01kismet Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 Hi all, I read the sticky and am hoping I'm not breaking any rules posting here, I'm just after some advice and opions. We own a GSD bitch, she is on the mains register and not quite 12 mth old (born on the 31/01/08). Anyway we have all the paperwork for her etc showing about her parents and the generation thing, that's all good. Now what is kind of in the back of our minds is to breed with her. We are not in any rush and know there are lots to things to do before deciding. At the moment my plan is to wait until she is 12mths (or a little older) then have her scored for hips and elbows, depending on how that goes register with the CCCQ and ANKC (these I am a little unsure about just in how one goes about it, owners sitting tests etc), then getting her temperment tested by the GSD assosication. If she passes both the test then will think about it further if she fails one she will be desexed. Now where I'm wondering is, we don't show her, she does do obedience and will start agility once she is grown (we are also looking into becoming a delta dog again at the right time) if this the case would we be right in breeding her if she meets all requirements, would other prue breed owners even be interested? Basically assuming she does pass everything, I think she is a really good dog and would like keep a pup or 2 produced by her for our family. Can people please throw suggestions and questions out there that will get me to consider things I have missed or need to think over. My main thing is if she does pass everything would I be ethical breeding with her considering there are so many other dogs out there in need of a home, I kind of feel since we don't show we shouldn't breed but then I think temperment is more important than looks, in a way it would be a purely selfish reason as we want her puppies to add to our family and grow with us but in all likely hood she would have more then we could keep. Very new to this and still thinking things through, the only other animals I have let reproduce are my ducks so any advice would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShesaLikeableBiBear Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 The first thing I would be doing is going back to her breeder for advice as to whether or not they consider your bitch to be a good example of the breed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 The most important thing to realise is there is no guarantee she will produce herself & if that is the main reason i would forget breeding. I would be contacting the breeder before heading down the path of testing(providing they are a good ethical breeder) & let them assess her & inform you off her weakness/qualities & if they feel she is worthy the type of stud dog that would suit her lines & help improve the breed . I guess the reality is how much money do you wish to spend on producing a litter of pups?? As you compete in dog sports are you happy to miss oout on events when she is in season ?? Whilst you say looks dont really matter they do, a GSD is the full package & you shouldnt sacrifice one aspect.Any breeder will breed to what the standard calls for & above this is what people buying your pups will expect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
01kismet Posted January 2, 2010 Author Share Posted January 2, 2010 I'm not 100% sure if her breeder would be overly interested, just an impression I got I could be wrong. We got her up from Sydns ey and we are in Nth QLD, there are quite a few breeders and a GSD club in town so will see some people from them and get their impressions. She has only just had her first season and that did leave an impressions, no dramas but wow wasn't she a little tart. Thank you for giving me a starting point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandgrubber Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 Another thing you need to consider is whether you would be able to find good homes for pups. I'd recommend talking with other GSD breeders to find out whether there is a surplus or a deficit of GSD pups in your region. If people are having a hard time placing pups, I wouldn't touch breeding with a 10 foot pole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowanbree Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 (edited) Personally as long as someone is doing all the relevant tests, is prepared to 100% stand behind their puppies for life and is breeding for the betterment of the breed rather than just to have puppies I don’t have an issue with it. My one concern is that by not showing how are you going to be experienced enough to determine if your girl is of sufficient quality to be bred from? I used to think my first sheltie was the best thing ever bred. 25yrs I still think he was but can now recognize that it was best he was desexed. I would be looking for an experienced breed mentor and having your bitch assessed. ETA Breeding is not easy, read the December thread for litters due and know that this type of thing happens to most breeders at some time. You put your heart and soul into the litter and lose puppies and in some cases even the bitch. It really is a lot less grief to buy in. Edited January 2, 2010 by cowanbree Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
