Hi Julia, i don't mean for this post to be derogatory or disrespectful so don't take it that way. I've learned a lot about dogs and dog training, dog behaviour etc. from this site, one thing i've learned is, it's wrong to breed a dog just because it's your dog and you like her. Maybe you should ask yourself why you want to breed this dog? Is she such a solid animal in all ways that count that you feel the need to continue her lines? All you have to do is look at german shepherd rescue to see there's plenty of available dogs out there, your family members would be helping animals in need if they would adopt a nice gsd instead. Personally, i don't understand why someone would want to try a "one time" breeding, it doesn't make sense, it just makes you a backyard breeder, sorry, but it's true. Think about what you're going to do when you get the phone call " we can't handle the dog, we're bringing her back", also, the work involved is incredible. I firmly believe that breeding should be left to people that are passionate about the breed, with a goal in mind, and consider it a labor of love ,
AL

I don't really understand why you are breeding either Julia.
Everyone who knows me at all on this board and in person know my feelings on show dogs and my passion of working line dogs. Now putting that aside I still don't understand why you want to breed her. You said you want to pass on her pedigree to at least one litter....why? What does her pedigree bring thats going to improve the breed? You also stated that you want to produce a strong Showline with working ability and drives but you are not necessarily looking for the intense drives that a lot of the working lines have and that temperament is more important to you as these pups will be going to family members who have children. I don't really get this statment as you have far more temperment issues in a show line than a working line and you have to remember the show lines are bred for looks, not temperment and working ability...thats a show breeders number 1 priority.
Improving the breed is the reason a breeding should occur...so...you have to ask yourself these questions.
I don't want you to take this the wrong way. I just want you to think about some of these things. God knows the world has enough pets and many unwanted ones are put down everyday. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Search the internet and Ed's site and read as much as you can on breeding.
Ed has a good article on what he looks for in a brood bitch; http://www.leerburg.com/broodbch.htm

Anyways I hope you don't take this as an attack....it's not. You ask for advise and this is mine so you can take it or leave it. Just take some time to really research and look into it...you dont have to rush to breed her in February, remember she will be in heat again in 6-8 months after that.


Pat

I'm going to join the bubble-bursting bandwagon as well..

You and the vet have no clue what's up with the green urine and elevated blood cell count. As it is, she seems normal. So you go ahead and breed her, everything ends up fine with the litter. Fast forward to about 5 years of age. Say the condition your bitch has turns from something odd-but-harmless into an extremely debilitating, fatal condition which has now been potentially passed on to a handful of pups. Say this worst-case scenario happens. Would you be okay with letting your female breed with questionable health to produce puppies that could be carrying life-threatening time bombs? How would their new owners feel?

Another scenario.. say she's bred. What if the litter is lost to the ailment that strikes your bitch, whatever it may be? What if it causes deformity? What if the litter AND bitch are both lost?

Good breeding is a very delicate art. You're starting with an unstable foundation. At the very least, skip this heat until EVERYTHING clears up and THEN breed. Just because your vet doesn't know what's going on doesn't mean your bitch is the picture of health. You obviously love your dog very much, please don't risk her life with breeding when her health is obviously not 100%!

Yeah aren't I the picture of optimism? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Al, I hear your points and they are valid, but you don't know me. With that said, I don't do anything without giving 200%. I have built multilevel decks that the building inspector said were more sound and of higher quality 90% of the builders he has seen. I have installed fencing (dug the 3 foot post holes myself and mixed the bags of cement by hand) I have done electrical wiring that would amaze most man. I am a gourmet cook and have sewn my own cloths, curtains, bedding etc. I have installed hardwood flooring and ceramic tile that most would think a professional did. I have no background in any of the above fields.

Do I consider myself a carpenter or do I have the desire to be a carpenter… heck no. Do I consider myself an electrician or do I have the desire to be one. No way. Do I want to be a chef, seamstress, or interior decorator … not in this lifetime? However, I would never limit or put a cap on my own capabilities. The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of there dreams. I never sell myself short.

Who am I and what do I really do. Well first and for most I am a mother of 5 and I love that job more then anything. Second, I am a business owner. I started a business in 1999 with $200.00. Sales top several million last year. I have been featured in Fortune Magazine, Chicago tribune, Wall Street Journal and many other publications for my business accomplishments. I started with zero experience or knowledge.

Please do not take this the wrong way and think I am riding on a high horse or bragging trip as I am not. I am simply trying to convey that I take EVERYTHING I DO very seriously and am not afraid to seek advice or ask questions even at the expense of sounding stupid. I have more How-To-Books then most libraries.

I have no desire to become a breeder; I have a full time job I enjoy. That is not to say I don’t take the Schutzhund sport very seriously and I would love it if my lady had a puppy that I could title myself. From birth to death I want to be part of that experience and I want to do it right. Call me a backyard breeder or whatever you like I take no offense.

One day I might surprise you… Everyone has to start somewhere. I think I have a lady worthy of continuing her line. I think with the right male anything is possible.

So now you know a little more about me and what motivates me. I would never do anything that would harm the breed which is why I am doing my research. Genetics, temperaments, drives, conformation is all very complex.

And I close with this quote from Ed:

 Quote:

I tell people that breeding is like making bread. It's an ART. It's about putting the pieces together to produce something you can be proud of. Breeding is ART. Done right and we produce a beautiful specimen one mis-step and we have mud.

Patrick... my post to Al covers most of your concerns.

Diana,

In a previous post I stated

 Quote:

The vet that will do the AI is going to do a preliminary exam and testing including VD testing on her and other test to make sure there are no unexpected surprises as the time approaches. He will review her entire history and if he feels she not suitable to breed then she won’t be breed. My dog’s health is my first concern but Feb is fast approaching so I want to prepare if this is going to happen. If it doesn't happen... well then it doesn't happen, but ...if God and her health are willing she will be breed.

Thank you for sharing your concern regarding my Lady. I share your concern and as well. Believe me if her health is not deem 100% she will not be breed this season, but that is not to say I shouldn't be ready if the vet gives her the green light.

I love Marsha with all my heart and I am not even selling the puppies. I will keep one for myself and the rest are gifts to my family. It isn't about money and I sure don't want to screw it up. The last thing I would do is compromise her heath. So with that said I wish we could move forward with this discussion.

Ok, on that note I am closing this thread. I do not want this to get into a back and forth argument that goes absolutely nowhere.
Julia I hope you will do more research though, some of your thoughts are mislead.
If anyone has comments on the dogs she asked about please PM Julia.