How to Find a Good German Shepherd Breeder - 12 Questions to Ask a Breeder.

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In today's Enzo and Lotus VLOG Nesha goes over 12 questions you should ask when interviewing potential German Shepherd Breeders.

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[truther]

I have raised 4 German Shepherd’s thus far, and it is my opinion, that the best breeder environment is an out door enclosed puppy cabin. The reason I say this is because the mother teaches her pups at a very young age to potty and poop outside, not where you sleep. They’re free to go in and out as they please. It also teaches them familiar outdoor sounds. Puppies are highly adaptable, and when you get them home at 8+ weeks they adapt quite quickly to other pets, children etc. they already know at this stage they have to go to the bathroom outside, and don’t bark at every noise they hear when they’re out there.Your neighbors will thank you for this!

[leroux-p]

Questions:
1. Can I visit? 1:49
2. Who owns parents? 2:29
3. AKC Registered? 3:02
4. OFA Tested? 3:54
Enzo Nose Grass 4:53
5. DM Tested? 5:50
6. Environment? 7:21
7. Age? 9:21
8. Socialization? 10:23
9. Included (Vaccinations + Dewormed + Microchipped)? 11:55
10. Purchase Price? 13:49
11. Buyer Screening? 14:44
12. Contract or Guarantee? 16:51

[deniseperalta-smith]

My breeder passed all 12 questions. She is the only breeder I would buy from again and I’m thinking about a brother for my girl. I would also like to add, even when you have your pup microchipped please have your vet check them once a year. Because, the chips have been known to slip or become non-workable. We had to have Josie re-chipped this year because hers slipped, she’s 4 years old. The chips are tiny, so they can move, but they are not harmful.

[Retrieverman]

If the parents are imports, the hips and elbows certified in Europe with a different service. I would also ask to see if they have an entry for the parents on Pedigree Database. I spend way too much time on there! lol.

[bomethwijethilaka]

thank u so much this really helped as I am thinking of getting a german sheperd.

[zantelrus]

I'd already done a bunch of research into what I should look for in a breeder, but it was nice to watch through this video to see what you guys thought. I asked all of these questions when I went to meet the breeders/dogs and get screened by them.
There were a few things that one of the breeders told me to look for, should I go to find a different breeder (he was really good about it): A good thing to look for is the temperament of the parent dogs, because sometimes the temperament of the parents can get passed onto the pups. A good breeder also won't let their females mate more than 5 times, so it's good to ask how many litters the female has birthed, and they'll let you see the medical and bloodline papers of the parent dogs so you can see if the parents have any kind of inheritable diseases/conditions, and just to check that there isn't any kind of inbreeding between the dogs.

[Karina-Loves-Andreas]

I would DEFINITELY share this with any friend thinking about getting a GSD, excellent questions to ask. The ONE that also could have been asked--have they done anything with potty training yet? Part of that depends on age, but I believe potty training can start at 4-6 weeks if I recall. I got SO LUCKY with my German Shepherd Breeder, almost 3 years later, still available for questions & support (he's not a "professional" or full-time trainer, but has a LOT of training experience too, which has been great). He used the "Misty Method" potty training with the litter--poor family didn't sleep for weeks rotating taking pups to pee--but potty training for me was a BREEZE. He also began taking pups on short leashed walks as soon as they were fully vaccinated.

I got my guy a little on the later side with a fair amount of "pre-training" and a little basic training already (all positive & puppy level). I doubt I'd ever find such a great breeder again, he just wanted 2 litters for "mother's health" before spay, he had 2 AKC registered, well bred parent dogs. A "GOOD" or "GREAT" breeder should love the breed & love the actual dogs (parent or parents). I had to sign contracts and make a few promises, I really had to "prove" myself before the breeder agreed to sell me a pup. I had to agree to give a balanced raw diet, agree to wait to neuter until after growth plates closed, and signed in contract that I would contact him first if I ever decided to rehome, that he would have first option, otherwise some decision input before I ever rehomed (which will NEVER happen). I actually sent him a few interested buyers who heard about my puppy, that he discouraged/wouldn't sell to.

