ethical breeding - Page 1

should untitled males or females be bred by any ethical breeder?

 A title helps you the buyer to choose a puppy that will work in the venue you are training. I do not particularly care if a female is titled, but I do like to see that they are trained to a certain level. I will not hold it against a breeder that is trialing his males that the females are not titled. It takes money and time to get a dog to a level 3.

As far as ethics go, I am not sure that titles fall into this catagory, as much as health issues do. In this country, way to many wannabe experts bag on breeders for just about everything under the sun. If they breed more than this they are scum, if they breed to tight they are scum, if they produce "too much dog" they are scum, too little dog, scum. Bla bla bla.

Just figure out what it is you want, then go and get to much dog. Nothing worse than the "beginners dog" you want a dog that is too much that will just do the job. LOL 

With all the BS out there, I feel bad for new trainers looking for a pup. Good luck.

Not if they aren't married.

ethical breeding

jumbo shrimp

Health and temperament are very importent.  Titles are good but only if they are earned.  There are many dogs out there that have titles but have never seen a field $$$$$$

See what I mean-

Has anyone else ever heard this line...?  - "The only rule is, there is no rules"

Is it ethical to buy only from titled stock..? Sure but have they been "ethically" titled..? Did he take her out to dinner and massage her paw pads then call her the next day?

Go with what you can stomach-you've got to be able to sleep at night

Sueincc I completely agree with you.

 I have seen some crap dogs with SCH3 tittles. It almost makes me want to quit. But then I remember I dont do this for those people who pay there way to tittles. I do it for me and my dogs. Tittles dont mean anything to me anymore but they gain my attention. What i find after that attention is gained is another story

Ok, people are going to jump on me for this but Schutzhund is not the only sport for German Shepherds!   Don't get me wrong, I like the sport and I know that the SV requires it for their breeding program, but  not everybody who wants a GSD is going to want to do Sch with it.  Schutzhund is a very time and $$ involved sport, and it's not for everybody.   And like mentioned above, there are a few of these dogs that did not earn their titles. I think that earning titles in ANY venue is important.  It shows that the breeder cares enough about their dogs to spend time with them, to prove that they are good at something, and that they may be an asset to the breed.  While there are the 3 phases of Sch and they are very challenging to the dog and handler, the dog only needs to perform the routine correctly 1 time to pass.  Other venues such as AKC and UKC, the dog must pass 3 seperate times under different judges for obedience, agility, etc.  The GSD is supposed to be a versatile breed and I would prefer a dog that had titles in multiple venues over a dog with a Sch title anyday.  Health is first and foremost for me as this breed is plagued with health problems, followed by temperament, then titles.

I agree with shepherdmom, there are many other venues out there other than Sch. I, for one, like to do UKC trials and conformation, and AKC rally and obedience.  That is much more useful in my lifestyle than Sch. training.  I'd prefer an obedient dog over one that will track or hit a sleeve any day.