I figured I'd wouldn't nmove them around, so after i get back from collge, I'm getting them. Any tips? AKC? UKC?
2006-12-12 01:44:08 · 11 answers · asked by Ally D 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Any one breed dogs here? Large dogs? Prefferably.
2006-12-12 01:46:09 · update #1
I am not 100% sure what you mean by "getting my puppies." Does this mean you are purchasing two puppies with the eventual goal of breeding them?
If you would like to become a Shepherd breeder (or any kind of breeder for that matter) there really are no shortcuts. it's the sort of thing you only learn from years of experiance, research,a nd also spending a lot of time with other breeders, etc. Shepherds are a wonderful breed, but they have a lot of special needs. They are prone to hip dysplasia. Also, if in correctly socialized, they can develope aggression problem. In a big breed especially, you really need to be in control of this, and only breed dogs with superior temperments.
Only the most experienced breeders should ever consider breeding dogs that are not proven show champions. The purpose of conformation showing is to evaluate how closely your dog meets the AKA (OR CKC, etc) standard and if it is fit to breed. As cute as your pups are, there is a good chance they are just not close enough to the standard to breed. Responsible breeders ONLY breed their dogs to better the breed, and usually only when they are in a position to keep one or two of the pups to include in their own breeding program. Breeding poor quality pups only results in sick animals, animals with temper problems, and animals that probably will be dumped on a shelter at some point near the end of their short lives. It sounds harsh, but if you want to get into the business, it is imperative that you know the really BAD side of dog breeding.
Don't get into this is you are planning to make money by selling the puppy. That would turn you into a BYB and/or a puppy mill dealer. Breeders never make money off their puppies; in fact, they are lucky if they can cover all of their expenses. They just do it as a hobby, for the love of the dog and the love of a particular breed.
before you even think about breeding, you will need to spend a great deal of time showing your pups to championship. If you buy your pups from a reputable breeder, they will be more than happy to help you along in this venture. This is also a great way to have fun with your dogs and learn all kinds of information about the breed before you start producing litters. Who knows? Maybe you'll hate showing and decide that breeding and showing (which are reall inseparable), but regardless you'll have a great experience.
Your place to start is by finding a top quality breeder to buy your puppy from. Be very honest and let them know you would like to show and perhaps breed your dog eventually. Good breeders will screen you VERY closely, and if you are a first time breeder, will probably require you to sign a co-ownership or a kind of contract.
There is so much more to tell you. Your first step is to do a LOT of research on this. You're soon to be a graduate, so you will have all the study tools you needs. This isn't something to be taken lightly, but if you are serious and responsible, it could be a great experience.
All the best
2006-12-12 02:33:14 · answer #1 · answered by mlle-fantine 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hopefully the person you are getting this puppy from is a reputable and knowledgable breeder. If so and you really do not have much experience with puppies, you may want to consider leaving your puppy with them until it is 12 weeks old. If you are not willing to do that, at least get some pointers from them on how to get your dog started properly in life. Exposing your puppy, without creating stress or fear, to many different things is the best way to ensure you'll have a great dog when he grows up. You probably won't be able to take him for "walks" when you first get him, but a game of follow the leader through the yard is a great idea. Play with him, love him and don't forget the number one rule of owning a large breed puppy: DO NOT LET HIM DO ANYTHING AS A PUPPY THAT YOU WILL NOT ALLOW AS AN ADULT!
2016-03-29 04:22:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's good you are researching before you even have the pups. Talk to as many breeders as you can . Go to a couple of dog shows so you can see first hand what the correct GS should look like and talk to the breeders and judges and have them go over a dog with you so you can learn what the standard means. Learn the AKC standard and remember it. Then always look at the temperament as well , make sure the parents are sound . I suggest getting one pup at a time because even if you get a pup from great lines he or she still may develop a fault that you would want to correct by getting a dog from a line that ;produces none of that fault. It is very complicated so as I said you must learn a lot from working with breeders. Good luck and be sure to do your research on the genetic health problems of that breed too . You want to have only the healthiest puppies.
2006-12-12 02:09:57 · answer #3 · answered by casey s 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Make sure the parents of the puppies you are interested in have had a PIN test. This checks for Hip Displacia. It is very common in this breed. If the parents have not been checked ask why. Find a reputable breeder and this should not be a problem. Both AKC and UKC should have fine breeders but check backround anyway. Always better to be safe than sorry.
2006-12-12 01:51:11 · answer #4 · answered by tbird 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Start attending dog shows and talk to the breeders there. Join the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, your local German Shepherd Dog club, and your local all-breed kennel club. Learn everything you can about German Shepherds, breeding, training, health, nutrition, grooming, and dogs in general. Attend obedience trials, tracking tests, agility trials, schutzhund trials, herding trials and anywhere else you can see German Shepherds working. Learn about ethical and responsible breeding. Don't even think about purchasing a puppy until you have done these things.
Once you know the breeders, see if one that you respect will mentor you.
Purchase your first puppy. At this stage, you will be more likely to get a quality dog if you purchase a male. Don't count on using him for breeding, he is your learning dog. Show him to his championship, and it's a good idea to compete with him in a performance venue too (whichever one catches your fancy). If he turns out to be a fantastic specimen then have him health tested and offer him at stud. By this time the breeders should know you and if they think you're all right you should be able to purchase a quality female. Show and test her, then find her a suitable stud and you're off to the races. Oh, and the reason I don't say to breed her to your stud is that since there are HUNDREDS of quality shepherd studs out there, the chances that yours is the perfect match for her are pretty low. Always go for the best, it costs just as much to raise a litter of crappy pups as it does to raise top quality.
2006-12-12 02:07:35 · answer #5 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think breeding is a good thing but you need to think of how many puppies that will leave your home and be mistreated.and not cared about.and maybe even soon to be home less that is why it it so important to think about all the animals in this world now that dont have homes and r being put down mistreated and made mean. I am not trying to hurt u but just think about it..I love animals and have 7 cats that I have rescued and 2 dogs the same.wish I had a farm i could have all unwanted pets.
2006-12-12 01:54:05 · answer #6 · answered by lundie_g 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You can't breed litter mates. I breed AKC Saint Bernard's. Your breeding stock should be at least 1 1/2 years old before breeding and you need to make sure you have the time for this endeavor.
2006-12-12 01:52:51 · answer #7 · answered by chilly 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
We've had several German Shepards, and the best strain we've seen are the ones which have come directly from Germany. Our best dog was Chance, who was sired by a Grand Champion. He weighed at least 150 pounds, but didn't have an ounce of body fat. The best thing about the German strain is that they do not have hip dysplasia. The man who was in charge of breeding them there made sure they were "pure," and kept it out.
2006-12-12 02:01:26 · answer #8 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Mirim D is right on target - you can start learning NOW while in college which will enhance your chances with the first dog
2006-12-12 04:11:32 · answer #9 · answered by ragapple 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good place to start is to first learn to spell the name.
GERMAN S-H-E-P-H-E-R-D
2006-12-12 01:51:43 · answer #10 · answered by woooh! 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