Choosing the right temperament

[Jag]

The breeder should know their dogs and what they produce. My breeder had a VERY long discussion with me about what I wanted in a dog, and what she expected her pups to be. I got what I asked for. If a breeder doesn't have this discussion with you, and can't talk about what their dogs produce as well as how they match up pedigrees for their outcome, then you need to pass. Just breeding two titled dogs together doesn't mean you're going to come out with good pups.

[Freestep]

Originally Posted by Castlemaid

Sorry, Gryff's not for sale!

Interesting pedigree on your boy... No Fero?

Would you say that his temperament is what you'd expect from such a pedigree?

[Castlemaid]

I'm not a scholar of bloodlines - the question would have to go to the breeders, or to Cliff, who is very familiar with those bloodlines (and I believe helped Chris and Tim choose Gryff's sire for what Wildhaus was looking to produce).

The Czech lines were brought in to even out sharpness and lower threshhold, and bring more serious defense into the dog (I hope I'm correct on that) - all of which succeeded. Very controlled prey drive - helpers always comment on how fast he comes in, and how hard he bites, but I have no issues having him off leash and calling him off a bolting rabbit, for example. Very sweet and paternal with my cats - ignores other dogs, very sensitive to me - a bit too sensitive to the handler, seems to be a trait among the litter. Very concerned about being "good", and he worries if he thinks I am displeased with him.

[Freestep]

Originally Posted by Castlemaid

The Czech lines were brought in to even out sharpness and lower threshhold, and bring more serious defense into the dog (I hope I'm correct on that)

I'm a bit confused--by "even out", do you mean the Czech lines have more or less sharpness? Higher or lower thresholds? And what in the dam line needed to be balanced, besides more serious defense?

a bit too sensitive to the handler, seems to be a trait among the litter. Very concerned about being "good", and he worries if he thinks I am displeased with him.

That's a trait that doesn't bother me much. My Luka is that way, as was Justice. Teaching a forced retrieve with her was somewhat traumatic.

[Candace]

Thanks all. I will be going to choose my puppy in 2 weeks and get him on the 20th. He has show lines and the breeder has a good reputation and has a lot to do in the nsw GSD club.
I have had a few conversations about temperament and he will help me choose. (though he is a typical Aussie man of few words lol) Whilst not my first dog this will be my first obedience/ sport dog I'll have since a child.


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