[funnypetsmoments]

She's adorable. God bless you for saving her life.

[karasmom]

They now say DM is more like ALS in humans. Had three dogs with it. First one, thinking it more like MS, I kept the house cool — air conditioning on in car during winter! She lived till 16-17 and the major condition was lack of control over elimination. She’d be out back trying and trying, then enter the house and drop little balls. Fairly easy to clean up. Going out back required using stairs and a friend built her a ramp. Didn’t stop her going exploring. After missing the car and falling under it, she finally allowed me to put her in the car. Not too bad. Next was my only boy. Walks became shorter with frequent rest stops in the shade. He never realized he was the one causing the fences dumps in the house and would come demanding someone clean it up. I remember him sitting in the front watching a squirrel across the street. He started to rise, then, realizing he didn’t have a chance to catch it, sank back into a sit. Only dog I ever knew that had the postman ask to meet him. They bonded immediately. Was able to take the stairs and get in the car. Swallowed a long sock that stuck part in the stomach, part in the intestine. After a successful operation, he threw a blood clot that went to his heart. He was 13-15. Third dog was the hardest. She started clicking on the stairs going up. Bought rugs for the stairs. Then taped the rugs; then nailed them down. Then moved her bed downstairs. She refused any help; wouldn’t use steps to get into the car. Would go around and around till she’d take a leap and claw herself into the car. One day, she finally returned to the house door and said “I cannot ride anymore.” Mostly pulled herself around with her front legs. Kept her too long. Finally had a vet come to the house. She was a shy dog so was given 4 Valium so she wouldn’t be scared. I had her on a rug and fed her all the treats she wanted. Turned out to be a dog that’s reaction to Valium was hunger, not sleep. When the vet came, all she saw was the food the vet had and showed no fear. She spent the last moments of her life eating and being loved. It was a good death.

After 3 rescue dogs with DM, the final GSD came from a breeder. She’s going strong at 7 but COVID has made her skittish of dogs, people, cars either moving or opening doors. She’s too strong for me at 80, so the next dog will be a smaller breed from rescue, probably old and “not adoptable”

[solariumxyn]

This video was so helpful! I wanna make sure I get a healthy German Shepherd pup!

[bettykirk]

Good advice. You could also add:  Where do they fall on the IPO scale?  Do they have a lot of anxiety?  Do they play well with the other pups in the litter?  Have either parents had hip dysplasia in their line?  How many litters do they have a year?  Do they have more than one female for breeding?Great concentration "wifey" while giving your presentation.  You did an amazing job and still interacted in a gentle manner with "your" pups!  Clearly, they LOVE YOU!  I got a registered GSD pup for $3, 500 on line.  Big mistake to purchase a pup without seeing how they interact with other pups.  Although my "Spirit" is beautiful and looks identical to Enzo, she came with anxiety and car sickness.  I did not know she had the anxiety until she was about 4 months old and perhaps the breeder did not know either.  Still it has been 3 times as  much work training her and "working" her.  She is also extremely stubborn, too.  I talked to the breeders trainer and she told me the entire litter was unusual in that they all had these issues!  Maybe they were born in the light of the full moon?!  German Shepherds are the most magnificent looking, intelligent and loyal dog on the planet, but as you always say, they take a never ending commitment in working them and training them.  So, that would be the only other thing I think you should emphasize.  They are not a good first time dog.  The owner should possess high energy and be physically fit to own such a dog in all fairness to the dog.  I have had them all my life and was going through a great loss in  my life when I purchased my Spirit.  I could not find a local breeder and actually, I was going to adopt one, but the animal shelter only had pit bulls.  Still, it has been a positive challenge for me and I would not trade her for anything in the world.  She is only 2 years and 4 months old and I train, train, train every single day!I love watching your videos and getting to know all five of you including Ralli?  I also have an 18 year old cat named China.  She tolerates Spirit, because Spirit is quite animated.  That is why I named her "Free Spirit" on her papers.  The name just says it all.  You provide education and entertainment for many viewers.  The dynamics between you and your husband always demonstrate how two people can live together in harmony and enjoy what they love and share in common:  Enzo, Lotus and Ralli.  I would say you have just about everything you need and it warms my heart to see how you have  made a life for yourself in this crazy world we live in.  You will inspire many couples who have no pets, too!  May God bless you five!  Thank you for showing America that you can have whatever you want if you are willing to work for it.  You exemplify love; compassion; dedication; patience; perseverance; harmony,  and a great sense of humor for all to see! Thank  you!!!

