Feeling overwhelmed

[sddeadeye]

I am still on the search for my next GSD. I keep going back and forth between the working lines and show lines. I have spoken to multiple breeders from each and they all say that they produce the type of GSD I want. Both types appeal to me in their own way. I just cannot seem to sit back and pick one and say this is what I want.

I think part of my problem is how much free time I have on my hands here to do absolutely nothing but question my decisions.

I do not want to adopt a rescue dog. I have absolutely nothing against them. But after losing my last GSD so early due to a health issue, I want to get a dog from health tested parents.

I have decided that a high drive dog as my next companion is going to be a little much. I am looking more for moderate drive. The dog will still be an active family companion. I also intend to do things like competetive OB, rally, and agility with the pup depending on what it takes to. I have also found a local tracking group that I am trying to get in contact with to see about doing some training with them.

I do have another dog and a toddler in the house so temperament is the most important trait.

I don't know what I'm really asking in particular. I just needed space to get all my frustrations in my search out there. It would be so much nicer if I had breeders local to my area that I could go out and meet dogs. But I don't. So just about all of my research has been online minus the few WGSL and WL dogs I have met in person. In reality, I am leaning more towards the SL as of the ones I have actually met, they seem more like what I want in my next dog. Perhaps in the future when I'm looking for another GSD and am interested in going further in sports, I would be looking more for a WL.

[doggiedad]

after reading your post i think a sl will fit
your life style. i bought a West German
show line because i don't like the look
of the American lines (some of them).
deciding on what line can drive you crazy
and it seems like the more you learn the worst
it gets.

[Danielle609]

You can get what you want out of both lines. Not all WL dogs have a high drive and not all WGSL's have a low drive. As long as you go with a reputable breeder they should be able to tell you if they have a pup that would fit your household. That being said, I prefer the WGSL's looks. When I am ready for a pup that is what I will be getting. But the breeder is honest and reliable! Very important! Good luck with our search, it does get to be mind boggling at times!! :-)

[robk]

I sounds to me like what you really want is a show line as well. I think a well bred German Showline will make you a very nice companion and will be able to keep up with your active lifestyle very easily. Plus the dogs are beautiful and no one is going to ask you what kind of dog it is or what is it mixed with.

[Lakl]

Sent you a PM. Hope it helps!

[BlackGSD]

I too feel that you could find exactly what you are looking for in EITHER line. (From the right breeder.)

I if were you, I would go for the LOOK you like better. Personally, I don't liked the looks of the show lines, (I like the looks and temperaments of the DDR and Czech lines so that is what I have.) Many folks prefer the looks of the SL dogs. If you like the looks of the SL dogs better, concentrate on SL breeders.

[lhczth]

You can get what you want out of either line. It would probably help a lot if you could visit breeders and meet the dogs. That would probably give you the best feel for what you want or need. Many breeders are going to tell you they have what you want and will push what they breed. Only you can make the final determination.

[elisabeth_00117]

Growing up we had showlines, I loved them. Then I met a few working lines.... stole my heart. My male is a working/show cross, great dog, just not something I would ever do again (at least not this particular pairing) just in terms of what I want out of my dogs - he's an amazing companion though!

Once I met and actually started to be around working lines - they stole my heart.

Definitely recommend what everyone is saying - go and meet these dogs!

[RubyTuesday]

Look at breeders of both & choose the breeder that resonates with you. I communicated recently with someone who was in exactly your situation & then VOILA! She (I think she) found the perfect breeder & the fretting, worrying, agonizing is over. I actually smiled when I read her choice b/c it's a breeder I've simply heard wonderful things about over & Over & OVER! IF I was looking for a pup from someone other than Djibouti's breeder he's someone I'd be very interested in.

[Lucy Dog]

How many dogs have you gone out and met?