So.. I'm quite new to the world of German Shepherds and Schutzhund and other dog sports.. I'm 19 and I've loved GSDs since I was 4 years old, but for the first time in my life I'm hopefully soon going to have the means to own one. I just graduated as a certified vet assistant and will soon be able to afford to rent a place with a yard (I've found several places in my area within my price range- also walking distance to parks!).. I've been trying to do all the research I can for the past few years and feel like I have a good enough understanding of dog behavior and training methods that I'm ready to finally get my dream dog..

But now I find that with being so close, and actually preparing for it to be a reality.. I have no idea where to start. I've found a few breeders online that I like- my top ones are Kraftwerk K9, Vom Banach K9, and Janzhaus Kennels (if anyone has any insight or experience with any of them I'd love to hear it!) but aside from that.. I'm kind of lost. I've trained my own dogs (as in, my mother's neurotic Maltese mixes) quite well and managed to turn the youngest one from a reactive fearful mess to a dog with near perfect on and off leash obedience in all situations- including around other dogs, but I've never trained a schutzhund dog before, and I wouldn't have a clue where to start..

As a side note.. the puppy wouldn't be happening until at least 6 months after I've been working at my new job and been fully settled into my new place, so I know for certain what my schedule is like.. I've waited long enough that I don't want to rush into something I'm not prepared for, and I'm willing to wait a few more years if it ends up being necessary. But I want to prepare, in case I can get my puppy, and make sure I make as few mistakes as humanly possible..

I guess what I'm asking is if anyone has any good advice for someone just starting out in the world of GSDs and Schutzhund.. And even just training in general (I've read practically every Leerburg article, have a bunch of DVDs, and have a few books by other trainers as well.. not to mention training my mother's dogs and the dogs of any neighbor who would let me.. so I'm not entirely clueless haha).. Eventually I would love to breed and train professionally (although I guess so does everyone), but for now I mostly want to concentrate on my puppy.. and making sure I do things right.

Sorry that's such a long post... I really appreciate any and all advice!

Good luck to you, I hope your dog turns out to be everything you want. I will also be interested to hear what some of the experts say about Kraftwork, they seem very overpriced compared to some kennels that seem to have great dogs.

Google is your friend when researching breeders. <grin> You have to look at the information with a grain of salt because emotions seem to run high in the dog world but if you keep finding the some complaint over and over there may be some basis for it.


Kraftwerk is at the high end price wise and is a very large kennel. In addition to breeding they do a lot of importing of dogs.

Banach breeds predominately the DDR bloodlines last time I knew. She has imported some interesting males in the past for her breeding program. While she did not import him, My Annabelle's grandfather, (a Grim Son) was at her kennel for a short period of time.

She did at one time train in SAR, I'm not if she still does or not.

The other breeder I'm not familiar with, I only looked real quick and did not see much info at all on their breeding program.

Kudo's to you for starting your research and education now. That will give you such an advantage to finding the best match for you and your lifestyle.

If you are interested in schutzhund I would start going to local clubs now and checking things out. You can learn a lot watching, and different clubs have different personalities. And by showing interest without a dog you may get an in with a club that is selective on accepting new people with a new dog.

And be honest with yourself. Will you still want the cute little puppy if it matures and just can't cut it in a protection sport? Nothing wrong if that's the case, but if it is, I would strongly suggest you look at a young dog rather then a pup. Drives/nerve can be assessed much more reliably when they are a bit older.

As for selecting a breeder, figure out what are the important things in a breeder/breeding program for you. Everyone will have lots of suggestions on that one....... Strongly worded suggestions............ROFL

Good luck! I'll be happy to try and answer any questions you may have.



Edited by Betty Waldron (03/20/2011 03:33 PM)
Edit reason: i'm a dufas

I agree with Betty- get on out to a club and make some friends. They'll have lots of breeder suggestions too. And who knows, you might see one there that you love and it might narrow down choices of different lines or types. And often, there are club members that breed. A good dog might not be far away at all.

I always like to talk to the experienced helpers and see what they like. Its always interesting to hear about their personal experiences and preferences when it comes to different lines and types.

(Betty forgot to say that she breeds fantastic working dogs....)