Going to visit the breeder in a few hours. I'm not locked into anything yet and would like to ask the "right" questions.

I did not do a search. I'm shortcutting...

Is it reasonable for me to ask to see the Sire and Dams OFA results?

Also am going to get some pedi info that I can search for. Will Sire & Dams parents will be enough to backtrack with via the web?

I will take pics of the dogs, closeups of facial features and some wide shots.

I don't want to waste this opportunity, anything other important info I should be considering?

Thanks

Jim G

PS - my new dog will not be a working dog prospect. The pedi has some show lines, if I am reading correctly (Shutz3, Kk1, Sieger, World Sieger). I am looking for a healthy, athlectic companion dog.

 Quote: jim gustitis

Is it reasonable for me to ask to see the Sire and Dams OFA results?

.

any good breeder will be happy to give you this info, and be prepared for your "interview" as good breeders will ask you more than than you would think

as far as sire and dam's parents, yes the more reserch you do the better (ofa on them to, to ensure their pup wasn't a fluke of good health)

I would ask as many questions as you can think of. If you can get to see the sire and dam in person even better.
Some times you only get to see the dam, as the sire was used for artificial insemination. But definitely ask to see both parents' pedigree info.

Let us know how it goes Jim!

Love this article:

http://wildhauskennels.com/breeder.htm

That is a really info Melissa.

OFA results are normally on the database.

http://www.offa.org/dbaserole.html

If the dogs have recently been imported or if xrays were sent to the SV for grading they won't appear. The SV records the results on the dogs papers.

Everybody has a different idea of what constitutes a "good" breeder. There are people that think I do a pretty good job and there are others that are convinced I don't. The important thing is for YOU to find a breeder that YOU are comfortable with.

Good luck!

 Quote: joyce salazar

Some times you only get to see the dam, as the sire was used for artificial insemination. But definitely ask to see both parents' pedigree info.

Both the Sire and Dam will be there.

 Quote: betty waldron

Everybody has a different idea of what constitutes a "good" breeder. There are people that think I do a pretty good job and there are others that are convinced I don't. The important thing is for YOU to find a breeder that YOU are comfortable with.

I already know I like her, we have spent at least a couple hours on the phone over the past couple of months. Sheis the one who suggested Leerburg to me. The more I learn here about working dogs and such, the more I realize how much I don't know about working dogs and stuff.

Melissa, thanks for the link. THat is a great article!

I won't bore you guys with a trip report or anything like that. If I have concerns about something specific, I'm sure I won't be able to help but ask.

Thanks very much!

Jim

PS - Yes Dave, she is not locked into anything either.

take a reallllly close look at the Dam's personality. watch if she is calm, shy, nervous, or any other trait you may see just by watching her in action. I read an amazing article on picking out a working pup (i know your not looking for one of those) but the article said it is best to view how the dam behaves. Because that's the role modle all her pups have. A shy dam will most likely have shy pups, a fearful dam will most likely have fearful pups..ect. it's not 100% guranteed...but it sure did work wonders when i went to pick a pup.
I would also go to akc website and look up their info by name if you have the dam and sire's full name. you can see blood lines of how many working and show dogs are in the heritage.
there are also a LOT of tests you can do to "help" determin the temperment of each pup. Try to watch the pups playing together and then pick one or two that you absolutly think are adorable (that's always hard since pups are all adoroable and see how they act when removed from their dam and siblings.
I hope you have fun picking out a pup! it's so exciting! If your anything like me you won't sleep the night before lol..you'll be having puppy thoughts filling your brain..just count puppies vs sheep

Both dogs were beautiful and friendly! THey had a nice clean home and lots of room to run. Obviously loved and well cared for. Unfortunately I didn't see the athleticism or prey drive I was hoping for.

The male is very large and I just don't see him playing much frisbee. He didn't bite or tug very hard and seemed possesive of the tug toys. I thought he would engage more with the owner, but I didn't really see it. The male is 14 months old, I just expected a little more intensity while playing.

I am going to take a deep breath and a step back. Re evaluate what is best for me and my future companion. (sigh)



Jim

Hi Jim,

The stud dog was only 14 months old? I think you made the right decision to pass on this litter. Aside from the fact that you can't certify hips and elbows until 24 months with OFA, I think 14 months is way too young to breed a dog.