American Show Lines (questions)

[Jeeper]

So I found a breeder with american show lines, and I want the dog for simply a family pet.

I noticed a lot of people on here have working lines, and I'm just wondering, are show lines fine? I the parents of the pups look (to me) to be "normal"

I guess im wondering, does it really matter considering my intentions?

[LaRen616]

Some people like the looks of showlines like black/tan, black/red or solid black.

Working lines tend to be more solid black, bicolors and sables.

There is nothing wrong with Show lines or Working lines.

Both can be family pets.

[PaddyD]

My dog is ASL, look at her album to see if that look appeals to you. She is pretty generic ASL.

[MicheleMarie]

My mix is a show line cross...i don't know this for SURE but she has the clasic tan and black saddle and she's the biggest sweat heart ever! Also, I live in the city and there are lots of German Shepherds here and I haven't come across working lined one (accept my puppy lol). I see them with families and I see them swimming and I see them behaving very well on a leash

[MaggieRoseLee]

Things to look for in a 'Responsible' Breeder <- is the most important thread to read about finding a breeder.

Once you've absorbed all of that and know what a 'responsible' breeder is, and that deserves your $$$$ to support their breeding program, then WHATEVER the 'flavor' of GSD you want you can work with them and get your perfect new puppy.....

GOOD LUCK!

[zyppi]

Good link MaggieRoseLee.

the op might also want to look at a glimpse of the different line of GSDs..
Breed Types & Related Families

Pay a lot of attention to the breeder. Get recommendations, ask to talk to owners of pups he/she's previously bred to ask about health and temperament.

It's worth the time to research. This pup will be with you and your family for a long time and need your commitment to training and healthcare. They can be an expensive breed so weigh to odds in your favor.

Best of luck.

[Courtney]

Nothing wrong with American Show Lines. It's all a matter of personal preference

[Jeeper]

Thanks everyone... just wanted to make sure I get something that will suit a family... feel better now lol

[selzer]

When you go to visit the breeder, watch the dam with the puppies. She should not be a total spazz and she should not be a drooling, growling menace -- pups should be probably 4-6 weeks old when you see them.

Ask if they will undergo any temperament testing -- not the end of the world but it can help you get a middle of the road type pet.

If you take the puppy home and enroll it in classes within a few weeks, and continue to sign up for classes, puppy, basic, cgc, etc., it does not matter what line of puppy you have, with training and some socialization, your puppy will become a member of your family that you will be proud of.

Good luck.

American lines are beautiful. I was at a obedience/rally trial our club put on over the weekend, and the dogs there were awesome. All of them very approachable, with excellent temperaments.

Pick a breeder who does something with their dogs, trains them for some type of performance or for showing.

[Andaka]

I have American show lines. They have good health, temperaments, and looks. You should be fine.