Picking or being given the right puppy...

[Jeeper]

So this is my first time doing this, and I have reserved a puppy in a litter that is due to be released in a few months...

I have heard that some breeders will pick a puppy for you, how do they do this? Do you say, "i want an active dog" and they simply give you the energetic one?

On the flip side, if I am allowed to pick the pup, what are the best things to look for? I know one would be it simply walking up to you, or not being afraid, but is there anything else?

This is going to be a family dog, not for work or show purposes... Sorry for the noobish questions lol

[ponyfarm]

I am no expert, and I got my puppy at a rescue. Things I looked for.. I wanted the puppy to follow me around. I wanted the puppy to want to come up to me happy and waggy if I knelt down. I wanted the puppy to chase something thrown and bring it back..or at least not take off running.

Now, at a year old..this puppy is happy, loves people, follows me everywhere and loves to play fetch and always brings the toy back.

[LaRen616]

Originally Posted by Jeeper

I have heard that some breeders will pick a puppy for you, how do they do this? Do you say, "i want an active dog" and they simply give you the energetic one?

Tell them what kind of energy level you want, do you want low/medium energy for walks, ball playing or do you want high energy for daily biking, jogging, hiking, agility, ball playing and swimming? Tell them what kind of temperment you want, do you want a cuddlebug that is gentle, sweet and friendly or do you want a more independent, more adventurous, friendly but not too friendly pup?

Tell them exactly what you want in a dog, tell them why you want the dog, what you are going to do with the dog, etc.

Originally Posted by Jeeper

On the flip side, if I am allowed to pick the pup, what are the best things to look for? I know one would be it simply walking up to you, or not being afraid, but is there anything else?

This is how I chose my Sinister

I looked for a puppy that wasn't afraid to come to me, one that was playful but could relax so I could pet it and pick it up. I wanted a confident puppy that goes and investigates things instead of hiding from them. I didn't want a puppy that showed no interest in me but I also didn't want a puppy that couldnt leave my side. I didn't want a puppy that showed dominance over the other puppies (bossy and very rough play) I also didn't want a puppy that looked and acted completely freaked out or one that cries when it hears a strange noise or sees something strange.

I got my boy from a byb and I got very lucky and picked the perfect puppy for me. But I would HIGHLY suggest that you go through a reputable breeder that chooses the correct puppy for you. They spend 8+ weeks with those puppies, they know their temperments and personalities, they know those puppies best.

[crisp]

Here is a link to a member's website:

(Wildhaus Kennels Raising Working German Shepherd Puppies)

Under section 'Evaluation, Testing & Placement' and 'Formal Puppy Tests' you can read about the testing and evaluation the breeder does and things you can look for yourself. Lots of good info.

[damaya]

That is a good link /\
Here is another.

Temperament Testing

[rjThor]

It took me 2 weeks to find a breeder I was comfortable with, and speaking with both husband and wife and about the parents of the pups and their history, once all the info was provided to me, I told them why I was looking for one, and gave him the specifics of what I wanted(male, all black puppy) he invited me to his property out in the country and showed me the pups along with both parents and an older brother of the pups, I was impressed and I was allowed to pick the pup I wanted, he was the biggest one, but also standofish, kept more to himself, he was a lil bit of the bully, but that is one of the trades that led me to pick him, figured he wouldn't be a push over once he was bigger, have been real happy with Thor, he's a great puppy n will be purchasing a female from them in about a year from now. Hope things work out great for you also, good luck.

[Stosh]

I told the breeder what kind of pup I wanted and they narrowed it down to 3 that they thought would fit- I chose Stosh out of those 3. I told them I wanted the dumbest laziest male pup they had- not because I thought any would be lazy or dumb, I just didn't want a high energy dog. Stosh is exactly the dog I wanted- very calm, confident, easy to train and totally devoted to me. So to answer your question- tell them what kind of dog you want and try not to go by color, cuteness, etc.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

You sound like me a couple of months ago when I was first looking.

I'm telling you from experience - be wary of breeders that let people choose their own puppies. At first I felt insulted and annoyed by this concept but then I met more and more well-bred GSDs (working line and showline). After spending time in the presense of these dogs, something clicked. You're not trying to choose between the yellow lab and the chocolate lab here... there can be variations in drive and temperament within a litter. Choosing the "wrong" pup for you can make a big difference in your day to day life with the dog.

GSDs are a powerful and complex breed. Do your research, find a breeder who is well-respected and work together to find the right puppy for you.

[LaRen616]

Originally Posted by bornfreenowexpensive

You sound like me a couple of months ago when I was first looking.

I'm telling you from experience - be wary of breeders that let people choose their own puppies. At first I felt insulted and annoyed by this concept but then I met more and more well-bred GSDs (working line and showline). After spending time in the presense of these dogs, something clicked. You're not trying to choose between the yellow lab and the chocolate lab here... there can be variations in drive and temperament within a litter. Choosing the "wrong" pup for you can make a big difference in your day to day life with the dog.

GSDs are a powerful and complex breed. Do your research, find a breeder who is well-respected and work together to find the right puppy for you.

[jaggirl47]

Spend alot of time talking to the breeder so they know exactly what you are looking for. Let them know your entire situation, work hours, kids and their behavior, activities you want the dog to do with you, EVERYTHING. You will get the best match for you and your family that way.