New member

[rdenni15]

Hello I am from Illinois and in the process bringing a puppy into our lives again, its been more then 10 years since my wife and I have owned a pet. We had a Keeshond but lost him to multiple health prolems.
We went.looking at a few breeders this past weekend and have a few in mind. Question is what do I look for in a puppy? The 8 week old female we saw yesterday was very cute. But did.t seem very active, it more or less just layed around. Is this something to be concerned with.?

[rangersdad]

Welcome! If you can let everyone know what you are looking for in a shepherd I'm sure someone will be glad to advise you on reputable breeders. I'm assuming you've done some research on shepherds and know the personality quirks and breed specific problems? In any case, there is a huge amount of knowlege and experience on this board and although I am new myself I've been very impressed! It's a great place to learn about GSDs! It would help if you could let everyone know the general area you live in too.

[bocron]

First, Welcome!

Depending on the time of day you visited the pup, laying around could be completely normal or not, hard to say without actually being there. Generally 8 week old pups are a ball of energy followed by a sleeping lump of fur. Now usually when there are visitors they should perk up and be curious, but if they've had 4 sets of visitors before you, who knows?

What are you looking for in your pup? Working or show lines? American or German/European? Your goals and preferences should dictate what breeders you look into.

Some info on the types-

(Types of German Shepherds, by Wildhaus Kennels )

And info on looking into breeders-
Things to look for in a 'Responsible' Breeder

[rdenni15]

I'm sorry, I forgot to include where I live
I live in Will County Illinois, neer Kankakee.
As far as what I'm plan on doing with my shepherd, well I haven't really put to much thought Into showing, basically I'm looking for a pet/companion. I'm not to concerned with German bloodlines but I would prefer standard traits.

[bocron]

Does the breeder you visited already have a website? Do you have a budget in mind?

Regardless of your goals, or lack thereof, you need to read a bit about the types. When you look into breeders you need to understand THEIR goals. You should also learn about the possible health and temperament issues you can run across in the breed and what tests and such are done to indicate whether breeding stock is appropriate to breed based on those issues.

[rdenni15]

Originally Posted by bocron

Does the breeder you visited already have a website? Do you have a budget in mind?

Regardless of your goals, or lack thereof, you need to read a bit about the types. When you look into breeders you need to understand THEIR goals. You should also learn about the possible health and temperament issues you can run across in the breed and what tests and such are done to indicate whether breeding stock is appropriate to breed based on those issues.

Yes, her website is Kalmesacresshepherds.com
Her breeding stock has been OFA certified good, temperments on both parents were very friendly.The father is Max and the Mother is Koda.

[rdenni15]

I am going Monday to look at another litter at Autumnacres.webs.com, they are located in Monee,ll. The Father of the litter is Remington and the Mother is Chanaya.

[Kayos and Havoc]

Welcome to you!