Folks,

I'm looking for a 6-8 month old pet quality GSD out of imported lines for my cousin. This is NOT going to be a working dog, so I'm primarily just concerned with temperament, nerves and health clearances, etc.

He's looking to do this about 2-3 months from now. Does anyone have (or know of) a litter that may have a pet prospect that would be ready to go in about 2-3 months?

Best regards.

A rescue might be a good option, has he looked into any in his area?

No, he has not looked at a rescue. He wants a pet GSD ans was going to go the AKC route not knowing any better. He wants (and needs) a dog with sound nerves and temperament and a minimized potential for health problems. Working ability doesn't matter.

I recommended a pet quality import. They're out there, now I'm just trying to locate one that's 6-8 months old and doesn't cost a ton (thinking $1500 or so.)

if all he wants is a pet than a rescue is probly the easiest way to go there are plenty of good dogs in the rescues out there.

Unfourtunatly, alot of dogs who were once bought by people who wanted to go the "AKC route and do not know any better" end up in the rescue centers.
There is an excellent dog out there for your cousin in a rescue. Even puppies. There are plenty of akc registered pure gsd in the rescues waiting for a home. Most have been evaluated to have sound temperments and good nerves like you want and, luckily, they are spayed and nuetered! Breeding should be kept to only the most knowledgeable dog people and best specimens of the breed.
Is your cousin aware of all of this? If not, maybe he should wait and really decide on why he wants a dog. $1,500 for show line import is a very specific description for a dog with a not-so-specific job or future. A kind of dog like this may be way over his head or asking too much for a dog who will be a pet. What is he planning on doing with the dog?
I'm not trying to sound critical or skeptical, just opening a few doors to something that hasn't possibly been thought about.
Alison Voore

There are many types of German Shepherds in rescues, including German lines. Some dogs just end up in the wrong home. It would be a good idea to search the rescues in the country first, they could certainly arrange travel and such, your cousin will get a maybe older dog, but certainly he's going to be helping out a lot, plus it's cheaper if you want only a pet.

$1500.00 could adopt a good rescue dog, and buy it a big comfy pillow in front of the fireplace. My Alfie is Purebred, AKC registered, Extensive VA and V rated dogs in his pedigree,wonderfully sound nerves and SOLID temperment. We paid $150.00 to adopt him which included his neuter, HW prevention, Vacs, and ear surgery. Can you say FREE DOG? BTW he is healthy, happy and adorable.

Once a car backfired right beside of us while walking in the park....he happily barked, his ears stood straight up and wagged his tail. The car was right beside of us...I of course almost wet my pants, but not ol Alfie.

Besides who wants an ol bitey mouthy rug peein' cat chasing puppy?

Everybody who sees my dogs says "Oh your dogs are gorgeous and so well behaved." Took all three of mine to the vet today, they all three laid there and watched as hyper, nervous, straining on thier leash, dogs panted past them. They didn't get up and react, they laid there. Two of them are rescues, one is a Terrier Mix (6 months old), one is a GSD ( 7 years old ).


Like I said who wants a bitey, mouthy, rug peein', cat chasing puppy???


OH! HEY LAUREEN!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />


Just wanted to add, if your cousin DOES decide to adopt a shelter or rescue dog, there is a temperment test you can do on them yourself just to check them out. Go by what the shelter or rescue did to test the dog. Be present and observe and participate. I checked Alfie out like three times before I took him home...he was soooo big, I was terrified of him, but he's a big softie.

Alright, just to hammer the point home (we all want your cousin to get a rescue!) .... German Shepherd rescue is constantly overflowing with dogs. Sound, stable, healthy happy dogs that generally cost under $300, include spay/neutered, microchip (depending on rescue), all vaccinations and health records, etc. Our rescue takes in GSD on a case by case basis and we have some truely fantastic, sound, bombproof dogs that are waiting for homes. We even have had some young shepherds (under 1 yr) and shepherd puppies on our program. I would recommend:

http://www.petfinder.org

Just select GSD and you'd be amazed at what comes up. Aim for a private rescue group, they generally screen their dogs much better than an animal shelter can.

My 7 year old GSD came to me through an animal shelter, where she was dumped at 4 months old. She's just the most spectacular dog I could want as far as being a companion. The only reason to really go through a breeder and import is if he wants to leave the door open to do future competitions with the dog, or if he's set on having the dog's lineage known (perhaps for health reasons). Either way, there are great rescue GSD out there and it is an option he should highly consider.