Lee, I really liked that Top 6 list, too. Especially #3 (children get to see the miracle of birth), that gets my goat big time! I say, if your kids need to see it, give them a video.

If your reason for breeding is so your kids can witness the miracle of birth, I think a visit to a local shelter on euth day should be included in that tutorial so they can also witness the miracle of death.

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If your reason for breeding is so your kids can witness the miracle of birth, I think a visit to a local shelter on euth day should be included in that tutorial so they can also witness the miracle of death.

i would like to second that. i feel that every child should witness the miricale of seeing puppies. however i believe every child should also see a dog put to sleep. i believe there is poem about that some where. it talks about just that, seeing dogs born and put to sleep.

I have to chime in here because i think that is the stupidest reason for anyone to breed a dog...so their children can witness the miracle of birth.
Want your children to witness that, watch a nature show.
Don't bring a litter of puppies into this world just for that reason. Chances are some of those pups are just going to end up at the local shelter.
And yes, I know the OP didn't say that was the reason she wanted to breed her dog, but since someone brought it up I had to put my .02 cents in because that statement always makes my blood boil. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I had this crazy idea that in a few years time, when I had more experience, I'd buy a breeding pair, already surveyed, trained etc. and have a litter where I could test and keep a few of the puppies for myself.

After seeing this link from Lee I don't think I'll bother and just leave it to the experts where it belongs <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

It does seem like a nice idea, but when you look at it this way it requires a LOT of work AND working knowledge that is very hard to get without arsing everything up from the getgo.

John

John,
Yes I know just what you mean there, kind of had the grand plan of doing just about the same thing, then I joined this board... LOL May still one day do that, but first I am going to find a local and knowledgeable breeder, work with them if they will allow that and LEARN and STUDY everything I can get my hands on. I used to think that because a dog was a pure breed animal that they would make for good breeding prospects, now I know so much more than that. Learning how to really make a nice breed is so much more than the paper work on your dog, you need to know so much and I am just beginning to learn what all you need to know and feel like I am a bit over whelmed at times. Then again many folks who know me and my work would feel just about the same coming into my job, breeding truly is a big JOB. I once thought that you took two good dogs, breed them together and then you have great pups... Now I know that you have to mix many things and KNOW so much more than I currently do and I have been studing my rear off for the last 8 months and still would have no clue as to which two dogs to put together to either keep the breed as good as it can be or even better yet to improve the breed. Yes my hat is off to those folks who can do this and not only be successful at breeding but make the breed even better.
The folks who I got my pup from are looking for some one to co-owner a dog and they seem to know what they are doing, thinking of maybe jumping on that kind of band wagon to learn and work with a breeder. The problem there is that they are in Minn and I am in Texas... Just my luck..lol

I do understand that we have enough dogs in this world that need homes....I DID work for a animal control for a short period of time. So if anyone understands about that subject it would be me. I know there are alot of VERY knowledgable people on here, and I wanted some opinions on breeding, which I have gotten!!(thanks) and then possibly on my gsd himself. http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/468308.html

Connie, my gsd pup just turned 7 months old. We are currently training in tracking, and doing very well I think. We will be starting narcotic detection training around March/April. He's a very quick learner will the highest drive that I have seen.

Hi Jennifer. From what you said in your first post::
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Hi, I'm new here..still trying to look at all the great info on this website!!! I do have a question, when should a male GSD be ready to start breeding?? I have had many request from people in my area to have their females bred to mine. ANY help would be great!! As my personal webpage I have my GSD's pedigree listed. Nice being here.
>>>
And what you are saying in this post to which I am replying, it sounds like you had better think both long and hard before deciding to breed your male. If you don't know the answers to the questions you are asking in these two posts, how in the world do you come to know your dog will improve the breed? I am surprised you are willing to go along with this >>"I have had many request from people in my area to have their females bred to mine."<< in particular.
I have to say that you seem to already be determined to breed your dog, no matter what other advice you are given, so, one very good resource is right on this website, Ed Frawley has lots and lots of wonderful info right here:
http://www.leerburg.com/breedingdogs.htm
I can't make a reply about your dog's pedigree as I don't know enough about it to venture an opinion.

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I do understand that we have enough dogs in this world that need homes....I DID work for a animal control for a short period of time. So if anyone understands about that subject it would be me. I know there are alot of VERY knowledgable people on here, and I wanted some opinions on breeding, which I have gotten!!(thanks) and then possibly on my gsd himself. http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/468308.html

I think folks would have a hard time commenting on your dogs lineage since his parents are not titled and only one grandparent has working titles. There are some well known working line dogs in the great grandparents but I would think it hard to tell how the combination would work *on paper*, particularly without knowing anything about the parents.

The fact that the breeder of your dog is breeding for color is not a good sign, though. That should be the last concern not the first. I do not see any indication on their web site they are working or titling their dogs.

In any event, I would not even start to think about it until the dog is fully grown and has working titles or certifications. I gather you are LE, this is going to be dual purpose dog? If he is everything you would think he should be UNDER PRESSURE, then might be a better time to have his conformation evaluated and work with someone who knows more about genetics.