[Toby's mom]

Recommending Breeders

As a fairly new German shepherd owner and purchaser I think this Post is fabulous...For me coming here and asking for suggestions on Good breeders has opened the door to further my search. As someone with little experience with the breed and breeders....Receiving names and information here has provided me with options. I have continued to read suggestions and educate myself about careful selections of breeders...What to look for and what to avoid. For me I have tried to take all of this in and simply learn. Positive or negative recommendations provides me with a small step towards contacting the breeder, asking questions and possibly scheduling a time to go out to meet them in person and see their program and meet their dogs.

When you are looking for breeders and really have no personal references from trusted sources or names of Quality breeders sometimes seeking opinions and suggestions on line offers more information. I am thankful for those who have offered this to me. It is now up to me to take the time with suggestions and carefully do more homework....I do think that if a buyer has an idea of what they are looking for and a breeder and their dogs are recommended by several different buyers this recommendation warrants consideration. That being said...From personal experience I myself would never recommend purchasing any dog without seeing it first and meeting the breeder in person. I also believe that many Quality breeders out there would have a long list of questions to ask the buyer and might want to meet them as well. This to me shows that they are careful about whom they sell their puppies to. Just my take on things.

I think many individuals lack the resources to really find a wide variety of breeders to start with. For me....This forum has provided me with more options to look in to.

 

[JackandMattie]

This is a good thread. It helps to remind me that when I give advice, I need to point out my novice status. I do try to do that..."Not an expert, this worked for me." And I have stopped myself before, as well, reminding myself I'm probably better off not "helping" in a certain situation.

As far as recommending breeders, I don't, because I have no personal experience. The extent of my experience as a rescuer is understanding that the dogs I own would not be the right dogs for most people, and that genetics play a huge role in that. And I just try to throw that concept out there occasionally...the whole idea that just because you only want a "pet" dog, doesn't mean you shouldn't do your homework and examine the breeding program.

Thought provoking thread. Thank you

 

[jclouser]

Choosing a GSD Breeder

I would like to give some useful information to those people who are looking for a good German Shepherd breeder. Because the GSD breeders in my area do not have the looks and temperment I desired, I turned to the internet and conducted exhaustive research trying to figure out which breeder to pick for a solid GSD - family pet.

The most important thought I can share is to ask the breeder and references what support is provided when there is a problem after the check has been cashed. Everyone thinks their breeder is the best when everything goes right....the real test is how the breeder responds when a problem arises, which may be attributed to the breeding or genetics. Not everything is the fault of the breeder but there are enough "gray area" issues like temperment which the breeder should provide some help with.

I purchased my 2nd GSD from **** kennel name removed due to board policy. ADMIN**. I have owned several different breeds of dogs over 40+ years. Soon before the dog reached maturity, I began noticing aggression problems toward my young children. When I first turned to the breeder for help, I was told "I can't see the dog and it's behavior so I can't really help." The suggestion was to go hire a dog behaviorist. My disappointment centered on - if you can sell a dog over the internet, then why can't you offer some help right away...rather than attempt to wash your hands of the problem.

It was only after I had to approach the breeder again, did I get any cooperation along with the comment "why do I only hear from you when there is a problem with your dog". At 1 year of age, I had sent a DVD showing where the dog lived, the walks he took, and how he loved to chase balls. Sadly, after 4 years of continued attempts at correction, I had to euthanize the dog because of several nipping incidents with family members. I emailed the breeder of my decision and have never received ANY reply. Tells you all you need to know.

