searching for a good breeder

[Itzkristen]

Hey everyone! So I'm not quite on the hunt yet but I wanted to get in touch a breeder now to get myself on their waiting list for next year. I am looking to purchase a GSD puppy and I am having trouble finding a good breeder. All the GSD's I've had in the past were rescues (either from shelters or police retirees). I've never had the experience to work with a breeder to to know how to tell I good breeder from a not so good breeder with a lot of bells and whistles. I live in the York, Pennsylvania area so If anyone knows anyone really reputable, with good looking dogs and good temperament, I would love it if you could pass the info along. I know what to expect for a nice dog price wise. And just to be clear I am not interested in showing or breeding but I'd still like a good looking, well bred dog. Thanks for all your help everyone!

[LaRen616]

What lines are you thinking about, working or show?

Do you have a color preference?

[Xeph]

Eichenluft, in Newville, PA
Eichenluft German Shepherd Dogs

Working lines and show lines

[Itzkristen]

Originally Posted by LaRen616

What lines are you thinking about, working or show?

Do you have a color preference?

I've only ever owned working. Whats the difference? I have no color preference at this time. I just would prefer to not have an all black GSD. I want a little color

[LaRen616]

Originally Posted by Itzkristen

I've only ever owned working. Whats the difference? I have no color preference at this time. I just would prefer to not have an all black GSD. I want a little color

Working lines tend to have more energy and more drive.

Working lines are mainly solid black, bicolor and sables.

Showlines are black/red, black/tan and solid black.

[Itzkristen]

I like the black and red as well as the sable. However since I would be starting from a puppy then perhaps a little less energy would be the best. I'm not really interested in showing though.

[LaRen616]

Originally Posted by Itzkristen

I like the black and red as well as the sable. However since I would be starting from a puppy then perhaps a little less energy would be the best. I'm not really interested in showing though.

You do not have to show the dog, it's just the dog's bloodlines.

GSDs are split into 2 different lines, working and show.

You do not need to work the dog in order to get a dog from working lines and you do not need to show the dog in order to get a dog from showlines.

Check this thread out
Things to look for in a 'Responsible' Breeder

[bocron]

Originally Posted by LaRen616

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GSDs are split into 2 different lines, working and show.

I consider there to be 4 lines, Working lines, German Showlines, American Showlines and BYB.
German Showlines and American Showlines are VERY different dogs.

Jimmy Moses is right up the road from us (in country terms ) , so we get a few super high bred American dogs here every time a litter hits the ground, so I do see those lines on occasion. Mostly though, we get the other 3, with working being most prevalent since there are quite a few good breeders in the area. Most people who are just getting into the breed seem to have most of their needs met with the German Showline dogs, the ones who jump right into working line dogs seem to be very interested in competition/sport of some sort.

[robinhuerta]

Ha! LaRene......you should tell my SL's that they "should" have less drive and energy!! LOL!....I'm sure that their owners at times *wish* that they did!!
It has become more of "sterio-typing" in one bloodline vs another (over the recent years)......good, balanced, healthy dogs are found in all bloodlines, as well as unsound, unhealthy, stuffed animals......just as each breeder has different requirements & programs.

OP.......There are several breeders on this particular forum.....that breed *stable, well balanced* dogs, and they are breeders from different bloodlines....(American & German alike).
Make a list of what your *requirements & desires* are....and go from there....

[LaRen616]

Originally Posted by robinhuerta

Ha! LaRene......you should tell my SL's that they "should" have less drive and energy!! LOL!....I'm sure that their owners at times *wish* that they did!!
It has become more of "sterio-typing" in one bloodline vs another (over the recent years)......good, balanced, healthy dogs are found in all bloodlines, as well as unsound, unhealthy, stuffed animals......just as each breeder has different requirements & programs.

I just said they tend to have more energy and drive than showlines, I am not saying they definitely have more energy and drive, it just seems that most seem to have more energy and drive.

My male is from a byb he is American/West German Showlines and he is more laid back, has lower energy and my working line female has a ton more energy and stamina than he does. She can keep going and going, she wears him out.

Originally Posted by robinhuerta

OP.......There are several breeders on this particular forum.....that breed *stable, well balanced* dogs, and they are breeders from different bloodlines....(American & German alike).
Make a list of what your *requirements & desires* are....and go from there....

I completely agree with you.

I do not think that one line is better than the other, I would absolutely love to get a puppy from you ( a black puppy though, just because it's my preference) as long as the puppy is healthy and has a stable temperment I dont care what lines he/she comes from.