OK not to flood this forum with my questions about dutch shepherds, but this one's kind of a generic question relating to breeding and genetics.

The upcoming dutch shepherd litter I'm interested in, I've been told that the Dam is a real serious dog with an awesome temprement and high pack drive - the dog is awesome with children in the family, and will tollerate strangers approaching - but does not like anyone petting her. So my question is... will this trait be carried over to the pups? Or is this to do with training and socialization? I want a dog that can be taken with me into public places, and in public places there needs to be room for error, theres always gonna be some lil kid that wants to pet the doggy while mommy isn't looking, I don't need the lil kid to get bitten and my bitch put down because someone wasn't watching their kid.

Also, what should I look for in a pedigree when it comes to inbreeding? Is there an acceptable amount or should I try to find a dog with minimal/no inbreeding? For example, the stud that will be used has the same bitch twice on the mothers side. Then on the Dam's side, that same bitch from the Sire's side is used even more recently on both the dam and the sire's side.

I really like these dogs, but I don't want to make any mistakes either.

Hi mike:
Who does she not tolerate touching her? If you were me and vice versa, I would go over this particular issue at length with the breeders. Ask what she does to show she won't permit it. She may be fearful; which you do NOT want in a protection (or any) dog. Or, she may be really dominant, and not handled properly- she should be able to be handled by the family. I have a dog who does not like to be petted. She has come a long way with me doing this over a few years, but she still only likes to be petted on the neck, or head. She hates to be petted on her loins/rear legs. As far as genetics, you can be sure the thing that you DON'T want will show up- I say that only half tongue in cheek. Ask LOTS of questions, do not rush into this- make them know you need a bomb proof dog, S.T.A.B.L.E. I KNOW you can't be selective enough with working dogs. Perhaps ask for a video of the mother in her "not want to be petted" behaviours.

I will be sure to discuss this with the breeder. From what I understand, the dog is very protective of family and not fearful, she is an IPO3 and scored 1st and 2nd place in a variety of events and 3rd and 4th place in some other events, her highest achieved scores, in I assume IPO (Schutzhund?) are A; 100, afd. B: 97 en afd. C: 99, but naturally I understand that Schutzhund isn't exactly the best test for a dogs nerves. Supposedly all the kennels dogs are perfect around family members including children, it's just an issue with strangers reaching down to pet the dog. I will be sure to inquire as to the reason for this and see if they have any videos of the dog. I pride myself on having an absolutely stable GSD that can be approached by anyone unless I tell him to watch them, I'd hate to get a 2nd dog that has to be isolated all her life.