelhaus and all of it is possible.

The ones in Oklahoma are just websites I came across when I was looking for a puppy and thought they looked good. I have no personal experience with them.

[BowWowMeow]

I don't mean to be rude at all because I know you love your dog very much and are doing your best but maybe you should work on getting RileyMay trained and living in the house first and securing your yard before looking for another dog?

And what are your plans after high school? A responsible breeder is going to be asking a lot of questions about how you will care for your dog, your future plans, etc.