Hey everyone,

I'm looking into the possibility of importing a GSD puppy from the Czech Republic (CZ) on my own; not through a broker (like Jinopo). I know it's possible to find good CZ dogs here in the States, but I think that with a little leg work I can find a better deal directly from CZ.

I've been doing some research but have some questions that I hope some of you can help me with.

1. I've read about the history of the Pohranicni Straze/Policie GSD's, and from what I understand this was one kennel's (now a small group of kennels') specific breeding program. But I often see CZ GSD's listed as "Czech working lines" with no reference to the border patrol program. Are there Czech working line dogs other than the border patrol GSD's?

2. As I've looked at how GSD's are advertised in the Czech Republic, one criteria is "with papers". I'm assuming that means that they are registered with the CKMU. Does CKMU registration mean anything different than AKC registration here in the States?

3. I also see GSD's advertised in CZ "without papers". Would these dogs be similar to the "Pet quality" GSD's that are so prevalent here in the US?

Thanks in advance!

By the time you pay airfare, which has increased considerably in the past few year... etc etc..You will pay probably pay pretty much the same as here. Also here you can go & see & check out the pups. You don't know what they are putting on the plane & have no recourse if they just want to dump a sub par pup on you. Lots of risks to my way of thinking.

Some good Czech line breeders in the states.

Don't know about the registration papers.

P.Straze were the border patrol line kennels. Dogs bred strickly for working. I'm sure there are watered down lines there as there are some here,as well as strong solid Czech lines. The kennels originally were gov't run...no longer the case. All the more reason to SEE what you are paying for.

JMO.. FWIW. Hope you are able to find the dog you are looking for.

Thanks for your 2 cents, Anne. It definitely could be risky buying a puppy without seeing it in person. But I'm hoping that rule of increased reward with increased risk will apply if I do my homework thoroughly beforehand.

Anyone out there have experience with buying & importing a pup from Czech? Anyone's experience would be helpful for me to know about.

Thanks.

Agree fully with Joel and Anne.
Importing may sometimes seem cheaper, but in the end it isn't.

You can't see the animal, you can't see, where and how it was brought up. Also think of one big risk. You pprobably are supporting the black market. Awful animal tragedies, we can't see, even if in the individual case everything may seem to run well.

I'd never import an animal, unless I've seen it, tested it and FIRST OF ALL TESTED THE ONE WHO SELLS IT and all the surroundings. How can you do this without having checked with your own eyes?

Something to think about especially if you don't have a great connection with the breeder overseas....or any where for that matter.

Do you think you'll be getting the best dog available?

You can bet your bottom dollar that they aren't going to send their best.

I've seen a number of really nice dogs that were imported by Eurosport K9.

They always had a good reputation but it's been a few yrs since I've known anyone that brought one over through them.

My 12 yr old GSDs mother was imported from there when she was caring my dogs as a pup and his litter.

We also had a couple of excellent dogs from there in the club I belonged to.

Bob, thanks for the word of caution, and the recommendation for Eurosport K9. I'll try to find out more about them.

Anyone else with experience importing pups? Please keep the info & advice coming!