German Shepherd Puppy Question...

I would disagree about hip scores being unreliable . If the position is bad enough to make a significant difference the scrutineers will return them. You ideally want hips in single figures or low teens and 0 or 1 hips . You need to see the scoresheet or check on KC website . Not unusual to not see the father , in fact I would consider it a plus point,but you should have been given the opportunity to contact stud owner and go and see the dog if you wish .
The mal bit isn't relevant to you, I just wasn't sure what fellewell meant .
 
What MM said above about hip and elbow scores. When I look at GSD pups I also want to see eye tests and haemophilia negative for the parents. Good breeder will also have considered the degenerative myelopathy genetic test - last time I read into it was 2-3 tears ago and there was still some doubts about the test but these may have been resolved one way or another by now.

Temperament would be the next thing on my list and suitability as a family dog which is what I want my pups for.

If I had a pick of coat I'd chose short because they take a bit of grooming at the bets of times and I wouldn't want to add to my work load (ironic as I've had German Spitzes and a Tibetan Terrier as well!)
 
Thank you both, we've made sure to check hip, elbow and haemophilia scores but I wasn't aware of the need to check for eyes or myelopathy... Perhaps I need to ask a few more questions. I'm very grateful for the advice - please keep sending it my way if it's not too much trouble, first time nerves are starting to kick in xXx
 
I was offered to meet the father but I unfortunately didn't have time to travel there as well. Thank you for all the time you're spending and the advice you're giving xXx
 
Personally I wouldn't bother too much about eyes or dm test . Eyes are not really a problem in GSDs and unfortunately the dm test is still unreliable and very few breeders use it. It does seem you have asked the right questions of the breeder, only you can decide if you have to have a long coat, and if that is the case them I think sadly this pup probably isn't going to be for you. I was really torn between a long and short coat in my last litter. Went for the short coat purely from the mud point of view! Looking at the mess from my 2 short coat girls in the house at the moment I think I made the right choice ! 😀
 
Dry Rot said:
Are Malinois considered suitable as family pets?
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Yes, very much so. Of course as they are a herding breed they ideally need work, ie agility, tracking etc. But just as GSDs have been used by the police, so are more Malinois now. However, this doesn't preclude them from being suitable as a family pet.

I have kept 3 types of Belgian Shepherd including the Malinois. They are great dogs.
 
LolaLady said:
I have met the mother but only seen photos and been told about the father. As far as I am aware they are not mixed breeds. Hip & elbow scores were ok, but I was under the assumption (having spoken to a few breeders) that hip scores aren't always that reliable because of the position the dog is put into & the way the camera is placed? Are the lay of the hips genetic - will good hips get passed on? I thought perhaps that it's not guaranteed? You've lost me with the cut & shut Mal comments though.
We have been looking for temperament and good scores above all, but we're also hoping to get a l/c xXx
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The 'cut and shut' remark was regarding two components that don't belong together or compliment one another. It's possible to have short haired pairings and end up with long haired pups, that's why it's called a recessive gene (citation needed ;-) The Belgians will simply re-brand it.
Being pedantic the GSD is a culmination or 'mix' of three breeds. Hence the double coat purists. The Germans like things to be functional and the short coat is warm and weatherproof, perfect for outdoors/working.
Your breeder may be a little concerned that you're hell-bent on long coats, hence the disclaimer? The best breeder to buy from is the one who really doesn't want to sell to you if they have any doubts. If it's a hobby breeder I'd want to see dad, if not the sire's history will be traceable. Add Pannus to your health checks, I've seen this in two adult GSD's in the last six months.
 
We said to the breeder from the outset that we would like long haired, which she said he would be, but I'm glad she's said now that he won't be long haired - at least she is being honest. I'm probably going to get shot down for saying that we might not go ahead with this puppy because he's not a l/c but we've waited a long time for the right moment to be able to have a puppy and we've thought long and hard about what we want. We were clear from the outset that we wanted a big, dark, l/c, male and that's what we want to make a commitment to - it's a lot of money to pay for something that's not what we originally wanted. Yes he's a gorgeous pup and I have fallen a little in love with him, but it's not like we've had him home and are now abandoning him.
Tbh I'm not sure if she's a hobby breeder or not but she has offered us our deposit back or pick of her next litter from l/c parents... What might your thoughts be?
What is Pannus? This isn't sonething I've heard of before - I'll google it now :)
Thank you again xXx
 
LL- you are buying a puppy, presumably at going rate.

If you are buying a puppy, buy the one you want. I put a deposit on my puppy before her parents mated, in the hope that she was the darker colouring that I wanted- I was perfectly willing to forfeit my deposit because I wanted a darker retriever for working.

No one should cast aspersions over your motives- you've had all the health testing done so you either now accept the less than ideal coat, or continue your search - I would, if I knew it wasn't what I wanted ( and providing you haven't already fallen in love because he is CUTE!)
 
MurphysMinder said:
I would disagree about hip scores being unreliable . If the position is bad enough to make a significant difference the scrutineers will return them. You ideally want hips in single figures or low teens and 0 or 1 hips . You need to see the scoresheet or check on KC website . Not unusual to not see the father , in fact I would consider it a plus point,but you should have been given the opportunity to contact stud owner and go and see the dog if you wish .
The mal bit isn't relevant to you, I just wasn't sure what fellewell meant .
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Did you mean 0 or 1 elbows, MM?
 
OP I think you are right to walk away if it's not exactly what you want. They are a lot of money so has to be just perfect for you.

I'm sure you will find another one soon.

But he is super cute though :D
 
cinnamontoast said:
Did you mean 0 or 1 elbows, MM?
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Oops, well spotted, yes I meant elbows. I really shouldn't try and type quick answers on my phone at work.

You won't have a hard time from me for walking away from this pup OP. In fact if it was my pup I would be encouraging you, if you have your heart set on a long coat then wait for a long coat. I am sure you would love this pup and give him a great home but a little bit of you would always be thinking that he wasn't exactly what you wanted. Good luck with your search for the right pup, pm if I can be of any help, although I am a little out of touch with some of the lines now.
 
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Sorry, I am a bit late to this thread but if you want a longcoat then perhaps search out the breeders who breed specifically for longcoats but who do all the health tests (hip score - ideally as even and low as possible, but definitely under the breed average which is currently 18); elbows should be 0, and males should be tested haemophilia clear) and breed only from stock with sound and social temperament. The DM (degenerative myelopathy) test is still considered unreliable, and although you can test GSDs for hereditary cataracts, the Breed Council don't recommend that test, and I don't think it is a real problem in the breed in any case.

Kazeti GSDs might be a start http://www.kazetigsds.com/

I personally prefer the standard (short) coat, sable working lines and certainly wouldn't be swayed into buying anything other than what I wanted. All being well you should be expecting to spend up to 14 years with your dog, so it pays to take your time now, do your research and get the pup you really want.
 
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