01kismet Posted January 2, 2010 Author Share Posted January 2, 2010 Thanks for the replys and thoughts, I've had a couple of PM's too that I'm following up in regards to gaining information. Good point about not showing I don't feel I know enough so I'm going to find some one in the area to have a look at Sierra as the first thing, if she doesn't meet standards in general (talking about the looks and requirements not health) we'll desex her, if she meets those then we'll do further testing. I have been keeping an eye on the breeding threads and they are very scary, I imagine if all goes well its brillant but am not sure I could cope with a loss. I do worry about puppies and homing I know there are alot of GSD here in Townsville they are always in the paper, I think most of these are without papers, I always think too I don't want to have puppies and have them used as breeders for $$ so it is very daunting and I'm only thinking about it not doing it ! I'm in no rush so will keep researching and learning and going step by step through the process. Thank you all again for your time, thoughts and sharing your experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jed Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 Agree with Cowanbree's statement about breeding, if you want to do it, are prepared to do the hard yards, why not? If you haven't spoken to the breeder, at least try, unless there is some problem you are aware of. Sometimes, breeders who seem uncommunicative or difficult at the time prove to be an invaluable asset later. But you have dealt with the breeder, so you will know :D Shows are ok. You are getting one person's opinion on the day. You probably need to do 10 shows to have an overall idea. Bad handling or presentation can mar a world beating dog. I would be inclined to ask for and llisten to critiques from other breeders and owners. Breeders and show people will only be interested in any pups you produce if they are stunning examples of the breed, or if they offer an outstanding bloodline. It's not a large market either. However, I would think the pet market would be interested in any pups you are not keeping. So, you need to assess the market for your breed in your area. Ask the club, ask breeders, and check ads in your area. Phone the advertisers, ask whether the pups are sold. Tell the truth, most advertisers will be happy to tell you. You can sell to southern Qld, and other states, you simply have to be prepared to fly the pups to whereever. I would spend 12 months occasionally checking the ads on DOL to see how many pups are offered. Do the research. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Echo Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 Personally as long as someone is doing all the relevant tests, is prepared to 100% stand behind their puppies for life and is breeding for the betterment of the breed rather than just to have puppies I don’t have an issue with it. My one concern is that by not showing how are you going to be experienced enough to determine if your girl is of sufficient quality to be bred from? I used to think my first sheltie was the best thing ever bred. 25yrs I still think he was but can now recognize that it was best he was desexed. I would be looking for an experienced breed mentor and having your bitch assessed. ETA Breeding is not easy, read the December thread for litters due and know that this type of thing happens to most breeders at some time. You put your heart and soul into the litter and lose puppies and in some cases even the bitch. It really is a lot less grief to buy in. Agree with all of the above. But with reference to the portion I have hilighted: This is the sole function of Breed Surveys. All GSD's should be presented for Breed Survey before being bred. Surveyors are very experienced and will be able to assess your girl's breeding potential, based on conformation, movement, temperament and bloodlines. To be eligable for participation, your dog must also have a passing score for both hips and elbows, so health is also considered. Breed Surveys are held regularly in all states. I believe there are a couple per year organised for the North QLDers, so they don't have to travel all the way to Brisbane. You should be able to find out all the info. you need on Breed Survey and other GSDCA schemes by contacting the GSDCQ, or look at their website. Because the market for showdogs is relatively small, there are many breedworthy specimens that are placed in pet homes. Not showing your dog does not make it unworthy to breed with, but you will only know for sure, one way or the other, by seeking guidance from experienced GSD people. I believe the best way to do this is by putting your dog through all the relevent breed schemes, and be guided by the results you gain. Julie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpha bet Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 You will find that the German Shepherd Club will give you all the help you need. They will advise you of all the tests needed and then you present your dog for the Breed Survey where you will receive an assessment. The Breed Survey System is terrific - I had dealings with the GSDCV from 1979 and found that although there can be differences amongst the people, but when it came to the breed survey - all personal issues were put aside and the dogs were judged and assessed with impartial eyes. You can talk to the surveyors and they may offer suggestions of stud dogs that will compliment your bitch and her bloodlines. It is easy to look up show critiques and breed surveys on the stud dogs and their offspring which can help you determine the breeding traits a dog may have to offer. We all start out as beginners at some point - I got my first GSD when i was 19yo and never expected my life to become so involved in dogs. Best of luck with whatever you decide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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