Hello,

I have been an observer of these message boards for some time. Just recently decided to sign up and join in.

We currently own one German Shepherd from working lines. We are looking to get another puppy from a reputable breeder in-state. The breeder of our current dog bred infrequently both Shepherds and Mallinois, and recently decided to just do the occasional Mallinois litter when she feels she has a great pair. So, I have begun to search around for another reputable person who produces quality dogs with good temperment.

We go through advanced obedience with our dogs and just recently jumped into the world of Schutzhund, my new love. Unfortunately, I don't think our current dog got into it at a young enough age, certain things he just will not do, namely the protection.

I live in Littleton, Colorado. I would like an in-state breeder on the eastern foothills/plains of Colorado. I feel uncomfortable having dogs shipped, so I have limited my searches to the front range.

If anyone has any suggestions, or could point me to the right direction, I would appreciate it greatly.

Thank you.

Hi Brian, I highly recommend you contact this person:
http://www.coloradogermanshepherdrescue.net/OurDogs.html

She is very involved in schutzhund & is extremely reputable. She rarely breeds, but most definitely has her finger on the pulse of Working GSD breeders in Colorado. You will find her to be very generous with her considerable knowledge.

Thank you very much Susan. I will make sure to contact her.

I am still very open and appreciative to more suggestions. I really want a number of reputable folks I can speak with and find which litter might be best for me.

Brian,
I'd like you to consider this:

You will own your dog for 12 to 14 years if you get them as a puppy and all goes well.
If I was looking at sharing my day to day life with a living being that will be a big part of my life, I certainly would not limit my search to a *small* geographic area.

What I'm saying is that if you're really looking for a "reputable" kennel, you need to be willing to travel, end of story.

Brian, Will makes a very good point. I pm'ed you a breeder here in Aurora though. See what he has. I live in S. West Denver, by the Lakewood/Littleton/Denver line. Let me know how things go.

I agree with Will also. The purchase will be one of the biggest decisions you make - so why limit yourself to a small area?

That is a very good point. I suppose what I would like is some place I can drive to and physically visit the kennel, the sire, the dam, and where my puppy will be growing up.

I hope I don't sound lazy. I just like to be able to go to the breeder I have chosen multiple times, several times before the puppies are born, several times after they are born, and then to pick them up. I find it unrealistic to be travelling across several states more than once or twice.


I will expand my search to the entirety of Colorado, as well as Wyoming (A place I frequently travel to), south-west Nebraska, and western Kansas. Does anyone have suggestions in that range? I appreciate it folks, the help has been tremendous.

Still pretty slim pick'ns. The Census Bureau classifies much of that area as 'Frontier'. Few people ==> no training clubs ==> no dogs. You really need to go where the dogs are.

If you really want to do Schutzhund training with your dog, a good place to start is with people who actively compete. There is a page on the USA website that lists the various breeders. The USA regional websites will often list clubs and club members. The ones who breed will generally have a website.

A good breeder will provide a suitable pup. Finding a good breeder is where you get involved in a club, go to the club, regional and national event trials and **talk** to a lot of people. After a while, you get a good feel for who has some nice dogs. Remember, the good breeders generally have a waiting list for puppies.

FWIW, I didn't meet any of my dogs until I went to pick them up.

Thank you very much for the advice Charlie. I have gotten in contact with several schutzhund clubs here in Colorado. I'm planning on visiting them in the upcoming week. Out of the ones I have chosen to visit, I am hoping to find one that suits me best to join.

There are a few breeders in Colorado:

http://worldclassgsd.com/Males_for_sale/german_shepherd_males_for_sale.htm
http://rockymountaingsd.homestead.com/
http://www.coloradogermanshepherdrescue.net/

I have also been looking here in CO, but really didn't find what I was looking for. I found the breeder I want in Montana. I really wish I could pick my dog in person. But I would much prefer a breeder I trust and truely want to work with over one that just happens to be local.