Joined
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239 Posts
I posted an introduction ("It's Almost Time") in the Intro Forum to give a quick sketch of who I am and my background with dogs.
What I'd really like to know here is how one goes about finding good breeders and getting to know them. A google search of "GSD Breeders" brings up lots of websites, but with today's slick marketing, it's pretty hard to tell which ones are legit and which ones are just plain scary. And there's tons of acronyms that have little to no meaning for me. (Is there a thread somewhere around here that defines all these acronyms?)
Things I understand to look for:
AKC registration
health testing for hips, shoulders, and genetic diseases
strong accomplishments in show and/or work in parental lineage
a breeder willing to answer questions and allow visits
a breeder that helps match you to the perfect pup, rather than just says, "Pick one!"
Is there more to look for? Specific red flags to avoid?
How does one go about introducing oneself to a breeder?
I live in San Antonio, TX. I love road trips, so don't mind a long drive to meet a breeder. And I wouldn't mind a really long drive to pick up a new pup and bring her home, if necessary. I'd consider having one shipped, but I'd drive an awfully long way to avoid that if at all possible.
I'm not interested in showing at all. That's just not my scene. I did agility training with my previous dog, but never competed with it. I'd love to get back into that, as well as explore other sports activities and training opportunities. I'm looking for a family dog without TOO much drive. I'm not looking for perfect conformity (just the best health possible) or ultra-protective. I'm looking for a dog that loves to learn, loves to have fun, and bonds strongly with the family.
I'd love a long-haired GSD, and I prefer contrasting colors as opposed to solid blacks or whites...but honestly, if the dog is healthy and has the right personality and drive, then we'd love her looks no matter what.
I say "her" because I've always had female dogs and it's what I'm most comfortable with.
What I'd really like to know here is how one goes about finding good breeders and getting to know them. A google search of "GSD Breeders" brings up lots of websites, but with today's slick marketing, it's pretty hard to tell which ones are legit and which ones are just plain scary. And there's tons of acronyms that have little to no meaning for me. (Is there a thread somewhere around here that defines all these acronyms?)
Things I understand to look for:
AKC registration
health testing for hips, shoulders, and genetic diseases
strong accomplishments in show and/or work in parental lineage
a breeder willing to answer questions and allow visits
a breeder that helps match you to the perfect pup, rather than just says, "Pick one!"
Is there more to look for? Specific red flags to avoid?
How does one go about introducing oneself to a breeder?
I live in San Antonio, TX. I love road trips, so don't mind a long drive to meet a breeder. And I wouldn't mind a really long drive to pick up a new pup and bring her home, if necessary. I'd consider having one shipped, but I'd drive an awfully long way to avoid that if at all possible.
I'm not interested in showing at all. That's just not my scene. I did agility training with my previous dog, but never competed with it. I'd love to get back into that, as well as explore other sports activities and training opportunities. I'm looking for a family dog without TOO much drive. I'm not looking for perfect conformity (just the best health possible) or ultra-protective. I'm looking for a dog that loves to learn, loves to have fun, and bonds strongly with the family.
I'd love a long-haired GSD, and I prefer contrasting colors as opposed to solid blacks or whites...but honestly, if the dog is healthy and has the right personality and drive, then we'd love her looks no matter what.
I say "her" because I've always had female dogs and it's what I'm most comfortable with.