 

[Alena Gonzalez]

This is a great topic. I have 2 more weeks until I'm able to get my girl. I wasn't referred to the breeder by anyone and he's a trainer who trains in schutzhund. I'm going more by what I see of his dogs and kennel and the lack of BS that other breeders have tried to feed me. I asked him if he ever has had a problem with aggression in any of his pups. Most breeders would not admit to this. He proceeds to tell me a story of a guy who called him a little over a year after purchasing a pup from him complaining that the dog was aggressive he agreed to take the dog back. The dog was having some aggression issues but the bottom line was that there were never any boundaries set for this dog as a puppy he train the dog and sold him for police work. The fact that he admitted to this issue and admitted that he took the dog back brought
me great peace


Sent from Petguide.com Free App

 

[DHau]

I would like to add that people who recommend breeders, please back it up by giving the searching party a way to contact one or two owners who have purchased a dog from the kennel referred. Passing a name along because you read it on a forum or from one person doesn't guarantee the breeder is a good one. That one person may have been lucky! Websites do not give the whole story how a breeder operates as well. Contact and visit the breeder in person if you can. Interact with the dogs onsite to learn about their personalities and who did the training. If you can, watch the breeder's website for about a year to see how the kennel is run. Research, research, research! You will have to live with your purchase for over 10 years.

 

[kmw1881]

I've never had a dog and plan to get my first this spring. Luckily I have a family member who is very familiar with breeders in general and gave great tips. I personally wanted to find one within a reasonable drive. If I ever have trouble/questions I wanted to be able to go to them for help, and want them to be willing to help. I started with emails, then phone calls then from those picked a few to visit. They were all great. I met mult generations of their dogs, the older ones doing very well into their old ages. I know the gsd can have an alouf vibe and I saw that in many dogs. HHowever I plan to do therapy dog training so I'd like less aloof if possible. I met a few wonderful dogs, of the same line and they were very social. Many of her dogs are therapy dogs. Very well behaved. No jumping, minimal alert barking. Turns out they are breeding her this winter. Timing worked out great. However if they weren't breeding her until later in the year I probably would have waited. Added bonus they are of darker coloring which is also the look I like.
For a newbie like me lots of reading up talking to dog owners and going in person to meet breeders was the best combo for me.

 

[Neko]

Great post

 

[Castlemaid]

For a newbie like me lots of reading up talking to dog owners and going in person to meet breeders was the best combo for me.

That is THE best way of researching and learning about the breed and breeders - kudos to you!

One can't always visit in person, but I know one member here that spent a YEAR visiting different breeders, going to GSD events, and meeting all types of dogs from all types of lines to learn about them. This allowed her to get a good feel of what she liked and didn't like, get a clear idea of which lines she wanted to with, and give her the experience and insight to pick out a good responsible breeder from the crowd. Ended up going with a shipped puppy from a breeder she never got to meet, but her year of hand-on research gave the the knowledge to make an educated, confident choice.

 

[kmw1881]

Thanks for the compliments guys. I like to think I'm on the right track. I look forward to Being able to post pictures of my puppy and share some stories myself!

 

[Roadkingallen]

Breeders

*** Removed by ADMIN - no breeder bashing allowed ***.

 

[mpgsd]

Trying to find a Puppy in Texas

Any recommendations for breeders in Dallas/Fort-Worth area in Texas?

 

[holland]

You might want to start a new thread-and there have been recent threads about breeders in Texas

 

[K9WolfAlpha]

But whatever you do don't tell the truth when you know a breeder is a megalomaniac who hangs dogs. Only happy happy breeder promos. Wonnerful.

 

[Bearshandler]

But whatever you do don't tell the truth when you know a breeder is a megalomaniac who hangs dogs. Only happy happy breeder promos. Wonnerful.

You can say whatever you want about a breeder in a PM.

 

[Jax08]

It's in the rules. You had to agree to the rules when you created your account.

This rule came about when a breeder was threatening legal action. You say the breeder was hanging the dog based on a 2nd hand story from your friend. The breeder says not. We don't know if that's the truth and the board owners shouldn't have to be responsible for figuring that out. There are plenty of other social media media sources that allow you to post whatever you want, that have far FAR more traffic than this site. I'm sure they will welcome your argument.

 

[K9WolfAlpha]

Where did the breeder answer anything on here? I missed it.

 

[LuvShepherds]

This thread is 7 years old. The breeder bashing rule is older.

 

[Killerjack]

I completely agree!! I've made the mistake of recommending breeders that had a great reputation, but never actually met them or any of their dogs, or talked to anyone that had dogs from them. Then later find out that they fake paperwork, don't take back dogs, blame the owners for causing health issues that are genetic (like, how does a person cause their dog to have EPI?), pressure people to take two pups at once, etc, etc. (not all from one breeder, above examples from a couple of different breeders).

