Help finding my First GSD puppy!

[cumminsdodge]

HI all, This is my first post and probably first of many. I know I want a large solid built dark sable male with high drive and good temperment. It seems alot of the czech bred gsd's appear this way. I want the puppy as soon as possible and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. I come from a family that always had Labrador Retrievers so I am kind of new to the particulars of GSDs but have done alot of research and talked to friends who are owners. Any input on breeders or anything at all is greatly appreciated! and yes I will work the dog hard and am not a lazy person, I know I can handle a GSD.

Thanks!

[sagelfn]

Are you wanting a dog for an active pet or for working/sport prospect?

**ETA**
Things to look for in a 'Responsible' Breeder

So you think you want a HIGH drive puppy?

[cumminsdodge]

Originally Posted by sagelfn

Are you wanting a dog for an active pet or for working/sport prospect?

**ETA**
Things to look for in a 'Responsible' Breeder

So you think you want a HIGH drive puppy?

I will def read through these thanks, and mainly an active pet but I do alot of hunting and would like to incorporate my future gsd into this as well. I would also like to take him to classes to learn the basics of protection and see it goes and how far I would like to pursue it. But I will definatly be taking him on runs through the nearby forests and my friends properties where i hunt hogs and coyotes.

[Freestep]

Originally Posted by cumminsdodge

I do alot of hunting and would like to incorporate my future gsd into this as well.

Interesting... are you thinking of making your GSD into a hunting dog? I have never heard of anyone doing this, but the GSD is a versatile dog.

[cumminsdodge]

Originally Posted by Freestep

Interesting... are you thinking of making your GSD into a hunting dog? I have never heard of anyone doing this, but the GSD is a versatile dog.

Not a true hunting dog but a companion on hog hunts perhaps (I wouldnt let him directly engage the hogs). Just more along the lines of I spend alot of time in the woods and he would be there with me. And who knows maybe retrieve the occasional dove or quail.

[Freestep]

Originally Posted by cumminsdodge

Not a true hunting dog but a companion on hog hunts perhaps (I wouldnt let him directly engage the hogs). Just more along the lines of I spend alot of time in the woods and he would be there with me. And who knows maybe retrieve the occasional dove or quail.

If a GSD can do search & rescue, I don't see why he couldn't sniff out a hog... and if a GSD can retrieve a dumbbell, I don't see why he couldn't retrieve a bird. Of course your bird might have tooth marks in it, I know my dumbbell does.

[cumminsdodge]

Originally Posted by Freestep

If a GSD can do search & rescue, I don't see why he couldn't sniff out a hog... and if a GSD can retrieve a dumbbell, I don't see why he couldn't retrieve a bird. Of course your bird might have tooth marks in it, I know my dumbbell does.

Haha good point!

Its just so hard to pick a breeder, Im from GA any ideas on a good breeder to check out? I know Camelot Sheperds in Chatanooga is Good according to a guy I know who got his male there but they dont have anything coming up for awhile. I really want a dark Sable and Im looking for a pretty big well built one at that. I know I need to get out there and see the breeder but with gas prices I dont want to drive from breeder to breeder. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[Freestep]

If you're looking for a dark sable you're looking at working lines, and I don't know of anyone in GA who has them, but I'm sure someone will be able to help you out.

Don't worry about spending gas money to find the right breeder. This dog is going to be a 10-15 year commitment, so you want to pick the right one!

[zyppi]

Where in Ga?

Don't get into a hurry.

Training a GSD is, IMHO, a whole different world from working with Labs.

You might try visiting a Schutzhund Club there. Here's a link.

USA - Southeast Clubs

[Freestep]

Originally Posted by cumminsdodge

Camelot Sheperds in Chatanooga is Good according to a guy I know who got his male there but they dont have anything coming up for awhile. I really want a dark Sable and Im looking for a pretty big well built one at that.

Checked out their website, and it looks like they have some pretty well built big black sables there! I can't vouch for the breeder, though, as I've never heard of them and I don't know bloodlines well enough to tell much other than they are working lines.