[Mrs.K]

I'd spend more from a reputable breeder - and with todays technology - that would mean to me someone with a huge web site with loads of great information that I can research - then someone who is selling them from their backyard.

IF they are reputable, than yes I am willed to pay a certain price too but just a big website doesn't say anything.

Anyone can set up a big website that makes you look like an expert but that doesn't neccesarily mean that you really are what you claim to be on the internet.

However, I usually google the names of the dogs and their breeders if I have never heard their names before.

Kennels like Koerbelbach, boese Nachbarschaft, Kirschental, Baerenfang, Sattelberg, jungen Hansen... those are reputable names and you know exactly what you get simply because they've been around for a long time and/or are associated with the best handlers out there.

BUT there are so called "reputable" breeders out there that got awarded the "golden breeding medal" and are not really that reputable anymore.

You really have to look behind the facade and big talk to find the breeder you want to buy your dog from.

There is one breeder over here and he was awarded one of those shiny golden SV medals but I would NEVER buy a dog from him, well not anymore. He used to be one of the best breeders but that was quite a while ago.

 

[arycrest]

Originally Posted by crs996
True. It's unfortunate that thanks to the absolutely worthless AKC and american show line breeders, the majority of these are produced right here in the USA.
Be careful what you say. Some might be offended by your words.

You're right Daphne - I was offended by this uncalled for snotty remark.

 

[crs996]

You're right Daphne - I was offended by this uncalled for snotty remark.

This has been my experience, YMMV. This is my opinion, it is as valid as anyone else's, I'm sorry it offended you.

 

[Lilie]

IF they are reputable, than yes I am willed to pay a certain price too but just a big website doesn't say anything.

Anyone can set up a big website that makes you look like an expert but that doesn't neccesarily mean that you really are what you claim to be on the internet.

However, I usually google the names of the dogs and their breeders if I have never heard their names before.

Agreed. Utilizing the information provided on the web site I can do my own research, and not just go by what the breeder is telling me.

 

[Liesje]

I'd spend more from a reputable breeder - and with todays technology - that would mean to me someone with a huge web site with loads of great information that I can research - then someone who is selling them from their backyard.

Sorry, but this post literally made me gasp, and I'm a web designer so I have *nothing* against web sites, but you NEED to be careful!! Anyone can make a huge fancy web site and post whatever (or not post whatever) they want you to see. They can spin things any way they like. Some of the best web sites out there are for commercial kennels and puppy mills. Some of the best breeders do not even have a web site.

Utilizing the information provided on the web site I can do my own research, and not just go by what the breeder is telling me.

This comment doesn't really make sense. If you base your research only by what is on the breeder's site, then you really are only going on what they are telling you (or withholding from you).

Just like you cannot use .com or Wikipedia sources in a college paper, I would not consider browsing breeder's sites real research, but a jumping off point. You should get your hands wet, so to speak. Visit breeders, visit dogs, go to clubs and events, talk to experienced owners and exhibitors about their dogs and their breeders.

 

[Lilie]

I want to buy a GSD. I begin searching on the internet. If I pull up a web site that provides a lot of information to me - from bloodlines to that breeder's opinion on training, food etc. - then that gives me a good idea on what the breeder is like. If that breeder suggests always feeding raw food - I can search on the internet on the benefits. Ect. Ect. If the breeder (on the web site) just lists it has puppy's for sale and they are asking $1500 for a pup, then (TO ME) they are just interested in selling puppies and not creating a better puppy. I will be more informed before I make my call.

I can tell you this, here in South Texas - it is VERY difficult to find a well bred pup.

BTW - the breeder I used doesn't have a web site. I found them through another breeder who did. So I'm not saying that everyone who breeds should have a web site.

I do not know bloodlines. I do not know the difference between show & working type dogs. How can I (as a consumer) be expected to pay $1500 for a pup with out having the capability to research the breeder?

 

[Andaka]

This has been my experience, YMMV. This is my opinion, it is as valid as anyone else's, I'm sorry it offended you.

Your opinion is that American Line dogs are soft. You are entitled to that opinion. You are not entitled to refer to any line of dog as "worthless".

