Looking for My first Puppy, Help.

[Jahjehwa]

First after looking at GSD's for a while, My wife and I really like the Red and Black. We want to get a male puppy and we are willing to do formal training and we already found a nice spot for a crate for training. We have a small child who we want to grow up with the Dog. We do a lot of outdoor things like hiking/fishing/camping. And we always have somebody home I know that better health and breeding end up costing more $$ but what should I expect to pay for a good quality family dog?and what type should I look for? and what age should I pick him up? I am hoping to pay around $1000 or less if possible but I also want a dog that had been x-rayed and other health tests already done. Any advice would help.

[zyppi]

I pm'd you.

[Elaine]

Are you looking for a german showline puppy? They are the ones that are red and black. They are also more expensive. You aren't going to find a well bred puppy of any line for under a thousand.

Have you tried looking on petfinder? You can frequently find good pets on there for much cheaper.

I do rescue and prefer to adopt out adult dogs to families with small children as people seem to not like all the biting and chewing that comes with puppies and the puppies will bite and chase the small child. I find it's much better to get an adult dog that is good with kids and you know what their health and personality is like before you get them.

[Jahjehwa]

I just prefer the bright contrasting colors that the red/black have. I am sure tan and black would be fine as well. I am in Minnesota by the way. I don't plan on doing any showing or breeding just want a good family companion. Thanks for the advice. Anything helps

[Elaine]

As you are looking for just a family pet, I would really recommend getting a low energy, adult dog from petfinder. Have you looked there yet?

[Jahjehwa]

yes i have been looking, though i am still hoping for a puppy to raise, i will consider a adult dog as you suggest.

[Jahjehwa]

Okay so I found a puppy, picking him up in a week, so he will be 8 weeks. The breeder has all his AKC paperwork ready. She said out of the 2 males he is really a good fit for my young family. Though she said he is aggressive but in a good way and not laid back like the other male she has. Its the first time I have really heard aggression to be put in a good light. She said he is most like his dad who is very sweet and loving to the family but is very protective and outgoing an d has lots of energy. After talking with her she said 3 others were interested in the males but I fit him the best. I asked for a puppy that would be good with a 6 month old and who liked hiking/fishing/camping etc. and who would look over the family when I worked late days or while they went on walks. So then is some aggression a good thing?

[Texas_Eva]

Originally Posted by Jahjehwa

Okay so I found a puppy, picking him up in a week, so he will be 8 weeks. The breeder has all his AKC paperwork ready. She said out of the 2 males he is really a good fit for my young family. Though she said he is aggressive but in a good way and not laid back like the other male she has. Its the first time I have really heard aggression to be put in a good light. She said he is most like his dad who is very sweet and loving to the family but is very protective and outgoing an d has lots of energy. After talking with her she said 3 others were interested in the males but I fit him the best. I asked for a puppy that would be good with a 6 month old and who liked hiking/fishing/camping etc. and who would look over the family when I worked late days or while they went on walks. So then is some aggression a good thing?

From the way you phrase "aggression" it sounds more like drive. I've never heard of aggression in a good light. While I have no where near as much knowledge as some do on here I will say price is a huge indicator of pup and breeder. I would suggest clarifying what the breeder means by its aggression as a high drive pup and a young child (at least if the pup is anything like mine) would be a terrible fit. A high drive pup in some cases is worse than a child requiring the constant watchful eye and is not for a first time GSD owner (I am a first time GSD owner raising a super-high drive pup and it is **** but in a good way). I would suggest ensuring any pup you get is laid back and low drive. All GSD's is socialized right will love being outdoors, and will protect your family (if raised right). Also, it is great the breeder thinks you and the pup fit well but have you met this pup? Has he met your young child? Your family? Have you seen him interact with his litter mates and breeder? If you are trusting this dog to be a lifelong friend, companion and protector to your family choose carefully.

Feel free to pm me if I can be of anymore help. Especially if this pup you are interested in is high drive.

[MaggieRoseLee]

Hopefully you had (and are having) a good time going thru this thread cause tons of great info about breeders and their dogs..

Things to look for in a 'Responsible' Breeder

I personally thought the laid back male sounding better for you with a young child. ANY healthy GSD has more than enough energy for hiking/camping/fishing. But one with higher drives can be WAY more challenge with general life around the house....

[LaRen616]

Originally Posted by MaggieRoseLee

Hopefully you had (and are having) a good time going thru this thread cause tons of great info about breeders and their dogs..

Things to look for in a 'Responsible' Breeder

I personally thought the laid back male sounding better for you with a young child. ANY healthy GSD has more than enough energy for hiking/camping/fishing. But one with higher drives can be WAY more challenge with general life around the house....

Great post