[Pleasant_Guy]

Hello,

I have been a lurker on this forum for over six months and enjoyed the GSD education you have kindly provided. My wife and I are looking for a family companion, hiking partner, daily walk buddy and therapy dog. I live near a decent obedience club in the San Francisco Bay area and will take our next dog there; so, I may do some AKC obedience work.

My wife has owned two GSDs and together we have owned five boxers. Three of the boxers were show dogs and two were registered therapy dogs. Our last boxer died early. His death-to-soon broke my heart and really put a spotlight on the health problems with the breed. In my opinion, many AKC breeders focus more on looks and blue ribbons than the health of their dogs.

Our search for a breed has narrowed to dobermans and GSDs. I try to never be in a hurry to make a mistake, thus our search for a breed and breeder has been methodical.

The dobermans at the AKC shows while pretty, appear lightly boned and we are concerned with their health and longevity. I've spoke to a couple GSD breeders in California who have been polite and helpful. One breeder, outside of Los Angeles with quality dogs that have working titles, interests me the most.

Does anyone have any advice or breeder referrals to share?

Thanks in advance -

 

[Deuce]

Welcome to the forum! I'm sure you'll get lots or responses to this as there are a lot of west coasters here!

 

[GSDBESTK9]

Anne Kent http://www.adlerstein.com/

 

[Pleasant_Guy]

Thanks for the tip -

 

[GSDElsa]

Anne Kent or Anjay Singh.

 

[BlackGSD]

I sent you a private message with links to some working Doberman breeders sites.

 

[BlackGSD]

Anne Kent or Anjay Singh.

Here is Ajay's site:

www.ajaysingh.com

 

[Hunther's Dad]

Witmer-Tyson Imports in northern California.

 

[Rusty_212]

I always think of them when west coast breeders are mentioned:Covy-Tucker Hill Kennels Homepage

 

[Smithie86]

witmer-tyson and adlerstein. Those are the two that we recommend. Both actively work AND title dogs. Have seen dogs from both breeders in the last few years.

I have not seen dogs from Ajay lately, but he does have a nice breeding focus.

 

[Kayla's Dad]

Another vote for Adlerstein.

You also may want to check out JustK9's up near Clear Lake.

 

[Pleasant_Guy]

Hello Tracy and others.,

I appreciate your input on my post since I am a novice on the subject of GSDs. One of the breeders I spoke to on the phone was Jeannette from Vom Wustenberger Land in southern California. Jeannette was considerate, low pressure and forthcoming with pricing, availability and other details on her kennel. If it is allowed within the forum rules, please share any comments on Vom Wustenberger Land.

I've looked the sites recommended here and happen to be familiar with the beautiful dogs of Covy-Tucker Hill. Thanks for the help thus far.

Have a great day -

 

[onyx'girl]

Most of the breeder recommendations in this thread are working lines. I take it from the kennel you are asking about, you are more interested in showline?
German Shepherd Breeders CA|Puppies|Dogs|Puppies For Sale|Training|Protection Dogs-German Shepherds

 

[Pleasant_Guy]

Hello Jane,

Thanks for the reply. We are looking for a sound dog from a kennel that has a history of health testing, longevity, good breeding practices and titled working dogs. That is what I thought Vom Wustenberger Land represented.

Thanks again,

David

 

[LARHAGE]

I have had a great dog from Lundborg Land German Shepherds in Riverside, California. I am not sure what line you are looking for, Lundborg Land are West German Showlines and beautiful dogs. I also like Thinschmidt Kennels in Riverside, again German
Showlines, I am not into Working Lines so don't know any kennels
from that line, but there are lots of people here who are that can help you.

 

[CaliBoy]

Pleasant Guy: Good luck in your search for a breeder. I just want to say, and hope it is not inappropriate in this thread, that a new GSD puppy is hard to get used to at first. Regardless of their good genes, they are more curious than a cat and more destructive than you can imagine. They search out everything, bite everything with razor sharp teeth, cling to you a lot, cry up a storm, dig huge holes in yards, and need constant attention during the first year and bonding stage. They are emotionally very needy and need constant walks and exercise as well. It is not until well past the first year and getting into the second that you experience all the outstanding qualities for which this breed is known. Some folks just naturally are meant for a GSD and see the positives more than the negatives from the beginning, but most owners find, at first, that they are a very difficult challenge in the puppy stage.

Lately, we have had too many rehoming threads of people who thought they knew what they were getting into. Then, they come on the forum looking for sympathy because they "had to" get rid of their German Shepherd. It really breaks my heart, because I have only owned GSD's and think the world of them. Again, I wish you the best of luck in your search and hope you find what you are looking for.

 

[Pleasant_Guy]

Hello Larhage,

I looked at the Lundborg Land website. Those dogs look beautiful and I will contact Linda. Thank you very much for the kennel recommendation.

 

[Pleasant_Guy]

Hi CaliBoy,

Thanks for the advice. In the boxer breed they have a similar view; if you can deal with your boxer boy until he is two - you'll have a great dog. Bringing a dog into your life is not something to be done casually or on a whim. I agree with you. When we end up getting a GSD, I'll update you and the forum.

Thanks again for the straight talk.

 

[Smithie86]

The ones that I listed do their own training and titling of dogs. Actuall work dogs - not just titled for breeding.

 

[Pleasant_Guy]

Hello Sue,

Thanks for the referrals. I looked at both websites you suggested. Others passed along Adlerstein too.

As an admitted novice with GSDs, I am confused over the use of the word "working". When I spoke to Jeannette from Wüstenberger-Land, she said he husband Michael is a Schutzhund helper and trains and works their dogs in the sport. As mentioned previously, Jeannette was very kind, patient and low pressure.

Doesn't that imply their dogs are working? Sorry for my ignorance.

My main interest is acquiring a healthy, sound, beautiful GSD, from a breeder known for longevity and solid temperaments.

Thanks for any help.