So COMPLETELY overwhelmed!

[Segeine]

Hello! We lost our beloved TeddyBear, a GSD mix, in September from very agressive cancer. (He was fine in March at his checkup, in September we took him in because he was losing weight, the vet found a massive tumor in his abdomen and he was gone shortly thereafter.) He was a Shelter dog and was SO wonderful. We'd been considering a purebred GSD when we found TeddyBear, but fell in love with him when we saw him at the shelter, so...
Now that we are starting to consider bringing another canine into the family, we're looking into the purebred option again. I am torn in so many different directions! I'm not afraid of research, but the wealth of information available online is turning my brain to mush.
I'd like another shelter dog, and have looked into the local GSD rescues, but with the potential health problems of the breed, and not knowing the dog's background and such, I am very leery of this option. Then there are the breeders - there are just SO MANY!!! I don't want to ship my puppy - I am in Central New York - because I'd like to meet the breeder, and at least one of the puppy's parents. I think about a 6 hour drive is about my maximum distance.
Obviously, the dog's health is of primary concern for me. Certified hips and elbows, testing for eye issues etc. We just lost one dog, I want to start out as healthy as possible with this one.
I do have a general idea what I want to do with our new dog. We are an active family with 3 children, ages 9, 11 and 13. We hike, bike, backpack, canoe, camp, both in tents and our camper - you get the idea, right? I would love to do some agility or obedience with our dog - not super competitively, but for fun and to keep the dog and I fit, both mentally and physically. I have NO intention of doing Schutzhound (I hope I spelled that right).
We own a business and the dog would generally be in the office with one of us during the day, but there are occasions we are both gone during the day, and the dog would probably be alone for a few hours. There would be lots of socialization - we have a LOT of company, and often the dog would come on rounds and errands with us. We are very active in Scouting, and would take the dog on campouts and to meetings as appropriate.
On a completely sperficial note, I LOVE the loooks of the long-coated GSDs, and don't much care for the black or white varieties.
I'm sorry this is so rambling. As the subject line says, I'm just completely overwhelmed here, and would appreciate any wisdom you may have to offer. Thanks for your time!

[Xeph]

First things first, I'd suggest figuring out what line you want. Do you want American show lines, German show lines, or working lines? Any can be great active healthy family companions, just depends on your preference in looks and type

I have American lines as well as a working line and a german show line cross. They are all different and all great family pets. Very active, good drives in varying intensities.

[Raintheshepherd]

You can't go wrong with a GSD, I originally wanted a long hair male and ended up with a short hair female. I went to two different breeders and she stood out to me out of all the pups. She was very inquisitive, but not pushy, playful with the other pups but not a bully. Went home with the complete opposite of what I wanted, but in honesty I am very happy with the girl I have. She is very responsive to me, if anyone else asks her to sit, she looks at them like they are an idiot. She is fantastic with other dogs ( though she plays very rough ).
I am a very active person, we do around 3hours of exercise a day and training.
So if you are after a dog who will make you laugh daily, full of energy, loyal, smart then a GSD is for you.
As for genetic issues, make sure you view mum and dad see X-rays and various certificates, and don't over work them as young dogs especially on hard surfaces.



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[Segeine]

Xeph - thanks for your reply! The whole "lines" thing is confusing to me. As far as I can tell, the "working" lines tend to have more drive and maybe are more agressive? Show lines are more for appearances - the "perfect look" sort of thing? As far as German vs. American - I have absolutely no idea. It seems to me, based on what i've been reading, that the german lines haven't had some of the overbreeding that the American ones have, but I could be completely out to lunch here.
As I said before, I like the long coated dogs better than the short coated ones. The dog at the top of this page Male German Shepherd Dogs at Candle Hill Shepherds is just amazingly beautiful. I'm also loooking for a GSD on the larger side.
(I hope I don't get in trouble for posting a link!)
Oh - and I guess I'd prefer a dog that doesn't have a really intense drive.

[Segeine]

Raintheshepherd - Yeah, sometimes our dogs just pick us - that's what happened with TeddyBear!

[wolfy dog]

Originally Posted by Segeine

Xeph - thanks for your reply! The whole "lines" thing is confusing to me. As far as I can tell, the "working" lines tend to have more drive and maybe are more agressive?

Mainly look for temperament of the parent dogs. (drive is not the same as aggression). I think that looks are important as well since it is such a joy to have dog that you find beautiful.
In every litter, show or work lines, there are pups on both end of the spectrum.
My dog, WD, is from working lines: he is stable and mellow but active of course. You have to take the time to go visit breeders and meet their dogs to get an idea what their pups will be like.
I didn't know anything about the various working lines but I trusted what I saw. I loved the breeder's dogs and his philosophy; the dogs' looks and nice temperament. It took a long time to find WD and in the meantime I have had several mutts who...m I dearly loved.
Good luck on your search. Shepherds are awesome but I may be biased

[hattifattener]

Cardinal is a German show line dog (in link you posted).
what a hunk!

[Xeph]

Segeine, just so you have some examples of what dogs of varying types look like

My American show line girl, Wesson (bi color)


My German show line cross, Strauss (black and tan, faded pigment, you want stronger)


My working line dog (West German) Mahler (Sable)

[JakodaCD OA]

there are alot of good breeders out there, and your location is good, as your willing to travel a bit.

I also wouldn't be locked in on a "line" vs finding a good breeder that can match you to what you want and don't want in a dog and go from there.

Alkarah comes to mind in New Jersey (am show lines nice tempered dogs)
Von Hena C in NH (I had a male out of one of their stud dogs, perfect dog
Ryan Haus in MA, (wolfiesmom here on the board has a really nice dog out of them)

Check with Lee here on the board she is in PA I believe? Always hear good things about her dogs..

That's a start for you, I know I'm forgetting alot of good breeders that are also here on this board and probably in your area..

Good luck with your search

[Segeine]

Oh Xeph - they're all lovely! I think I like Strauss's looks best. I like how his head loooks strong, and he seems more...solid? than Wesson. Mahler seems like he's ready to get the job done, but his body type is also finer-looking than Strauss.