New here, looking into possibly getting a puppy, I have a few ?'s

CATO · 02-13-2011, 07:34 PM

Hello, I am thinking about getting a German Shepherd puppy as I have always wanted one. I have read alot about them the past few days but I have gotten mixed answers on what to look for in a good puppy.Maybe you guys could help me out as to what to look for in finding a good puppy? With that said I am not looking to show the dog in any kind of contests, I would like some nice color, I like the golden black ones(not sure what the name of it is) but more gold than black. Also I live in colorado and have been looking for breeders, only a few have turned up in my search efforts. If any of you could help me out with anything like advice or anything I should know I would greatly appreciate it! thanks!

KZoppa · 02-13-2011, 07:42 PM

well as far as looking, you've come to the right place with your questions! There are many different lines for GSDs and thats probably one of the trickier parts to figuring it all out. What are you plans for the dog? Active pet home? Would you like to possibly be involved in agility? search and rescue? any number of things really. What do YOU have that YOU can offer a GSD? GSDs give SOOOOO much to us thats its only fair of us to ask what we can give them. There is a great deal to learn about on your end and its great your asking questions.

How much would YOU think was acceptable to spend on a well bred GSD? Are you willing to have the dog shipped to you if needed? Are you willing to travel a distance to meet with a breeder? I know i'm forgetting a great deal but others will chime in.

If you dont mind my asking, what part of Colorado?

Also, here's something you may want to check out. It could help you narrow things down.
(Types of German Shepherds, by Wildhaus Kennels )

Breed Types & Related Families

Marissa · 02-13-2011, 07:51 PM

Just like Kzoppa said above, its very important to decide what you want out of your german shepherd before you can start looking. Once you have decided on what you plan to do with your new dog it can help narrow down the search. You dont want to buy a puppy for a walking partner and end up with a high drive working dog....What experience do you have with owning a dog? How much time do you have to spend with your dog a day, a week? What made you decide on a GSD? They are the most amazing breed and you will fall head over heels for them. Hopefully we can help you find the best puppy for you and your lifestyle

doggiedad · 02-13-2011, 07:57 PM

what a classic statement.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KZoppa

What do YOU have that YOU can offer a GSD? GSDs give SOOOOO much to us thats its only fair of us to ask what we can give them.

zyppi · 02-13-2011, 08:10 PM

while color isn't the most important trait in a good German Shepherd, there is probably a breeding out there that would fit your first choice - if you are willing to spend the $$

Good breeders spend a lot on their dogs. Acquisition, medical, research, titling and/or showing.

Better to spend more on a pup and have best chance at a healthy dog (though problems can crop up in all lines and with the best of breeders).

This is a costly breed to maintain - just so you're prepared. You need a stash for future medical in addition to initial cost.

Here is a site that gives a bit of info on different lines. http://www.shawlein.com/The_Standard...eed_Types.html

Take a look and tell us more about your expectations.

Oh, and I'd plan on $1200 minimum up to $3500 for a quality pup.

Don't be afraid to call breeders and ask questions.. look for a breeder who has questions for you too. There is no such thing as a bargain pup and many good breeders are sold out in advance, so you may have to go on a waiting list.

CATO · 02-13-2011, 08:38 PM

I will be able to offer the attention the dog needs and will also be able to provide an awesome home for him! I'm not looking to have the dog do any kind of work, I'd just like a friendly house companion to hang out with me and go places outdoors with me too. It would be cool to teach him a few tricks also. I'm willing to spend 1200 on a healthy puppy I just don't think I need one thats like 2500 or more. KZoppa I live in westminster and I am willing to drive a distance to pick up the dog rather than get one shipped. I'm not really in a hurry to get a GSD, i'd just like to learn as much as I can about them before I get one for myself. Thanks for all the info I appreciate it!

CATO · 02-13-2011, 08:43 PM

Haven't seen this puppy in person, what do you guys think about him though?

Arek - German Shepherd puppy for sale

KZoppa · 02-13-2011, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CATO

I will be able to offer the attention the dog needs and will also be able to provide an awesome home for him! I'm not looking to have the dog do any kind of work, I'd just like a friendly house companion to hang out with me and go places outdoors with me too. It would be cool to teach him a few tricks also. I'm willing to spend 1200 on a healthy puppy I just don't think I need one thats like 2500 or more. KZoppa I live in westminster and I am willing to drive a distance to pick up the dog rather than get one shipped. I'm not really in a hurry to get a GSD, i'd just like to learn as much as I can about them before I get one for myself. Thanks for all the info I appreciate it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CATO

Haven't seen this puppy in person, what do you guys think about him though?

Arek - German Shepherd puppy for sale

There are a few books you can buy pretty much any pet store/online about GSDs. I know i've learned a good deal from them and this site. I'm originally from C. Springs. actually just got back from visiting colorado yesterday lol. Given you're looking for a house companion, i would suggest possibly looking at rescues. They know the dogs personality that way and can better match you with a dog that would suit you and you would suit the dog. There's a few rescues in Colorado that could help you out easily enough.

As far as anything from NextDayPets.com they're cute but i personally wouldnt go through them at all. You never know exactly what you're getting through that site and most of the time, you're dealing with BYBs.

Marissa · 02-13-2011, 08:50 PM

What about rescue? Is this an option for you? There are MANY gorgeous pure bred german shepherds in need of a home everyday.... I know there are a few German Shepherd exclusive rescues in Colorado...