 

[crs996]

Andaka, as I said in my PM to you:

"Ahh, I think I understand now how you were reading it. I was only referring to the AKC regarding worthless, not the USA dogs or breeders. I truly apologize, that is NOT what I meant to come across. I cannot edit the post, but you may edit or delete if you wish."

 

[Castlemaid]

I do not know bloodlines. I do not know the difference between show & working type dogs. How can I (as a consumer) be expected to pay $1500 for a pup with out having the capability to research the breeder?

Good question!!! But it goes back to doing actual foot work, and not just going off websites. Though as you pointed out, it can be a starting point.

I'll use myself as an example of how someone completely new to GSDs went about learning, researching, and finally, choosing a breeder. This from someone who a few years ago never heard of Schutzhund, did not know that there were different lines, and never even seen a sable or a bi-colour, and did not recognize those dogs as being GSDs, as up to then the only colours I have seen in GSDs were B/T, black and all white.

First thing I did: Got involved in dog training. I got into training with my mutt from the pound. Talked to people and learned about the different lines. Carrying on with my new-found interest in dog-training, I joined our Schutzhund club (hey, they were DESPERATE for new members, LOL).

Saw dogs from different lines, different breeders. Talked to the owners. Joined this forum. Read intensively all the forums and soaked it all in. PM'd people with dogs from different breeders and asked questions, contacted breeders and asked questions. Followed published show/trial results and asked questions.

Two years of talking and reading and asking questions. Wouldn't have been able to learn so much without the internet, but also relied heavily on the experience of others to guide me.

 

[Jessiewessie99]

Speaking of how reliable some breeder's website's are, some universities ban their students use the interent because of how unreliable it can be.

The best thing to do is if you're interested in breeder, go to them personally and see for yourself.

And anyone who is California, and near LA, go to Los Cerritos Mall.There is a puppy store, that sell only pure-bred puppies, and some mixes, but only like Labradoodle and Puggles.Otherwise they sell only pure-breds, and the prices for those dogs get pretty high.None of the prices are in the hundreds, all the prices are in the thousands.Plus the dogs are in cramped boxes, with shredded paper, little and food and water, and very little human interaction, and it smells.I walk in that store and get a sense of sadness.Most of the puppies are just sleeping and look bored.Aren't puppies supposed to be lively and happy?These weren't I wanted to steal them all!

 

[Liesje]

I do not know bloodlines. I do not know the difference between show & working type dogs. How can I (as a consumer) be expected to pay $1500 for a pup with out having the capability to research the breeder?

I would go out to clubs, shows, training, trials, pet expos...then you can get opinions and information from people that are more experienced and get hands-on experience yourself.

 

[robinhuerta]

I would suggest gathering information and knowledge from as many sources as possible....like Lies suggested.
Not ALL breeders good or bad,.. have websites.....
JMO

 

[onyxena]

Ive been curious about puppies, trying to learn more now. My guys are 6 , 3, and 2.5, so no rush. I am waiting until they are much older, but am enjoying looking at all the different sites and learning. I really don't see any way I will spend more than maybe $500 tops. My BYB male is almost 3 now and he is exactly what I wanted. He will not win any shows and he isn't going to be working competitor. He is a pet and guardian of my family. My female is from a shleter and I paid $100 for her adoption plus another $500 for her medical care after she became seriously ill with pneumonia. So she was expensive.
I don't know why I am unwilling to pay much, I guess just so many great dogs for very little makes me feel like paying much more is unneccessary.
If I was interested in showing or serious training, I would definately be willing to pay more , but for a housepet my $200 dog is perfect. I do spend a lot of money on pets though. I have several birds that I have have spent thousands on. EACH. Plus all their equipment and food. So I get spending alot on what you are into!

