Breeding?

GSD Fan · 10-14-2010, 12:52 AM

I've been thinking of becoming a breeder for quite some time. I see that people are scared of GSDs because of the rates of bites and attacks. So, if I were to become a breeder, my main goal would be to decrease bites and attacks.

I've been interested in GSDs for a long time. I remember growing up my brother's favorite breed was the Rotty but my parents were surprised when I said I liked German Shepherds. I have placed a reserve on my first GSD puppy (if the breeding doesn't fail).

I don't plan on that puppy becoming my foundation because:
1) I plan on having her spayed
2) She's my first GSD
3) I don't know enough to know that she would make a good foundation

I do know a bit about breeding. Like for example, a responsible breeder would never ever breed a female that has not reached age of 2 years and will even help nurse the pups. I also know that a breeder breeds to a certain standard and will not breed a dog with faults. There's some more things I know, but it's very easy to argue those are simple things that even just dog owners know.

I don't know anything about pedigrees, bloodlines, and stuff like that. However, if I decide to become a breeder, I know I'd need to know about that and then some.

So I guess what I'm looking for is some feedback. I dunno, I mean, I'd love to become a breeder when the time is right. So I guess my question is, if the time were right right now, what other steps would need to be taken?

W.Oliver · 10-14-2010, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSD Fan

So I guess what I'm looking for is some feedback. I dunno, I mean, I'd love to become a breeder when the time is right. So I guess my question is, if the time were right right now, what other steps would need to be taken?

Learn more about pedigrees, bloodlines, and stuff like that......

How do you feel about Schutzhund to determine if your GSD is breed worthy?

GSD Fan · 10-14-2010, 01:03 AM

Well, I really don't know what Scutzhund is. Isn't it some type of protection sport?

Elaine · 10-14-2010, 01:25 AM

What type of GSD were you interested in? Am-breds, German showline, workingline? You would only need SchH for the second two.

Liesje · 10-14-2010, 08:26 AM

You would need the reputation and experience to back up claims that the dogs have sound temperaments. Be involved with training and titling dogs in various venues that prove these claims. The best way to learn about your dogs or dogs in general is to get that hands on experience. It can't be substituted with Internet research or talking with other breeders and taking their word for it.

I want to buy a dog that is not a fear biting nervy spook and is very sound in temperament so I buy from breeders whose dogs have proven this. I watch them train, I watch them interact with people and kids, watch how they do in trial and in shows on a "strange" field with other dogs and people. A breeder having a dog as a pet and saying it is a "good dog" is not enough for me.

**JakodaCD OA** · 10-14-2010, 08:40 AM

I agree with the above and would like to add, if you can find a good breeder an excellent way to learn, is ask them to mentor you..From scooping poop, kennel cleaning, getting hands on, will go a long way.

Doc · 10-14-2010, 08:56 AM

Start with genetics, understand the science of breeding. Then study the history of the German shepherd. Make note of the early winners - their bloodlines, what areas they were tested in. Then study pedigrees, what bloodlines combined with others to produce the versatile dog. And particularly what bloodlines were likely to contribute health issues and flaws.

Great kennels are built upon great bitches. The German shepherd is suppose to be a dog that can do many things well - not just show or work but both. Unfortunately, those type dogs are hard to find. Schutzhund (which once was a measurement used to determine breed worthiness but has turned more into a sport today) is no more important than herding which is no more important than showing which is no more important than protection which is no more important than service work, etc. etc.. A German shepherd should be able to do all equally as well.

Once you understand this, then go and get involved with some hands-on activities. Observe and interact with the various activities. This experience along with a solid grounding in the above mention areas will put you far ahead of most people who are dealing with German shepherds today. I think a intense desire to understand the breed - from its inception until today - is mandatory for any breeder.

GSD Fan · 10-14-2010, 09:12 AM

Thank you guys for the great feedback! I'm not sure which line I would focus on. I'd love to become a breeder someday, but only when the time is right.

I think another thing I could do is become a member of German Shepherd Club of America. So I'd not only have a mentor, but I'd be getting info from them as well.

Lilie · 10-14-2010, 09:40 AM

There is also the side of breeding which carries the health responsibilities of the breeder. Producing healthy puppies should never be a crap shoot.

Also, you can work hard in getting your foundation bitch titled and then loose her before the first pup is even born. That alone is more risk then I'm willing to take.

GSD Fan · 10-14-2010, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilie

There is also the side of breeding which carries the health responsibilities of the breeder. Producing healthy puppies should never be a crap shoot.

Also, you can work hard in getting your foundation bitch titled and then loose her before the first pup is even born. That alone is more risk then I'm willing to take.

Indeed. Um, what do you mean by "loose her"?