Zoeys mom · 02-13-2011, 08:51 PM

First run away from next day pets they advertise puppy mill dogs and no good breeder I know of would ever post a dog on there for sale. Don't think anyone here is snooty for suggesting good breeders and spending $1500 on a dog. GSD's are known for a slue of health problems and temperament issues when bought from a BYB or puppy mill so even though show and other competitions aren't your thing you still want to get a well bred dog just for the health benefits and temperament believe me

02-13-2011, 07:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
CATO New Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Westminster CO Posts: 10	New here, looking into possibly getting a puppy, I have a few ?'s Hello, I am thinking about getting a German Shepherd puppy as I have always wanted one. I have read alot about them the past few days but I have gotten mixed answers on what to look for in a good puppy.Maybe you guys could help me out as to what to look for in finding a good puppy? With that said I am not looking to show the dog in any kind of contests, I would like some nice color, I like the golden black ones(not sure what the name of it is) but more gold than black. Also I live in colorado and have been looking for breeders, only a few have turned up in my search efforts. If any of you could help me out with anything like advice or anything I should know I would greatly appreciate it! thanks!

02-13-2011, 07:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
KZoppa Crowned Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Maryland kinda missing CO Posts: 13,809	well as far as looking, you've come to the right place with your questions! There are many different lines for GSDs and thats probably one of the trickier parts to figuring it all out. What are you plans for the dog? Active pet home? Would you like to possibly be involved in agility? search and rescue? any number of things really. What do YOU have that YOU can offer a GSD? GSDs give SOOOOO much to us thats its only fair of us to ask what we can give them. There is a great deal to learn about on your end and its great your asking questions. How much would YOU think was acceptable to spend on a well bred GSD? Are you willing to have the dog shipped to you if needed? Are you willing to travel a distance to meet with a breeder? I know i'm forgetting a great deal but others will chime in. If you dont mind my asking, what part of Colorado? Also, here's something you may want to check out. It could help you narrow things down. (Types of German Shepherds, by Wildhaus Kennels ) Breed Types & Related Families __________________ The more people I meet and talk to,the more I love my dogs and their intelligence. www.krystalscollarcreations.weebly.com Riley GSD/BC 1/10/05 Zena GSD 6/1/03 Shasta GSD 5/5/10

02-13-2011, 07:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
Marissa Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Midwest Posts: 387	Just like Kzoppa said above, its very important to decide what you want out of your german shepherd before you can start looking. Once you have decided on what you plan to do with your new dog it can help narrow down the search. You dont want to buy a puppy for a walking partner and end up with a high drive working dog....What experience do you have with owning a dog? How much time do you have to spend with your dog a day, a week? What made you decide on a GSD? They are the most amazing breed and you will fall head over heels for them. Hopefully we can help you find the best puppy for you and your lifestyle __________________ Izaak GSD Rescue Paul GSP Rescue Kendra - at the bridge. I will miss you sweet girl

02-13-2011, 08:10 PM	#5 (permalink)
zyppi Crowned Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Back home to Louisiana! Posts: 4,943	while color isn't the most important trait in a good German Shepherd, there is probably a breeding out there that would fit your first choice - if you are willing to spend the $$ Good breeders spend a lot on their dogs. Acquisition, medical, research, titling and/or showing. Better to spend more on a pup and have best chance at a healthy dog (though problems can crop up in all lines and with the best of breeders). This is a costly breed to maintain - just so you're prepared. You need a stash for future medical in addition to initial cost. Here is a site that gives a bit of info on different lines. http://www.shawlein.com/The_Standard...eed_Types.html Take a look and tell us more about your expectations. Oh, and I'd plan on $1200 minimum up to $3500 for a quality pup. Don't be afraid to call breeders and ask questions.. look for a breeder who has questions for you too. There is no such thing as a bargain pup and many good breeders are sold out in advance, so you may have to go on a waiting list. __________________ Anne Nothing is as simple as it seems or as complicated as we make it~ Attitude is everything -- Pick a good one! Sofie AKA Ussina vom Haus Brezel Jack von Jagenstadt Tatty - Burmese bad cat

02-13-2011, 08:50 PM	#9 (permalink)
Marissa Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Midwest Posts: 387	What about rescue? Is this an option for you? There are MANY gorgeous pure bred german shepherds in need of a home everyday.... I know there are a few German Shepherd exclusive rescues in Colorado... __________________ Izaak GSD Rescue Paul GSP Rescue Kendra - at the bridge. I will miss you sweet girl

02-13-2011, 08:38 PM	#6 (permalink)
CATO New Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Westminster CO Posts: 10	I will be able to offer the attention the dog needs and will also be able to provide an awesome home for him! I'm not looking to have the dog do any kind of work, I'd just like a friendly house companion to hang out with me and go places outdoors with me too. It would be cool to teach him a few tricks also. I'm willing to spend 1200 on a healthy puppy I just don't think I need one thats like 2500 or more. KZoppa I live in westminster and I am willing to drive a distance to pick up the dog rather than get one shipped. I'm not really in a hurry to get a GSD, i'd just like to learn as much as I can about them before I get one for myself. Thanks for all the info I appreciate it!

02-13-2011, 08:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
CATO New Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Westminster CO Posts: 10	Haven't seen this puppy in person, what do you guys think about him though? Arek - German Shepherd puppy for sale

02-13-2011, 08:51 PM	#10 (permalink)
Zoeys mom Knighted Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Rockville, Md Posts: 2,941	First run away from next day pets they advertise puppy mill dogs and no good breeder I know of would ever post a dog on there for sale. Don't think anyone here is snooty for suggesting good breeders and spending $1500 on a dog. GSD's are known for a slue of health problems and temperament issues when bought from a BYB or puppy mill so even though show and other competitions aren't your thing you still want to get a well bred dog just for the health benefits and temperament believe me

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