What would be considered a "select" puppy?

[Anthony8858]

Helping a friend do some research for a new German Shepherd puppy. Trying not to make a breeder recommendation, because I don't want to lose a friend if it doesn't work out.
However, I am taking the time to find a list of local breeders.

Amongst my search, I read the term "select" puppy for sale.

These pups for sale are generally 10-14 weeks.

What would make a puppy "select"?
And how would a breeder know something was different about that pup, over the rest of the litter?

[Castlemaid]

That term is commonly used by some big-name commercial breeders to make the buyer believe that the inflated price they are asking for is somehow justified.
It is the selling of prestige. I'm sure they are nice puppies, but probably not any different from other pups from good breeders that just sell "normal" puppies.

[DunRingill]

Depends....is this a show lines breeder? The top-rated conformation dogs at the GSDCA National Specialty are awarded the title "select", is it a puppy from that type of lines?

[Emoore]

Originally Posted by Castlemaid

That term is commonly used by some big-name commercial breeders to make the buyer believe that the inflated price they are asking for is somehow justified.
It is the selling of prestige. I'm sure they are nice puppies, but probably not any different from other pups from good breeders that just sell "normal" puppies.

This exactly. Some breeders have found that they can get people to pay outrageous amounts if they use a tiered pricing system.

However, due to the genetic uniformity in a litter of puppies (especially show line puppies) it's ludicrous to say that one puppy in a litter is worth thousands more than his/her littermate. The only time I believe in tiered pricing is if one or two pups in a litter has a fault that disqualifies him/her from show, breeding, or competition but still allows him/her to be a great pet such as an overbite, damaged ear, or retained testicle.

[RubyTuesday]

I'm sure they are nice puppies, but probably not any different from other pups from good breeders that just sell "normal" puppies.

Not always...There was a large breeder with a horrid parvo problem several years ago that the breeder was not working on effectively. (From what I read, he actually spent a lot of money to try & eliminate the problem but steadfastly refused to do what REALLY needed doing). There are some renowned breeders who all too often deliver unsound, sickly, weak nerved pups. Sadly, they often neither honor the warranty nor work with the owners when problems arise.

Puppy buyers should look beyond what the breeder tells 'em & not be unduly impressed with testimonials featured on the breeder's site. That information is limited & most likely biased. There's nothing wrong with breeders publishing comments from their buyers, but look further.

Whether large or small, commercial or hobbyist, show lines, working lines or companion lines, there are breeders that run the gamut from excellent to gawdawful, knowledgeable to ignorant, kind to cruel.

[Anthony8858]

Originally Posted by DunRingill

Depends....is this a show lines breeder? The top-rated conformation dogs at the GSDCA National Specialty are awarded the title "select", is it a puppy from that type of lines?

Yes, the breeder we spoke to, made it very clear that both parents were recent show line winners, and winners of certain Seiger titles.
They were considered western German Show lines.
Pretty pups. Both parents were black and red.

[BR870]

I always giggle when I see the price tiers... Ultra Select Puppy with Cheese

[Emoore]

Is your friend planning to enter dog shows, or does he just want a great house pet and companion?

[codmaster]

Originally Posted by Anthony8858

Helping a friend do some research for a new German Shepherd puppy. Trying not to make a breeder recommendation, because I don't want to lose a friend if it doesn't work out.
However, I am taking the time to find a list of local breeders.

Amongst my search, I read the term "select" puppy for sale.

These pups for sale are generally 10-14 weeks.

What would make a puppy "select"?
And how would a breeder know something was different about that pup, over the rest of the litter?

My guess would be that the most likely big difference = price!

[codmaster]

Originally Posted by BR870

I always giggle when I see the price tiers... Ultra Select Puppy with Cheese

What about the "Super Select Excellent Choice" puppy?