10-14-2010, 12:52 AM	#1 (permalink)
GSD Fan Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: MS Posts: 1,128	Breeding? I've been thinking of becoming a breeder for quite some time. I see that people are scared of GSDs because of the rates of bites and attacks. So, if I were to become a breeder, my main goal would be to decrease bites and attacks. I've been interested in GSDs for a long time. I remember growing up my brother's favorite breed was the Rotty but my parents were surprised when I said I liked German Shepherds. I have placed a reserve on my first GSD puppy (if the breeding doesn't fail). I don't plan on that puppy becoming my foundation because: 1) I plan on having her spayed 2) She's my first GSD 3) I don't know enough to know that she would make a good foundation I do know a bit about breeding. Like for example, a responsible breeder would never ever breed a female that has not reached age of 2 years and will even help nurse the pups. I also know that a breeder breeds to a certain standard and will not breed a dog with faults. There's some more things I know, but it's very easy to argue those are simple things that even just dog owners know. I don't know anything about pedigrees, bloodlines, and stuff like that. However, if I decide to become a breeder, I know I'd need to know about that and then some. So I guess what I'm looking for is some feedback. I dunno, I mean, I'd love to become a breeder when the time is right. So I guess my question is, if the time were right right now, what other steps would need to be taken?

10-14-2010, 01:25 AM	#4 (permalink)
Elaine Crowned Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,785	What type of GSD were you interested in? Am-breds, German showline, workingline? You would only need SchH for the second two. __________________ Elaine and the herd

10-14-2010, 08:26 AM	#5 (permalink)
Liesje Crowned Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 12,971	You would need the reputation and experience to back up claims that the dogs have sound temperaments. Be involved with training and titling dogs in various venues that prove these claims. The best way to learn about your dogs or dogs in general is to get that hands on experience. It can't be substituted with Internet research or talking with other breeders and taking their word for it. I want to buy a dog that is not a fear biting nervy spook and is very sound in temperament so I buy from breeders whose dogs have proven this. I watch them train, I watch them interact with people and kids, watch how they do in trial and in shows on a "strange" field with other dogs and people. A breeder having a dog as a pet and saying it is a "good dog" is not enough for me. __________________ UCH Alta-Tollhaus-Krieger Lamb Chop FO OB1 CL1R CL1F RA TT HIT TDI CGC VPC's Coca-Cola HIT CGC SG UCH Alta-Tollhaus Bono SchH1 AD T1 FO PA CL1R UNJ UCA HIT TT CGC OFA SG Pantalaimon vom Geistwasser BH AD HIT CGC

10-14-2010, 08:40 AM	#6 (permalink)
JakodaCD OA Moderator Join Date: May 2000 Location: Old Lyme, CT USA Posts: 14,237	I agree with the above and would like to add, if you can find a good breeder an excellent way to learn, is ask them to mentor you..From scooping poop, kennel cleaning, getting hands on, will go a long way. __________________ Diane Danger Danger vom Kleinen Hain aka Masi "Angel" Jakoda's Bewitchen Sami CD OA OAJ OAC NGC OJC RS-O GS-N JS-O TT HIC CGC "Angel" Steinwald's Four x Four CGC HIC TT Harmonyhill's Hy Jynx NA NAJ NAC NJC RS-N JS-N HIC Jakoda's Jagged Edge

10-14-2010, 09:12 AM	#8 (permalink)
GSD Fan Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: MS Posts: 1,128	Thank you guys for the great feedback! I'm not sure which line I would focus on. I'd love to become a breeder someday, but only when the time is right. I think another thing I could do is become a member of German Shepherd Club of America. So I'd not only have a mentor, but I'd be getting info from them as well. Last edited by GSD Fan; 10-14-2010 at 09:14 AM.

10-14-2010, 01:03 AM	#3 (permalink)
GSD Fan Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: MS Posts: 1,128	Well, I really don't know what Scutzhund is. Isn't it some type of protection sport?

10-14-2010, 08:56 AM	#7 (permalink)
Doc Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,605	Start with genetics, understand the science of breeding. Then study the history of the German shepherd. Make note of the early winners - their bloodlines, what areas they were tested in. Then study pedigrees, what bloodlines combined with others to produce the versatile dog. And particularly what bloodlines were likely to contribute health issues and flaws. Great kennels are built upon great bitches. The German shepherd is suppose to be a dog that can do many things well - not just show or work but both. Unfortunately, those type dogs are hard to find. Schutzhund (which once was a measurement used to determine breed worthiness but has turned more into a sport today) is no more important than herding which is no more important than showing which is no more important than protection which is no more important than service work, etc. etc.. A German shepherd should be able to do all equally as well. Once you understand this, then go and get involved with some hands-on activities. Observe and interact with the various activities. This experience along with a solid grounding in the above mention areas will put you far ahead of most people who are dealing with German shepherds today. I think a intense desire to understand the breed - from its inception until today - is mandatory for any breeder.

10-14-2010, 09:40 AM	#9 (permalink)
Lilie Crowned Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: South Texas Posts: 6,290	There is also the side of breeding which carries the health responsibilities of the breeder. Producing healthy puppies should never be a crap shoot. Also, you can work hard in getting your foundation bitch titled and then loose her before the first pup is even born. That alone is more risk then I'm willing to take.

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