Quote: Connie Sutherland

 Quote: Betty Waldron

There are no health issues associated with the white coat. It is simply a masking gene.

While I have seen definate temperament issues in some of the whites, it is more from poor breeding selection. Unforturnately the whites are something that are bred mostly by byb's.

So then the problems are because someone is breeding for color, ignoring other (bad) factors?

I think so. And whites were culled for a long time by people breeding to standards so the gene pool from stronger dogs I think was limited.

I have a white dog and love him dearly. He is my heart dog, but my joke was that if I was ever attacked while taking him for a walk he would run home and get my husband. <grin>

Any time someone breeds for color, or any single trait, I think they are on a slippery slope.

Regardless of the color discussion, IMHO I would stay away from these people.

http://www.sablerockkennels.com/ Try this kennel, I have purchased 2 shepherds from them in the past 6 years, I couldn't be more pleased. My first shepherd is a female, american.. Very sweet and beautiful.. I have recently been interested in Schutzhund and I purchased a male from them in March and he is all German and a great dog with good drive and great nerves. The owner Callie Smudder is Always available to help you and answer any questions. She ships dogs all over the country, I live in Calif. and there wasn't a problem having my puppy shipped.. She has puppies for show, pet, Working, SAR Etc... check them out!

I picked up mine from http://www.koziesshepherds.com. His dogs have some Leerburg in them.

This is my 3rd GSD, and hands down the best dog I've ever had. The only thing I've noticed with this breeder is that some of the dogs he breeds with do not have titles. Local police departments are using them though. I've talked with 2 of the local K-9 handlers and they are VERY happy with his dogs.

I like the parents of your pup John.

I'm pretty sure Leerburg doesn't/didn't title they're bitches, but correct me if I'm wrong. I don't think it's a problem, especially if some are actually working on the street. The dogs all seem to have nice structure. Very good looking.
It almost looks to me as if they just didn't post titles or something, I don't know, probably not, though. Did you ask the breeder about it and not just the handlers? Just wondering.
ETA:
Whoa, I didn't see the whole top half of the post! I only read the last 2 posts. Sry 'bout that! Disregard this post.

Back to the original topic for a moment

Heather, I'm an active pet owner with an interest in training my dogs, not for titles but to allow great adventures outside with good recall, etc. I have an australian cattle dog and a beauceron.

Heather, I suggest looking into german lines breeders of either "high" lines or less extreme working lines.

I'd visit a bunch of breeders to get a sense of what a gsd can be and what a breeder can be. I live in Newfoundland Canada (far from everything) and travelled to see breeders before getting my dogs (mixed it with family holidays and business trips).

I'd second John Haudenshield and Ingrid Rosenquist (very respected posters) on the importance of early environmental stimulation and socialization. Everything from animal aggression, human socialization, and ultimate training potential can be affected by what a breeder does with a dog in the first 8 weeks. I personally view this as a major factor in breeder selection, and a disqualifier if not to par.

Also: take a breed with known hip issues: pick the branch of the breed with the most severe conformation defect for the rear (ie American lines gsd), select for 100 lb. plus dogs, and you are asking for a high risk of hip problems, IMO no matter what the OFA says.

Also keep in mind that 100 lb. GSDs are unlikely to do well in heat and will be limited for summer activities for active people.

rgds andrew may