Looking for a GSD puppy in VA or NC, need some help

[Jerad]

My wife and I are looking for a GSD puppy in VA or NC. For the last several weeks I've been reading about temperament, genetics, blood lines and pray drive which is enough to make me go cross eyed. At this point we are trying to establish a description that can be emailed to breeders describing characteristics we are looking for. I'm most confused about desired pray drive. My last dog was a JRT and he was all about pray drive. He would do anything for a toy or treat, didn't care much for positive attention. This made him easy to train, but he also was easily distracted by squirrels, deer, cats, etc. We would be hiking and he would run off chasing wildlife, he would completely quit listening. He would also chew EVERYTHING! I think that would be described as a high pray drive, correct?

We want a dog that is easily trainable so we want some pray drive, but I also want a dog that won't completely quit listening to me when something furry walks by. Would I describe this as a medium pray drive?

Basically we are looking for a healthy dog that can be taken everywhere, won't eat our cats, will accept our future children, is level headed, calm, nonaggression without being skidish and has some amount of pray drive for trainability. Ideally it'll be a short haired black/tan or black/red male, but this is last on our list.

Should we be looking at American, West German, or show lines? What about parents that carry the Schutzhund titles. Will dogs with this title be too aggressive or too high of a pray drive for a house pet/family member?

I know that's a lot, and I know I can't guarantee any of this in a puppy, but I figure if I have a good description of what I'm looking for a good breeder should be able to use their experience with their dogs to determine compatibility.

Thank you ahead of time, I'm such a noob!

[BlackthornGSD]

I have 2 JRTs along with my GSDs, and in general, the type of prey drive the two breeds have just aren't really the same. I think the difference is that JRTs are bred for prey-kill--and they are not expected to be obedient while in drive.

But a herding breed dog is expected to keep their head together in the face of their prey. They are also bred to value the hunt (herding) higher than the kill. So when they are in a herding (hunting) scenario, they are working with the shepherd. It doesn't always work out as well as that, but that is the goal.

That said, for the type of dog you want, a medium-prey drive dog is probably a good thing to be looking for.

As far as the schutzhund titles, they do not indicate that the dog will be too aggressive or too drivey to be a family member. In general, dogs from generations of schutzhund titled parents make excellent family members. They are should be confident and very trainable.

As always, selecting a puppy from two parents of sound temperaments bred and raised by someone who is carefully selecting the parents and handling and socializing the puppies will be most important.

[UNCMan]

I trust the breeding of the European lines better than the America lines. NOT TO SAY you don't have good breeders in the US but Europe is lot more strict in breeding guidelines. I've had two show line GSD and found both to be very solid in obedience and not as high strung as some working lines. What ever you decide make sure you check references and get as much background as you can. Good luck with you search!

[UNCMan]

Socializing your puppy is very, very, important!!

[Jerad]

Originally Posted by BlackthornGSD

I have 2 JRTs along with my GSDs, and in general, the type of prey drive the two breeds have just aren't really the same. I think the difference is that JRTs are bred for prey-kill--and they are not expected to be obedient while in drive.

But a herding breed dog is expected to keep their head together in the face of their prey. They are also bred to value the hunt (herding) higher than the kill. So when they are in a herding (hunting) scenario, they are working with the shepherd. It doesn't always work out as well as that, but that is the goal.

That said, for the type of dog you want, a medium-prey drive dog is probably a good thing to be looking for.

As far as the schutzhund titles, they do not indicate that the dog will be too aggressive or too drivey to be a family member. In general, dogs from generations of schutzhund titled parents make excellent family members. They are should be confident and very trainable.

As always, selecting a puppy from two parents of sound temperaments bred and raised by someone who is carefully selecting the parents and handling and socializing the puppies will be most important.

Blackthorn, you have such beautiful dogs! I just happened to click your link and your in VA!

Do you have any male puppies left from the Blackthorn's Jubilee x Dorian aus der Königshöhle litter? Do you think one of your pups would match my needs in a GSD?

[gagsd]

I would think you can't go wrong with a puppy from Christine.
(and yes Christine.... I still watch your website )

[stacey_eight]

I have a Blackthorn boy, and he's the greatest. Jubilee ended up not being pregnant, but you should certainly contact Christine! I'm sure she'll be bred in the future.

[BlackthornGSD]

My website needs updating!

Jubilee didn't get pregnant, so I don't have any puppies at the moment, although I do have some litters planned for this year. Feel free to email me and I'd be happy to talk further.

(and thanks Mary! :P)

[lhczth]

Just a friendly reminder. Please take ALL discussions with a breeder about buying puppies private.

Thank you,

ADMIN Lisa

[Witz]

I would second the recommendation to Christine/Blackthorn. I too have a Pup from her and he is everything I had wished for.