I'm looking for a quality breeder of GSD's. Allow me to tell you what I am looking for so you can help point me in the right direction.
While I have owned dogs all my life, it is only recently that I have been enamored by Ed thru his dvd's and web site. I will not be training for K9 work and most probably not any type of shutzhund competitions. I don't think I would have the time to do anything much past the AKC obedience or some other lower level work. However, I reserve the right to become so engrossed that I just might try to move past that level. I'm not looking for a protection dog, per se, however, if some dirtbag ever tried to break into my house or harm my family, I expect to see his bloody leg separated from his body thereby making it easier for me to shoot the one legged SOB as he tried to hop away! I want a dog with a good temperament, intelligence and looks. Maybe I'm being shallow about the looks, and I'm sorry, but I don't want one that looks like he kissed the ugly train. (By the way I used the same requirements for getting married - However I forgot to throw "rich" into that equation) This pup will be a member of my family and must get along with my older Shep. This pup will be loved and spoiled rotten...I know Ed is having a heart attack now, but I want to be honest here. I try to follow most of Ed's advice with training but petting the dog as he lays his head on my lap on the couch while I watch a ballgame after a miserable day at work brings my blood pressure down and does wonders for me.
So that's where I stand. I've been honest about my intentions and I would appreciate any input on a breeder or particular type of GSD. Thank you all for taking the time to read this.

Kevin, I like your honesty and sense of humor.

I sent you a PM.

Katie

As someone who has spent a pretty good amount of time at Dog shows I would say don't consider anything you see there. Now the working line dogs I see training are a whole different breed. If your able to Kevin I would check out any clubs and go see any trials you can and meet people and ask questions about who is breeding what you want. And it's a good move reserving the right to become engrossed because if you end up with a dog that has the ability to do the sport, you're going to want to.

Thanks Steve, I appreciate your time and advice. I'm glad that you concur with the "getting engrossed" aspect. I just have this suspect feeling that once I start I might become enamored with serious high level dog training. I will follow your advice on the working dog clubs.

Kevin, I liked your post too - good luck in your search, as a breeder I think you sound like a wonderful home for a GSD - sitting on the couch and petting and all

molly

 Quote: steve strom

And it's a good move reserving the right to become engrossed because if you end up with a dog that has the ability to do the sport, you're going to want to.

Amen to that Steve. If someone told me 3 years ago I would be spending every Saturday and Wednesday evening training my dog in Schutzhund I would have said they were crazy.

Kevin, I'd recommend checking out Molly's kennel too; I've seen some nice dogs from her breeding program.

Katie

thank you Katie - I appreciate that.

molly

I bought a working line GSD puppy from a breeder. He asked me if we (the family) were looking for a pet. I said yes and he steered me towards a puppy who is now 2 1/2 years old that we are very happy with. I have pictures that I'll post sometime of him "cuddling" with my wife. She'll sit on the couch and he'll either put his chin on her shoulder, her chest, or lay his head on her lap.

Whenever anyone comes to the house he lights up. I know if my wife is home alone with him anyone who comes to the door will think there is a serious dog behind it. You can hear him from the street. I have no idea if he would actually attack an intruder or someone who attacked us, but I'm pretty sure most people who were up to no good would go somewhere else once they saw or heard him.

So ... yes, you can get a working line GSD who will be a good companion and good company and who will act protective towards your property, and still have a dog who will keep you warm on a cold winter evening. But they do need exercise, and more than just a little, so you may have to take him out and throw the ball with him before you settle down to watch that game on TV. When my wife and I watch TV he brings us a kong toy to play tug with and throw for him. It's fun, but not if you aren't set up for it, have things that can be broken near by

Thanks gang for the reflections and suggestions. While I made this revelation quite some time ago I feel that it is appropriate to mention - There is no finer group of people that true dog people!
Kevin

Good luck on your search for that special pup Kevin. I hope you find your true heart dog.