Just when I think I have decided on a breed I see a dog or read something and all of the sudden Im not so sure anymore. The good news is that I dont think there is one perfect dog or breed for everyone. There are many breeds out there that would fit my family perfectly. Some will be better than others but with the right training there is a very large selection of breeds that would be great.
Many of the qualities that I have on my list for our next puppy can be found in multiple breeds. So many dog breeds are closely related and share many of the same qualities with slight differences (like the lab and golden retrievers). Other breeds are of course extremely different with very little in common (i.e. the english mastiff and chinese crested).
I guess my point is that I shouldnt stress out too much about it. Take my time and narrow the search down to the breeds that meet my criteria and visit as many puppies as I can. Thats the funnest and the hardest part. Almost every puppy seems perfect. They are soooo cute and you just want to take them all home with you. Dont fall into that trap. If at all possible make sure you see the parents. Thats a very good indicator of how the puppy will look and act. If you love the parents as much as you do the puppy than maybe this is the one. Did you ask about health testing? Do you know what tests should be done for that breed? Have the parents passed the health tests with atleast “good” results? This is the information you should be educated on when visiting breeds. The more you know the better chance of getting a great, healthy puppy.
My search continues.

As I mentioned in a previous post my family and I are in search for a new puppy. This is going to be much tougher than I thought. So many breeds, so many things to consider. Do I want a dog with high drive that will respond great to work and training but will also require a lot more activity and stimulation? How about a more relaxed breed that is intelligent and trainable but doesnt require your interaction all day? I honestly think somewhere in between may be the best fit for my family but I have had a strong desire to try the Schutzhund training and know I need a high drive dog to succeed. I have been looking at German Shepherds and its amazing how many options within a breed there can be. There are west german lines and czeck lines and american lines…all breed for different traits. And of course even within each line there are breeders that have breed for temperments and characteristics that they like. So now the big questions is…what do I want? I cant have a dog that is mellow most of the time and intense when I say so. I do have kids that are getting older and can provide the attention a high drive dog would require..plus I know I would really enjoy the training. I love discovering new technics of dog training and I know I would love working with a breed as intelligent as the german shepherd. So maybe Im talking myself into a GSD (german shepherd dog) but like a mentioned before I am still a long way away with so many choices within the breed. I am doing my homework, talking to and visiting breeders and reading all I can find. I know once I am ready, I will find the perfect puppy to join our family.

I am in the process of buying a new puppy. What an exciting time! There are so many choices. Not only choices of breeds but choices of temperments and styles within the breed. After years of training dogs and owning dogs I (like most people) have gravitated to certain breeds. Most of my childhood and early adulthood I had boxers and english mastiffs. I loved the playful attitude but fierce looks of the boxer and I loved the kind heart and intimidating size of the mastiff. I think that all dogs can be trained to coexist with their human but some tend to be easier than others. I think that boxers are high on the list. Most people have gotten it right as shown by the AKC registrations of dogs. The labrador retriever is number one and has been for several years. This is a great dog and has proven to be very adaptable to most environments. The golden retriever and german shepherd have constantly been high on this list. They have many of the same traits that make the labs so popular. With the big hollywood bratpack popularity and their little chihuahuas, the have increased in numbers as well but personally they are way way down my list.
At this point I am not sure what I want. Another boxer would be great but I was thinking about a german shepherd and trying the shutzhund training I posted about a few weeks ago. I have small children so that is also a big concern. I wouldnt be worried about either one of these breeds. I almost want to try something completely different like a giant schnauzer or a burmese mountain dog.
It is so important that if you are buying a pure breed dog that you find a reputable breeder. I find the best way to do this is by going to dog shows and talking to as many breeders as you can. You will quickly get a feel for those breeders that are very careful who they will breed to and what dogs they breed themselves. You are going to be spending a lot of time and money on your new best friend so do your homework. Over the years I have built many good relationships with some of the best breeders in the country and am excited to start this journey for my new puppy. Dont worry…Ill keep you posted!