[truther]

A pup with all the desired requirements you are speaking about will in fact cost $2000. - $2500. and up

[RM-pgjs]

Great video. I wrote down all those questions..Enzo and Lotus are beautifull German Sheperds. Stay Safe.

[CaroleMinxBlanton]

Good list! I had gotten a pup years ago and the breeders had both parents, put up in a nice place. He was 9 wks old even i got him. He was very well rounded with other animals and children. One thing, i got him out of State and he'd had his rounds of shots. I brought him back to the state I lived in and took him to my vet. He started his out e shots all over bcuz he had shots from another state. I changed vets bcuz he basically made me have to give him these shots again. After I changed vets, he developed a problem with his hind legs. Let me just begin to say, he was very large, his parents were very large. Like tall! I'd had one that had passed from old she that was a tall GSD, so I didn't mind. He was Schultzhund 2 by the time he was 3 months old at 5 months is when his problem with his legs happened. It got worse and went to his brain, like my new very said would happen. At that time around 6 mo old, I had to put him down. He had DM. I'd never heard of this in all the years I've had GSDs. He explained it was like MS in humans. It was aweful to see him go thru and suffer with the pain. The new vet, did titer tests so he didn't OD him on pup shots. That's what he said caused this to happen at such a young age. I'm glad they can be tested now. It's very sad to watch. And it's a horrid loss with such a good dog. That was Larsz. I called the breeder and told them, even tho the vet said it was due to over dose of pup shots. They stopped breeding. I'm very glad you brought this subject up. Thanks!!!

[justinm.]

Love watching the video 👍🏼👍🏼
@5:18 I bet your dog is thinking “hmm, maybe I should steal Mom’s flip flops....” 😜😜

[UnitedDestinyEntertainment]

Good advice for sure. Keep in mind not all people selling pups are breeders and follow all these tips. My advice is if you are looking to rehome or find a great pup for your home then purchase your pup and be happy with it. What I mean by that is I bought mine from a guy selling them on the streets. No papers or anything involved. They have been great healthy obedient pups that I trained at just 8 weeks old. We also just had a liter and I am selling the pups for a little to no money. I don't want to deal with the hassle of all the paperwork and shots and leaving it completely up to the buyers. I am not doing anything sketchy whatsoever. I just want to rehome these pups and I don't believe in the concept of free because you want to make sure that the people getting them are willing to take care of their investment. The other side of that is I don't consider myself a breeder, I simply want them to find families who will love them and raise them to be great pets.
I have had people ask me to come visit the pups and I have told them not until couple weeks out when they are older. It's only been a week. I don't think its safe to have strangers around the pups nor different dog scents from strangers. I have had dogs in the past who have killed their pups because of strangers touching and holding them. The other thing is, if you think you are just going to buy a pup with perfect health you are wrong. All dogs get sick and run into health issues eventually. It is just a matter of time. All you can do is do your best to keep them healthy, active, and obedient. I appreciate this video. I just want people not to pass up on good pups because they don't have all these things checked off on the list. Sometimes some people circumstances don't allow it. I keep all my buyers updated with pictures and videos. When it comes times to see their pups in person they will be able to come by the house and spend time with them. I am not releasing mine until 8 weeks minimum.

[jasonb]

Wish this would have posted a month or so ago. There are questions I would have never thought to ask. Good to know when I start looking for a female gsd. Love the content, keep up the amazing work.

[brandondexter]

I'm currently waiting to take my new german shepherd into training haha great timing 😅 🤟🤟🔥

[gothfairy]

lol it funny to watch with pup running around in the background playing

[poeticprincee]

From this video, I got my Dog from a really good breeder! WOW! Thank God! Both parents are AKC registered.