I'll take a nibble here and see if I can't manage to piss someone off <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> (not you, Awold!).

I visited the website for your breeder. I am going to assume that you know enough about the GSD breed to be aware that the Czech-line dogs are not exactly what they call "the golden middle". Personally I like them--especially their looks--but if your intention is to have a friendly family pet you need to be very careful here.

The Czech dogs, like the East German dogs most Czech lines can trace their origins to, are renowned for their pigment and bone but also for their civility (i.e. "seriousness," willingness to target on a human for real). These dogs weren't used in the border patrol for nothing.

This is not to say that a dog from Czech lines can't make an excellent all-around companion animal--I have seen some that fit that bill just fine--but you need to bear in mind that these dogs MUST be trained seriously. The class at PetsMart is not enough. I would hope that you plan upon a substantial training program, such as Schutzhund or SAR, before deciding to invest in a Czech-line GSD.

Pete Felknor

AWOLD, I know a woman who owns a Czech dog she bought from these people and she has nothing but good things to say about her dog. I can ask her if she wants her E-mail address given out if you'd like? By the way where (STATE) is this kennel at? The woman I know lives in Missouri. Let me know.

Pete thanks. You have addressed one of my concerns. Thats why I'm going to try a hands on ( I hope ) with the dogs. Also the breeder does temperment testing and she knows that I do not want a serious dog. I was thinking about a male, but I may change my mind. I plan on serious obedience to the companion level and maybe more.
I choose this breeder because they are one hour away, so I can visit and see the dogs/pups. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Glen - that's a good start. I would really like to take to another owner if the E mail thing works. The kennel is located in Gaston Oregon about 1 hour west of Portland. Thanks

AWOLD, our breeder has a male out of Czech working lines who is one of their house dogs. He has an impeccable temperament and naturally good manners which can be somewhat uncharacteristic of these type of dogs as stated previously. But they also stud this dog and he throws great well-rounded pups. I would take a good hard look at the temperament of the parents because that's the best indication of what you're going to get.

AWOLD, I would recommend you get a female if your looking for a family companion. Not that males don't make a decent family companion but I think for what you are looking for I would go with a female. They generally makes better family pets IMO. Also as mentioned take a look at the parents, this will tell you alot.

Pete Felknor, I'm glad you mentioned what you did about that particular group of GSDs. If I get that particular breed and there's good chance I will then that's what I want. I want the most serious GSD lines available. I feel this shouldn't be a problem because I don't have children around, and I plan on it being professionally trained.

Is there any reason you would not check with Ed to see if and when he'll be breeding again? I'm personally a Boxer lover but reading and studying Ed's website makes me think seriously about a German Shepard or somebody who breeds Boxers on the philosphy and foundation Ed breeds on. (Working Bloodlines)