Looking some tips for choosing a breeder in the Ontario/Canada area.

[TrentL]

I've been looking at brining a dog into my home, there have always been GSDs around the house growing up, I've loved them all, and now I'm ready to bring one into my home.

I have two very well behaved and reponsible daughters, they are hesitant around dogs, but they are learning that dogs can be fun and loyal. They are 7 and 5. So temperment is very important.

I've looked at many breeders, I started by going to the Canadian Kennel Club, and looked at their long standing members and contacted some of them to get more information. Each one of these breeders had questions ab out my family, my location etc, which I expect and want (If they show that much care about who buys their puppies, they must take pride and emotional interest in the dogs)

But one breeder after my questionairre was ready for me to send a deposit, just made me think....I haven't seen the puppies, your 6 hours away, I'm not sure I want to send a deposit then drive out and find out that me and the puppies available don't mesh well.

What types of things should I be looking at? I have read that I shouldn't take the breeders statements of "I bred two dogs with great temperments together" that I should get more information see if they have gotten inpartial (Spelling?) assessments of temperment etc. These are the type things that I'd like to get a check list of so when these breeders call me back I can ask them.

The two local breeders I'm looking at:
Shiphra German Shepherds: http://www.shiphrashepherds.com
And
Blue Mist Kennels: http://www.bluemistgsds.com

[Emoore]

Originally Posted by TrentL

But one breeder after my questionairre was ready for me to send a deposit, just made me think....I haven't seen the puppies, your 6 hours away, I'm not sure I want to send a deposit then drive out and find out that me and the puppies available don't mesh well.

It's not at all uncommon for good, responsible breeders to sell to good, responsible buyers without the two ever actually meeting. Phone calls are made, interviews are conducted, references are called, pedigrees reviewed, checkes mailed, and pups shipped without the buyer and seller ever meeting. It's not at all uncommon for someone to purchase a puppy from a breeder all the way across the country, or even in another country, and both people are responsible GSD citizens. So don't let the fact that the breeder was comfortable selling to you make you think that means they're not a responsible breeder of quality puppies.

Personally, I like to meet the breeder, shake his/her hand and look them in the eye, but I'm aware that's a personal preference of mine and not an industry standard.

It is standard for the breeder to choose your puppy for you based on your description of your home life and desired criteria. The breeder knows the bloodlines and the individual puppies' personalities after spending 8 weeks with them than you ever could from a 1 or 2 hour meeting. The chances of you "not meshing" with an 8 week old puppy are almost nil, but the chances of you falling in love with a highly unsuitable puppy are very high. That's why it's a good idea for you to rely on the breeder's guidance when choosing a puppy.

[TrentL]

Interesting thanks, I've also found the thread about what to look for in breeders, I'm checking that and trying to come up with a list of questions.

I have to admit its overly complicated for someone new getting into it so much to learn.

There needs to be a free online course :P Hehe

[Emoore]

The two breeders you posted are German Show Lines. Are you partial to those lines, or are you open to others as well?

[TrentL]

Originally Posted by Emoore

The two breeders you posted are German Show Lines. Are you partial to those lines, or are you open to others as well?

I'm not partial to any lines is there a problem with Show Lines? God I feel like someone who is walking into HMV and asking the sales person "I'm looking for music"

I'm just so uninformed.

I'm looking for a dog that I will be doing Obedience with (Perhaps not competing but just for fun for me and the dog) good temperament for my family, loyal and protective of our family unit, and playful. (So I guess a family pet with good bloodlines and health, who can do some light/medium obedience)

[marshies]

I started a thread a while ago looking for breeders in Ontario, and did not find alot of information. You can look at the thread by clicking on my name. There are lots of breeders here, for sure, but not alot of them high profile enough to be known well in the states.

Someone I would look at first would be: carmspack
Every time I speak to her I've found her very knowledgeable. But know that I didn't buy a puppy from her, nor have I met her dogs. It's just from our communication together and from reading her posts, she seems like a responsible breeder with actual knowledge supporting the breeding. But her dogs are showline dogs, and I know when I first started my search, I was not a fan of sables. Needless to say that has changed after seeing many of the beautiful sables on the board.

[onyx'girl]

Originally Posted by marshies

I started a thread a while ago looking for breeders in Ontario, and did not find alot of information. You can look at the thread by clicking on my name. There are lots of breeders here, for sure, but not alot of them high profile enough to be known well in the states.

Someone I would look at first would be: carmspack
Every time I speak to her I've found her very knowledgeable. But know that I didn't buy a puppy from her, nor have I met her dogs. It's just from our communication together and from reading her posts, she seems like a responsible breeder with actual knowledge supporting the breeding. But her dogs are showline dogs, and I know when I first started my search, I was not a fan of sables. Needless to say that has changed after seeing many of the beautiful sables on the board.

Carmen breeds working lines not show lines(maybe your post is a typo, just clarifying).
I agree, I would contact her, I believe she is near Toronto.
Carmspack Working German Shepherd Dogs

[sparra]

Originally Posted by marshies

But her dogs are showline dogs,

I think you meant aren't......

[sparra]

Originally Posted by onyx'girl

Carmen breeds working lines not show lines(maybe your post is a typo, just clarifying).
I agree, I would contact her, I believe she is near Toronto.
Carmspack Working German Shepherd Dogs

Geeze my computer must be slow ( I know it's slow) ...your post wasn't there when I posted!!

[marshies]

Originally Posted by sparra

I think you meant aren't......

Originally Posted by onyx'girl

Carmen breeds working lines not show lines(maybe your post is a typo, just clarifying).
I agree, I would contact her, I believe she is near Toronto.
Carmspack Working German Shepherd Dogs

Originally Posted by sparra

Geeze my computer must be slow ( I know it's slow) ...your post wasn't there when I posted!!

Geez. Yes that's what I meant to type. Feel like such a doofus.