 

[Liesje]

Ive been curious about puppies, trying to learn more now. My guys are 6 , 3, and 2.5, so no rush. I am waiting until they are much older, but am enjoying looking at all the different sites and learning. I really don't see any way I will spend more than maybe $500 tops. My BYB male is almost 3 now and he is exactly what I wanted. He will not win any shows and he isn't going to be working competitor. He is a pet and guardian of my family. My female is from a shleter and I paid $100 for her adoption plus another $500 for her medical care after she became seriously ill with pneumonia. So she was expensive.
I don't know why I am unwilling to pay much, I guess just so many great dogs for very little makes me feel like paying much more is unneccessary.
If I was interested in showing or serious training, I would definately be willing to pay more , but for a housepet my $200 dog is perfect. I do spend a lot of money on pets though. I have several birds that I have have spent thousands on. EACH. Plus all their equipment and food. So I get spending alot on what you are into!

Not everyone's priorities are the same, nothing wrong with that. I would spend a lot on dogs but always get my cats from a rescue for $15.

For me when I purchase a GSD, it is about more than simply getting the dog I want. I would purchase a dog that was not *exactly* what I had in mind from a breeder that I wanted to support over a dog that I thought was *perfect* from a BYB or puppy mill breeder. I want my purchase to promote the breed and more importantly, the breeders that are putting in the time training and competing with the dogs, flying all over the world to better their programs either by attending international events or outcrossing breedings to other other bloodlines. I am looking to be part of a "team" with the breeder, so we can train, compete with, and promote our dogs and help each other out along the way. It's sort of like the difference between buying a soccer ball and paying to be on a soccer league. When buying the ball I don't really care about the store or the employees as long as I get the ball I want at the price I want, but if I join a league I need to get along with the rest of the team and share the same philosophy about the game or it's a waste of time and money.

 

[onyxena]

I am glad you get that! I LOVE seeing everyon'es dogs here and feel that having such variety in lines and quality is mostly a good thing. I love my regular GSDs as much as if they did have impressive pedigrees etc. I Love the look and the temperament and the activity level suits me. I do agree that maybe seeking a good breeder might be a good option next time. But I dunno, the big price tag bothers me because there are so many less expensive options for my needs. And the macaws are my big thing and I do not hesitate to spend $2500 on a single bird and am buying another that costs way more.
Maybe if I did get pup from a great breeder I would realize what I had been missing out on? I certainly think if it's the dog you really like that suits your needs then its worth every penny. I just love my two "pet type" so much and they suit our home so well, I cannot imagine a dog doing any better for my needs because it has a great pedigree and price tag. Are these expensive pups for pets too? Or mostly for show and dogsport people? I REALLY like the appearance of the dark sables and blacks, but wonder if a workingline type would be too much dog for me! I guess if I found the right one I would pay more. And I will always adopt one in need too, but it's nice to have a puppy once in a while!
Nikon looks awesome now BTW!

 

[LARHAGE]

That's the thing, if you just want a family pet a fancy pedigree or conformation isn't as high a priority, therefore hard to justify spending big bucks, it's like horses, I have trail horses and show horses, and there's a huge difference, not only in price but appearance. I too have ''pet'' quality German Shepherds, but I wanted to take the next step and get a dog that is not only a pet, but one that could compete in the ring and the field. I don't for one second regret what I paid for my puppy, he is hands down the best German Shepherd I've ever had in 30 years of owning Shepherds, he's worth every red cent.

 

[onyxena]

I know about quality horses! My sister ws really into showing and learning dressage, I've ridden all my life, no horse now though. You are totally righ about the difference in quality. You guys are kind of making me think about spending more when the time comes. Like I said though, not soon. I want to wait until my youunger two start getting old. hopefully by then I will know exactly what I am looking for. I am just really overwhelmed at the options though. I really like the stocky masculine darker working types alot. Maybe one of those could be a good housepet with training and exercise. I'll know when I find the right one. I am really thinking about expanding my price range now!

 

[onyx'girl]

Start a fund now, then when the time is right, and you've narrowed down the breeder/breeding, you'll be set financially to do it, and you won't feel the pain!
Working lines are wonderful, don't think you may not be able to handle one. And what you described above sounds more of the East/DDR line, they tend to be great companions and do have an off switch.
If you can handle macaws and their antics, a WL should be no problem!!