Getting a high-quality import dog.

[cliffson1]

Just kidding above, but as Doc is saying there is more to breeding than the surface and then it is still a crapshoot!!

[Castlemaid]

Originally Posted By: cliftonanderson1But Castlemaid, it sounds like those dogs are titled and have hip certifications, so based on what I have learned this means they are from reputable breeders. If they were on a website they would pass the smell test wouldn't they?????

My first thought was yes, that would be some basics that anyone looking to buy a puppy from (or an adult) should look for and consider, but that alone does not make a good dog. We all know that there are a lot of dogs out there that are titled and OFA'd, and poor representatives temperament-wise of working dogs.

So you were just trying to start an arguement, and sorta felt honoured that I was worthy of debate .

The whole point of this thread, is that if you are NEW to breeding, start by getting a young female, and get to KNOW her before deciding if she is breeding quality, which I thought I could illustrate with an example.


Now, if that person had a website, and it showed that he worked and titled his own dogs, and expounded on his decisions on why he was breeding and how he was making breeding decisions, and screened his puppy buyers so the new owners were better matched, then not only would it pass the smell test, but might be a breeder to look into some more. But not as it stands.

[Amaruq]

Originally Posted By: lhczth

Thanks Ruq. Zu Treuen Händen. LOL

One of these days I will get it right without looking it up! LOL

[lhczth]

Not like I picked something easy.

[Doc]

One of the most successful breeders of German Shepherds in this country started his kennel with 3 imported, closely related males. This same breeder would tell you that bitches are the foundation upon which successful kennels are built. All of this is important after you understand what you are trying to produce in your kennel, and you have a well thought out and put together breeding plan.

So before the first male and/or female is purchased, one must be committed to studying the German shepherd dog, its history, the bloodlines, aquire a basic understanding of genetics, and know what you are trying to produce. Once this is done, then go find the type of dog that will be able to produce what you are looking for.

[lhczth]

Excellent post, Doc.

[elisabeth_00117]

Good post Doc.

[anetaze]

Ok, so where would you go to get educated on the bloodlines, genetics, etc?

[Catu]

Dog Shows, Schutzhund clubs, seminars, competitions, breeder associations, etc. to start somewhere. There is nothing like a GSD University where you take a class, it is a long journey that takes from many years to forever.

It may depend also on what are your goals. If you are interested in working lines, by example, the start should be to get a dog to train, learn with him or she, get titles, meet a lot of trainers, breeders and their dogs. Your dog to learn first hand the advantages and disadvantages of certain traits, and the dogs of others to compare and decide what you like or not in a dog. And then, only then, to look for foundation dog to start breeding.

[Doc]

I would also read any and all the early books about German shepherds. They contain a great deal of information about the bloodlines and genetics. And talk to some "old timers" who have witness the decline of the shepherd over the past 30+ years so you have an understanding of what the German shepherd use to be and what it has become today. Then decide which era you like better.