Chad,
I've contacted Bill by email some time ago about some puppies and I was a little put off by their prices. More then I'd spend for a puppy. I'm sure their dogs are great but in my oppinion no puppy is worth that much. There are other breeders out there with just as good of dogs for a lot less.

Don't go for show line dogs. Go for a working line dog. I think you'll be better off. In terms of nerves, health, temperament and the entire package. You won't have what I’m sure the show person will describe as a hyper, pun out, totally crazy dog that some portray as the the working line dog. Basically your environment will dictate a lot of the dogs’ behavior. Genetics lay the template for what could be in the dog, or what the dog has the potential to become. But its everyday life will create the dog you want. If you just want a pet, just have a pet. A sport dog, train for it. Anyhow, I know of a nice breeder in Washington with a nice litter right now. Check them out if you’re interested at http://www.siegerhof.com.

I kind of felt as though the price was high, but I wanted to make sure I got a quality GSD. To be honest It's all a little overwhelming. I grew up with GSD's. They were all American Showline. I trained them for OB and that was about it. All very responsive though. They were always super dogs. I have a great deal of respect and love for the breed. I've consumed everything I can get my hands on - everything from the Monks of New Skete to Susan Barwig and of course I've learned more from Ed Frawley's materials and this site than just about anywhere else. DDR's, BRD's, showlines versus working lines. I use to think I knew a good deal about the breed but I'm realizing I'm really a novice. Some day I'd like to pursue being a handler full time. Maybe after I retire. For now it's just a all consuming hobby. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I'm thirty now. If I could a get a good GSD that I could learn along side that would be great. That is really what I'm looking for. A personification of the true standard. A noble animal with courage, composure, intelligence and beauty but not so high drive that he'd be over my head right now. Not much to ask unh? I'm past the typical Joe pet owner but I wouldn't call myself a professional handler by any means. I've heard about a breeding out of Troll vom Haus Milinda that has just taken place that we are considering as well. Any suggestions would be great at this point as this has become quite a search and everyone has very definite opinions about working, showline, etc... However, that is why I posted this question. I really respect the opinions in this forum. There are years of collective knowledge here. If any one can comment or knows of litters that might fit the scope of a dog like that I'd love to hear about them.

Thank you so much for your response.

In just about every litter there is a pup or two that isn't as drivey as the rest. Flinks mentioned once...in a litter of 8 you look for 1-2 outstanding 3-4 very good and 1-2 poor as in drives. Go with a working line pup.

If you have a chance to get a puppy out of Troll vom Haus Milinda DO IT!!!!!!!!!

That is just about the best bloodline I would suggest for you.


Clear dogs, responsive dogs, with enough drive to take in almost any direction. . .even if you want to tone it down some.


The working lines are easier to live with than many would think, and frankly I would NEVER look for a protection prospect from a showline dog. I'm certainly bias, but I won't be the only one to tell you that.

With the same amount of work you would put into raising IN A RESPONSIBLE WAY any large breed of dog, you can correctly raise a working GSD. Especially from Troll's bloodline, based on what I have seen.

VanCamp,

I've read many of your post in this forum and really respect your take on a lot of issues. I've learned a lot from reading many of your post. I've met a Troll son (23 months) who seemed great, but have had some people tell me it's more than I want. I thought the dog was very impressive. I'm willing to put 110% (more if need be) into this pup. Your telling me that a Troll pup would be versitle enough to manage even in a family situation (just my wife and I, no kids)? I would want him to be a companion as well as a sports dog mind you.

If this is the case what should I do to prepare for this pup? Up to this point I've just been reading and viewing every book, video, etc... that I can get my hands on. The litter is due in December ready around mid-to-late February. What would you recommend as good foundational material for someone who knows OB pretty well, but would like to raise a SchH/Companion dog?

Thanks so much.

Originally posted by Chad Kinsey:
Your telling me that a Troll pup would be versitle enough to manage even in a family situation (just my wife and I, no kids)? I would want him to be a companion as well as a sports dog mind you. Not VC, but yes. Troll has been producing some nice, clear in the head, high drive dogs that are very easy to manage. I know someone that has a daughter and have seen pups out of that bitch, all nice dogs. It's all in how you raise them, and they can be raised to be family dogs and sport/protection dogs with proper management.

I have a Troll Millinda son and I will agree that he is definitely the type that is very easy to handle and adapts VERY well to just about any situation. However, what I have seen with him and other Troll Millinda progeny, is that they can be overly sensitive and not taking compulsion very well. Especially when they are not in drive. Other than that, I have to say that he is the best dog I have ever owned. I now have a litter from him and a daughter of Yoschy that has produced VERY well so if he is going to pass on his traits, he should do it now.

I know three different people, 2 have sons and 1 has a daughter out of Troll vh Millinda. All 3 are EXCELLENT!!! They have SUPER prey drive, very clear in a head. They all demonstrate great attention to the handler. Overall, EXCELLENT working dogs, definatelly dogs that would be good around your family, kids!