Hi all - so we want to get a white GSD...

[Pickle]

After wanting to get a dog for a while now, my boyfriend and I decided we wanted to get a white German Shepherd. We found this breeder in Riverside. We visited their residence a few weeks ago to see the pups and the parents. It seemed like a legit breeder. I'm curious if any of you have heard anything about them?

Snow White German Shepherd for Sale

[elisabeth_00117]

I don't see any information on the breeding stock, health clearnances being performed on said breeding stock nor if their dogs are being worked/shown in any venues.

They say they "but also have the potential to be used for shows and competitions in any AKC competition or event" and " wishes to breed only dogs that conform to the Snow White German Shepherd standard"but they don't have any proof of that since it doesn't look like they do such with their own dogs, so... how would they know?

They seem very focused on the colour of their dogs and not on the temperaments being produced, nerve, thresholds, working ability (these are still working dogs), etc..

Again.. just my opinion from what I have seen on the link provided.

[Glacier]

I'd feel better about them if I could see the parents. It just says that they're health certified, if you can I'd see if you can get their OFA numbers and look them up just to make sure that they are actually certified. They also claim that their dogs are champion stock, since they offer no proof or specific titles on their website, surely the breeder wouldn't mind presenting you with some kind of physical certificate(or whatever proof) that the breeding dogs do actually have the titles they claim. I would think a breeder would be excited to talk about their dog's accomplishments with an interested party. So just ask for the proof, if they can't provide it, I'd look else where. After all you're the one paying your hard earned cash for this pup, it's best to make sure you stack the odds in your favor so you can have a better chance of avoiding future heartbreak.

[Pickle]

Thank you for the replies. I will email the breeders and ask for the OFA numbers of the mom and dad. I'd then look the numbers up on Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, yes?

According to my bf, when we visited, she showed us AKC papers and a bunch of pics of GSDs from the pups bloodline. The visit was kind of a blur to me. The couple was older and had a lot to say about their current dogs, past dogs, people that they had previously sold dogs to, etc...and there were cute pups running around. I was distracted. =/

[Glacier]

Originally Posted by Pickle

Thank you for the replies. I will email the breeders and ask for the OFA numbers of the mom and dad. I'd then look the numbers up on Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, yes?

According to my bf, when we visited, she showed us AKC papers and a bunch of pics of GSDs from the pups bloodline. The visit was kind of a blur to me. The couple was older and had a lot to say about their current dogs, past dogs, people that they had previously sold dogs to, etc...and there were cute pups running around. I was distracted. =/

Do AKC registration papers list the titles and accomplishments of the dogs or is it just the accomplishment of their parents? If they do, you could always ask to see the papers again. I'd ask to see proof of the titles earned if possible, surely they give you a certificate of accomplishment or something. Maybe you can do this next time, before you go out to see the pups so you'll be less distracted?

I'm pretty much in the same boat as you guys, the husband and I are looking for a pup, and are trying to stack the odds in our favor.

[elisabeth_00117]

Cute puppies turn into big dogs, without making an informed, responsible decision things can go badly very quickly.

I know it's hard not to get distracted by the puppy breath but when you go to look at puppies, always remember that this is a decision that will last you 10-15 years so make sure your making an informed decision. Vet bills for health issues, training for behavioural issues cost money and if you go in to the decision distracted it can definitely be a possibility that you will walk away with issues sooner rather than later that can cost you.

Spend the time doing the research, ask the questions and make an informed decision this way you will be able to enjoy your new puppy well into their adult life with minimal issues.

Good luck in your search, I would love to be kept updated with your progess either with this breeder or another.

[Pickle]

We're definitely not trying to rush into this and we fully understand that these cute pups turn into big (beautiful) dogs that are a big responsibility. We've looked into doggie daycare, where we want to go for training classes, getting our place ready, getting pet insurance through our work, etc. I've been reading this forum as well. Just trying to soak up as much info as I can so we make the right decision.

So I emailed the breeders and asked specifically if they could provide the mom and dad's OFA numbers. I also asked for a "certificate showing the mom and pop are of champion stock". I don't know if that's the right way to word it but that's what I said in the email.

[elisabeth_00117]

Some breeders say "of champion stock" which really boils down too "there are champion stock in the pedigree somewhere" so definitely keep that in mind.

Sounds like you are really readying yourselves, good for you!

[Emoore]

There are always gorgeous white GSDs in rescue as well. You can get a nice dog around a year old or so for a fraction of what you'd pay at a good breeder.

[MaggieRoseLee]

No matter what coror of flavor of GSD we are looking for, the MOST important thing is for us to be educated ahead of time (before we even call or talk to one breeder) on what a 'Responsible' breeder is and what questions to ask so they will sell us one of their puppies!

Things to look for in a 'Responsible' Breeder