So COMPLETELY overwhelmed!

[blackshep]

I post this a lot because it "dumbed down" the explanation of the different types of lines for me.

Von Öhmke - German Shepherd Dogs

Once you know what type you want, then people can probably help you find a breeder. Be honest with yourself about your handling skills and activity level, too.

[Jag]

If you go to a good breeder, and tell them exactly what you want (being totally honest), they will tell you if they have what you're looking for. If they do, they can match a pup to you. I talked to my breeder for a couple of hours on the phone. I couldn't have gotten what I wanted any more than if I'd built Grim myself.

[AJT]

Originally Posted by blackshep

I post this a lot because it "dumbed down" the explanation of the different types of lines for me.

Von Öhmke - German Shepherd Dogs

Once you know what type you want, then people can probably help you find a breeder. Be honest with yourself about your handling skills and activity level, too.

oooo, i like the link! Reading it now. Easy to digest!

[Segeine]

Being completely honest about our activity level and experience, I'd say we range widely from a fairly high activity level with a ton of outdoor stuff like backpacking 8-10 days in the Adirondaks, to working 8-10 hour days - some of which is at home in our office, some is at clients' homes or businesses. Personally, I really need to get out and move on those long work days, and needing to work the dog would be a wonderful reason to do so. I also have 3 energetic children who miss their daily playtime with their dog.
Myy dog-handling experience is somewhat limited. I have owned 3 dogs. Daisy was a GSDxBasset Hound, and looked as funny as that sounds. (Think GSD with Basset legs!) She was a smart, willing dog who wanted to please. Thea was a Cocker SpanielxRottweiller Completely adorable, but I couldn't get her to do anything except the most basic of training - housetrained, walked nicely on leash, went off like a shot if asked if she wanted to go swimming. Sometimes responded to other commands, if she felt like it and you could manage to get her attention.
Then there was TeddyBear. GSDx?? maybe Lab or Rottweiller, the vet wasn't sure. He was willing to try anything I asked of him. He _paid attention_ and you could see him figuring stuff out. I think I could have trained him to walk on water if he'd been with us longer. His best friend was the cat. A perfect trail companion - walked either next to me or behind me, depending on the width of the trail, but would find his own way if he couldn't manage the "people path" and then waited at the next spot until I caught up. Rode perfectly in the canoe, great leash manners, did all of the usual dog "tricks" - shake, lay down, roll, etc. Would NOT cruise the counters. If I dropped a piece of food, he'd look at it, quivering with desire, but he'd never touch it. Never begged at the table. Loved frisbee and fetch, barked to tell us people were here, then stopped when he saw we were paying attention. I had such fun training him, and would have liked to take him further, but he had some knee issues, and I didn't want cause problems with that, so my hopes of agility went out the window. I have never taken a dog to obedience classes, but I would really like to get into that and agility. He was perfectly happy to romp in the yard, walk for miles and miles, or just hang out in the office with his head on my foot while I worked. That's what I want again.

So could any of you folks guide me to a few breeders within 6 hours of Central New York that might be right for me?

[Xeph]

Segeine, Strauss is 8 years old in that pic, so he is fully mature

Wesson and Mahler are 15 months and 12 months respectively, so they still have growing to do (filling out). Maturity will bring a different look to both of them.

That said, Strauss is my favorite, too

[Jag]

I'd probably go with a working line if I were you. Not all are over the top in drive. There's a link to what to look for in a good breeder. You'll want to check that out.. maybe even print it out. I had my guy shipped from AZ, and I don't know breeders in your area. Are you totally against shipping if it's a breeder that's highly recommended? There are a few people here who have dogs from Wildhaus kennels in Michigan. I think you could get what you're looking for from there. I don't have a dog from there... but I've been hearing many great things about the dogs from there. You want ongoing breeder support. That's important. I STILL call my breeder for help or just to update. You don't want to go to a breeder that's so large that they aren't going to offer support and interaction after you buy the pup... or a breeder that just thinks that your relationship is over after the sale. I think that meeting the parents can sometimes be overrated. I met the parents of the bitch I bought. I liked them. She was a head case. So it doesn't always mean what you think. You also need to 'gel' with your breeder. Nothing worse than not having a breeder that you're on the same page with. I'd love to meet my breeder in person, because we see eye to eye pretty much across the board, so she's fun to talk to!

[blackshep]

See if you can find some schutzhund clubs near you and check out the dogs. Most of the shepherds will be working lines, so you can get a feel for their intenity and drive.

They are awesome dogs for an energetic person who is willing to work on the obedience, but they need a clear and confident pack leader.

I like working lines. Most litters will have a pup that is a little lower drive, and they can be good companions for an active person.

[Segeine]

Thank you, all!

[Segeine]

Currently considering Eichenluft in southern PA. Any insight?

[pariahdogs]

I've been to her kennels and they were very nice [we stopped on our way to NY for a rescue transport], and she had a stunning litter of pups out. This was back in December. Molly is very nice and came and chatted to use while we walked the rescue dogs. She has a nice setup there and her dogs are beautiful.