Hi, I'm looking for a low energy pup from a reputable breeder near me. Will not be shown, just a pet, but definitely want a dog with good breeding and a loving first couple months. Willing to travel up to 8-10 hours. Suggestions?
I'm more of a working lines person, but I've heard lots of good things about Beth at Hollow Hills. She breeds show lines and is in Pennsylvania, so fits your criteria in those aspects. Not sure about 'low energy' ... all GSDs are active dogs, so I guess it's a matter of low energy in comparison to what?
I believe there are at least a few people on the forum who either have, or have had experience with dogs from Hollow Hills, so they would be the best people to talk to. Hopefully they will chime in here. You can contact Hollow Hills here - http://hollowhillsgsd.com/ and talk to them directly as well.
High drive and high energy are not the same thing. My show line is one of the highest energy dogs I have ever owned but he does not have the drive of my working line dogs.
I've seen both high and low energy in Beth's breedings. You just need to let her know what you want. Personally, I would want medium energy with balanced drives. It's hard to train a dog with low food drive and focus. You want a dog that can settle in the house, both of my working lines with high drives are great in the house.
As MAWL posted above...drive and energy are very different beasts.
There is also a nice show line litter happening in NH if you are interested. I really like the drive on these dogs and many have been placed in pet homes and service homes. Let me know if you want more info. The breeder does travel to State College at times so....
I don't know much about the reputation of Valentine Kennels (up in the Poconos) or what people think of them, but when I was looking for a puppy, I was seriously considering them. Their dogs are gorgeous...absolute stunners IMHO. I like that long haired look. At the end of the day, I decided to go with a working line dog because I like the "straight" back GSDs as opposed to the sloped angular look. No offense to those who like them, it's just my preference.
I would recommend Vom haus Huro (German Shepherds vom haus Huro). They are in Missouri, about a 10 hour drive from you, and they also ship. I know several people who have dogs from Jen and they are amazing. She breeds West German Showlines and produces everything from high drive working dogs (one of the few WGSL breeders who breeds legit working dogs, works and titles her dogs and her dogs can hold their own against working lines), to medium drive family companions and service dogs. She takes the time to learn what you want and will match you with a puppy for your needs. Definitely check her out.
Also, does anyone have any idea of price ranges for pups from these breeders? Price is not the most important factor whatsoever, but if it is going to be north of the $1,200 range we will have to save a bit.
3k to 5k for a showline. 1800 to 2500 for a working line. Not sure what American show lines go for but don't discount them. No breeders listed here for that line.
I would go and look at some dogs and meet them. Be clear to a recommended breeder what you are looking for. I have had a working line , Asl and wgsl all can look like couch potatoes in the house but all live to do something with me. All medium energy my males are more intense then my female and my working line very serious dog. All great dogs all dogs that have something special that stands out that makes them shine. None were or are hyper. Luna I got from Beth at Hollow Hills she is medium energy and very biddeable naturally obedient. A photo of enjoying family parties they really like to be in the middle of it all with the herd walking through the neighborhood with our group and my little nephews all dispersed amongst the block this driving the shepherds nuts they like when the group sticks together.
Marcato German Shepherds is in PA, I believe. Jackie is a board member here as well (Xeph, I think?). I'm not really into American Show lines, but I like her dogs. https://www.marcatogermanshepherds.com/
I don't know pricing but just to put out a good ASL breeder. She has a Facebook page too.
I make it a rule not to recommend people unless I have seen some of their dogs, know what they produce, and understand their breeding goals.
I live in Pittsburgh. I know - have seen MANY dogs from several of the breeders mentioned.
Showlines from known, certified show lines (Euro) are going to be $2000 to $3500
Again, I live here in Pittsburgh.......in the sport 20+ years.....
There is a kennel in Akron - Wilmothhaus - who is more what you are looking for - have seen stability overall from lots of different litters of theirs.
Ops my photo never loaded. This photo does not tell all though but I had cousin behind us wanting to go there way cousins who wanted to run in neighbors yards drive in neighbors driveways and dogs just wanted everyone together and had cabin fever from the rain and wanted to get the journey moving it did not go far lol! Luna sitting on
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