K Fox - if your looking for a schutzhund dog, ask the breeder how many dogs from their breeding program have titled in this or a similar arena. Find out if they train the dogs themselves or send them away for titles. Find out the scores of their dogs. Ask about how they raise their litters and how they test their litters. Find out of their females are taken to ... just enough to make it acceptable breeding stock or beyond.

My comment on females being more important than the male was not genetically but temperament-wise, the puppies are with the dam for 7-12 weeks - her temperament is reflected on her offspring more than the male that the pup will never be in contact with (most likely).

I would always prefer to go with a female that is an experienced mother and has shown she has good instincts and comes from a line of good brood bitches. If you can see her offspring, even if they are young, you will get a good idea of what your dog has the potential to turn out like.

Also look for a male that has proven get already and comes from a proven sire and a strong line of working males. Its a big risk buying a pup from a male that is still young and unproven.

On my reasons to pay attention to the female are different, I stand by that, BUT I realize that's a not a conservative or typical look at it. Just for the record, that's just my opinion. But I back that, lol. There's too much I've seen not to make me think it's true. For me anyway. Just an opinion or take on it.