Alan,
let me write you a private PM about this one, OK?

Hey Will check your PM's. And Will don't leave me out on your thoughts on this one also. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Guys,

PM me with your thoughts as well. I almost purchased a dog from Alpine, but decided to go elsewhere. Would like to know any info regarding them, as I haven't completely ruled them out for a future purchase.

Can you also let me in on the know? I live here in Arizona and so does he.I was thinking about purchasing a pup from him.

When testing dogs, one must consider the dog in front of them. Dog brokers for the most part are business minded. They have bills to pay and dogs to sell, period. I remember a conversation I had with Kevin Sheldahl about his topic, he said, they are a necessary evil. It's true. If you simply need a working dog, Police what have you? Test the dogs. The dogs are the dogs regardless of who owns them.

Yet, if you need papers, quarantees, and training, this is where the reputation comes into play. A brokers reputation can be fairly and at times unfairly made. Unfairly, both good and bad. Most Brokers are plain and simply business men. They bills to pay and dogs to sell. There are a few long time importers in this country of Czech dogs, for the most part, I wouldn't wipe my butt with the papers they say the dogs have. I would also check the hips myself and with my vet. Most importanly, I would cross check the dogs micro chip and make sure you don't have yourself a military wash out. First and foremost, many of the US brokers send thier dogs first to the military, easy money. Many dogs get washed out of the program and sent back, those are then available to you. We have brokers in the NorthEast here, that are notorious for offering wash outs as newly imported Dual purpose prospects. The US Military micro chips those dogs they wash out as well. Smart brokers, have even started to cut out the chip

Back to my point, know what you want before hand, test the dog. Hire someone to test the dog if need be. Brokers are a dime a dozen in the States, so take your time and be a smart buyer. If you are in the South West area already, look into Kevin Sheldahl's, he has a wonderful Czech dog with a real pedigree, real titles and a very real owner.

Bryan Colletti

Thanks,

I did decide to go with Kevin's dogs. I am getting Helios and Atika, both progeny of his stud dog CJ.

I also got a nice little girl from Ed. She's from Xando x Xanta.