And then there are people who are trying to be helpful, google breeders in the area that the person lives in, and post links to the kennels. No matter how amazing a website looks, how many accomplishments the breeding dogs seem to have, a website is NOT the only thing someone should use to make a decision on buying a dog. For example, I've seen a dog from a breeder with a really nice looking website, showing happy, engaged dogs doing protection work and being active, solid pets, slink through their BH with head down and tail between their legs. This dog was sold to someone as a SchH I ready breeding prospect.

If you saw their website, you'd think, WOW!!! NICE!!!, but how can the breeders be ethical selling a dog like that making those claims?

Hi, that sounds like someone I know. We were badly stung with the purchase of a really nice looking dark sable male with nice working pedigree. When the dog arrived from Czech he was underweight , badly lame in his hind legs, soft ears that bobbed up and down when he moved and spent his time insanely walking around in tight circles. When we complained I was told to "give him a pain killer" and a refusal to take the dog back. We spent hundreds of Euro in vets fees to determine the cause of his lameness to no avail. We ended up having him castrated by the recommendation of my vet and placing him in a pet home. Our last dog purchase from well known Czech kennel who seem to advertising every kind of German Shepherd now and rely on their successful history in the breed. Their dogs are nothing like they were as most are dogs from all over Eastern Europe. There are some excellent Shepherd kennels in Czech Republic that care about the dog they will provide for you and keep in touch re the dogs progress. Research is important, and we agree with above comment on websites. Dogs can look wonderful on a website but in reality they can be the total opposite.

 

[Hineni7]

My personal thoughts would be echoes of what many have already said..

1) A breeder who knows what they breed for and what they produce and can discuss this clearly with those inquiring

2) A breeder who listens to what YOU are looking for and then selects (or selects with you if you are experienced enough and HAVE to be a part of the selection process) the appropriate breeding couple AND pup for what you are looking for... even if this means a delay in a sale and a waiting period

3) A breeder who remains available when questions are present, that backs up all the pre purchase sale promises and who genuinely cares about the pups produced and where they go, God forbid life goes bad for you and suddenly you cannot care for the pup (and I hope and pray this happens on the rarest of occasions, but know it can happen)

I will never hesitate to recommend Von Wolfstraum for the above reasons (no my pup has needed to be rehome, 😂, but the breeder(s) remain interested in the lives and successes of all their pups and the families who own them) and because I was referred to the potential pairing who produced an exceptional pup meeting my needs, and others (she is SAR dog).

My teammate got a pup from a different well known breeder, and while the pup is well bred and doing very well, it took almost 2yrs to get his papers... He had to hound the heck out of this person and was given ridiculous reasons for why the papers could not be produced etc and was treated rudely several times... While he is most satisfied with the pup, this lack of respect for what was purchased and the treatment had me all the more appreciative for where I got my girl...

Anyhow, this is just my thoughts of what to look for and ask about when looking for a prospective buyer... if any of these are lacking, then I would be leery... Obviously if you can see offspring that can help with questions, but the above points are specific to the breeder and what they are breeding and how they conduct their 'business', for the good breeders, it is not business but a passion and lifestyle as they pour themselves into these treasured animals

 

[rich369]

Good thread.

I have only purchased GSD's from 5 different breeders. One was actually a BYB, another is no longer in business. The other three are still breeding. Of those three I would only recommend one, maybe two - it depends. My other GSD's were rescues from shelter.

I purchased one dog based on recomendations here several years ago. The breeder was regional to me and I was able to pick up my puppy and met them. Although the dog is now a pretty good dog, it did not come without supreme effort and many issues with health. I do not recommend this breeder.

Another dog I purchased from a friend. I know her integrity personally. I do recommend har as often as possible. Not because the dogs are nice. They are, but she will stand behind what she says and will not make her dogs out to be something they are not.

I always qualify recommendations. If I do not know the breeder personally or done business with htem, I say so.

what is the name of the breeder and location willing to go