<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Hi I am new to the board. I am getting very interested in owning a GSD. My Dobe passed away a year ago. I was going to go straight out and get an american shepard from a news ad, I am American by the way, when I found information how terribly unhealty the American lines were. The problem with a German line is it's way to much money for me to pay. I was wondering are you better off getting one of the German Shepard cousins such as Malinos? Or are the American Malinos just as bad with hip displasia and health? I am not interested in Shutzhund or police work I just want a good companion that I can go Jogging with and do things together with.

Matt, if you're serious about getting a good quality dog, then you need to be prepared to spend some money. Don't find the cheapest news add and buy a puppy. That is the worst thing you can do. You need to research the breed, know their temperaments and figure out what will work best for your lifestyle. Although the GSD and Malinois may look similar, they can have very different temperaments and activity levels. Regardless, stick with European working lines in either breed. You mentioned jogging, which will require strong, sound joints and stamina, and the Euro lines will give you that on a more consistent basis, as well as stronger nerves. Check out various breeders, visit their kennels, talk to them. Find out if they work their dogs, i.e. obedience, sport or protection. Even though you may not want to do all these things with your dog, it will indicate to you that they breed for quality, and not quantity. When you finally do find a breeder you like, then discuss cost. Most good breeders will not discount their newborn puppies, mainly because they don't have a real good indication of the dog's potential until 6-8 months. But if you're willing to wait, AND they still have a pup or two available from a litter that they either did not sell or kept for later evaluation, they will often sell these dogs at a reduced price, usually several hundred dollars less, but only at pet quality if that is how they tested out. Usually they will require you to spay or neuter the dog, since they are not quality breeding stock.

I'm a GSD person myself, but there are several Malinuts on this board that could give you some good info on their breed.
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Matt, a year ago I would have agreed with you. $1500 to 2000 is alot for a dog. If you get a poor quality dog the vet bills will kill you. It doesn't mean that you can't get a mutt and have a great healthy dog. I had one for 13 years. The odds are in your favor if you get a dog with good genetics from a good breeder. Vince P. posted that he's buying a Leerburg dog and it will cost him 37 cents a day.He's the same guy that went to the calculator when "Wilt's" book came out. If I was looking for a dog, I would read as much as you can from these boards and private email some people.

Milt

Hi Matt, the GSD you want is a Euro Working line dog. Simple, no question. But, the price is pretty high. One way that I have seen people buy good working line dogs is by contacting their local Schutzhund Clubs. I don't know about many other clubs out there, but at the ones in my area, somebody is always playing breeder. They will have one litter of pups to "try it out" or just to have a chance to select their own dog from their own litter. These people usually know what they are doing and the litters they have often turn out pretty good. Not great though, so often they will be looking to place extra pups in good homes. I have seen a number of these folks give these dogs away, or at least offer them very cheep. They are usually good dogs, but not sport or protection material. Good way to pick up a hella great pet.

If I were you I would visit some clubs and talk to them about your wanting a pup. You just might get lucky.

I know a few people that have got pretty nice dogs from some peoples "hobby" litters. Just make sure they are following the basic rules. OFA, etc.

If you are having trouble finding clubs or people to contact e-mail me and I'll do whatever I can to help ya out.

I don't want to see another poor fool end up with an ASS.

American Show Shepherd <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Good info. VanCamp. I'll keep that in mind next time I'm looking. I'm happy to see that your medication is working today.

milt

Watch out Milt, I'm still on a low dosage. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Matt,
Listen to the others (Milt, VanCamp, Airowens, etc...) With out a doubt, stick with the Euro lines you will save money in the long run. Their physical and mental health is far superior. Yes, you will have to spend a bit more. You will risk spending far more money and greater heartache otherwise. Research your breeder, research his/her dogs bloodlines, check puppy guarantees. There are no perfect dogs, but reputable, reponsible breeders stand behind their dogs.
You can minimize your risk by researching, a
lot can be done from this website alone.

Unfortunately, my sister made the mistake of buying a lab during an emotional moment and did not take the time to research her "breeder." The dog was diagnosed with severe hip displasia in both hips and was grossly deformed and in pain by 9 months of age. Three vets, and a court battle later she still has a crippled dog whose quality of life will never be what it should have been. And the "breeder" has broaden his market to now include goldens.

Buyer Beware! Research, you will spend the money on one end or the other.
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Good luck!

My first GSD was of the American line. She was very large for a female, great disposition but her hips were a nitemare! As she grew older; her hips got worse and I had a ramp built to give her access outside. Within a short time; she could only get up and down the ramp with my assistance. Soon after..she could no longer get up. My vet came out to the farm and and she looked up at me..I held her for the injection. I vowed..I will get another dog but only one that is from a quality breeder. I am pleased to announce that last Friday; I brought home my new puppy..a Leerburg Kennel line. Even though I paid "big bucks" for this pup; the peace of mind is well worth the price! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Hey thanx everyone for the input and help. A lot of great Ideas. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />