needing advice on purchasing a german shepherd - Page 2

No not like a child, I'm more concerned about animals and the breed than you getting an unworthy animal.
Ask me something else.

All you said was you want to breed, all I'm saying is I won't sell to unworthy buyers, I need to know more about you.
As will any( reputable) breeder.

You need to have an idea of the costs and responsibilities .. however if you wait until you build a brick kennel and have everything perfect in your life it will never happen.  The primary concern from the dog's point of view is will you spend time with me, feed me, give me water and a safe place to hang out as close to you as possible.  Exercise and lots of experiences with nature and other creatures including humans is also helpful (socialization) for a puppy or a young dog.  Dog's don't need much or expect much but they need face time and some love to thrive.  Proper feeding and medical care but there is a lot less to that than most veterinarians or dog gurus preach.  The other concern is what or who besides the primary human in the dog's life will the dog interact with and/or live with.  As before, breeding dogs will make you a sadder and poorer person if you do it right.

Suzyc,
Your lack of a response is evidence of your lack of commitment or purpose.

 

Suzy, no one can really recommend a breeder unless you give us a good idea of what you are looking for and planning to do with a dog. Every breeder has a different goal in mind... some breed for show, others for sport, others for work, others for herding, others for a dog that can do all of the above and then some. "A breeding quality puppy" is far to vague of a description to get any kind of decent response... take some time, and type out your version of the perfect dog, and then perhaps we can help you.

A rough idea of your location and if you are willing/wanting to travel/ship or import would also be helpful.

Thank you. Not that I wanted to share my personal sob story on here, but I'm fixing to be divorced after 17 years and was wanting to finally get involved in something I've been interested in for years. I was wanting a dog that I could get into shows with and do certifications and things with. I admit I'm not as knowledgeable as most people on here and really just wanted advice. I've looked at so many different breeders and contacted and talked to so many people and just wanted to see if the knowledgeable people had any insight to a reputable breeder and not a scam artist. I don't have the expertise that y'all do and was hoping to gain more by posting. This was going to be my fresh start and I just wanted to do it right. I have several animals and always have. They are loved and a huge part of my life. I spend thousands of dollars on them each year and don't mind a bit doing it!  So I'm not sure if that makes me worthy of obtaining a good dog but that's my story. 

It's a start, and you'll run into more idiots here than experts.
As a novice you would not want to spend thousands on a dog which you could very easily do.
I can tell you that I reputable breeder will have questions for you.
There are a lot of people who have long standing reputations that you can trust.
The prices will vary with the bloodline and titles.
You may need some guidance in training, showing, and achieving titles.
What kind of moneys did you figure on when you started looking for a pup?

And again, breeding is a whole different ball game.
 

Honestly I assumed if they were breeding quality then they were "show" quality. I am wanting to get involved in things. What exactly those things are I'm not even sure. I truly am not nearly as educated with this as I wish I was and hope I am one day. What I did know was that I didn't want a pup that I can purchase off of Craigslist.  I just want to do the right things and make the right choices and hope that some day I might be the one answering the questions rather than asking them ;). I'm actually taking a loan out on my teacher retirement to pay off some bills, and with the extra was hoping to get a gsd pup to start my "new leaf" out with. Something that can get me involved in something new and fun. But honestly I also hope to find a pup that will eventually be a protector of my home. Living with just me and my two boys for the first time ever can be kinda scary!  But I am excited and ready for the next years ahead!

I understand.

Breed quality and show quality are not the same.
Let's get past the breeding thing for now.
Let me ask you this,
what is more important to you, winning a dog show ribbon, or having a great German Shepherd Dog?

And to avoid sticker shock,
what kind of price had you assumed you'd be paying, what kind of prices have you been quoted so far?

 

Oh well,
hope you find what your looking for.
PM me if you like.