Grant welcome to the forum.. You will get lots of great info, sadly some will be totally opposite some of the other, so read everything, take a deep breath, and visit places, ask questions, get the questions from on here. my personal list of requirements:
1/ health, i must see proof of hips xrayed and certified, I won't trust prelims. I need that OVC( Ont Vet Cert from Guelph Univ) Or OFA
2/ temperment, I must see the dogs, If they are a kennel i want to see other dogs from the kennel. I would love to see proof they were stable and not afraid of gun shots, (thunder), and not afraid in new situations and places. Becasue a scared dog either wants to run off or bite. I want neither.
3/ titles, any titles, Ch, RN, CD sch...any title means they are doing something with the dog, again a dog who is out and about is better behaved and more likely to have better temperment, or they might hide them, CH= Champion, looks only but at a show with hundreds of people and dogs at least they are out. RN=rally novice, a form of obedience that is very handler friendly and easy for the dog, there are many advanced rally titles too, CD= another form of obedience a bit harder and more regimented, again advancd titles available, sch=schutzhund, designed for the German Shepherd, has 3 parts tracking, obedience and protection(attack), again higher levels available.
I haven't even gotten to herding titles, yep these are herding dogs, then agility titles, support worker dogs, etc...
4/ the looks of the dog, some people love one line over the other, there are great in ALL, but you won't perhaps like all of them. Some people will say all Am/Can showline are weak in the rear, slant back, some yes not all. Some will say German showline are roachy, crippled back end, not all, some will say working line are not what they should look like, not black and tan, not longer than tall, etc, again some not all.
Look, read and above all listen, try for a pup from a line or kennel with few health concerns, with very rock solid temperment with the ability to work and learn. One who can fit into your lifestyle and family. Then be Honest with the breeder!!!! I will NEVER do schutzhund, I don't like the attack, but that doesn't mean a Gs is NOT for me, I love obedience, play at herding, tracking and agility. My dogs like everything I like, they work for me.
Good luck, and I hope my info helps and I am ready for any corrections from those that know better. I alos live in Ontario and can reccommend some breeders who will give more reccommendations as I am an owner and only reluctantly a breeder of 1 litter for the breeder of my 2. Please if you are on facebook add me Trudy Calvert and see the pcs of my guys. i love sharing
