Liver German Shepherd

[jasmin26]

We are going to see a liver GSD puppy today .The asking price is £1500 is this about the right price or is it too high ?

[viv38]

I would never, ever, ever go to a breeder - too many dogs being bred, not enough homes. We always get a rescue dog and as diz says, imagine what a dogs home could do with £1,500. I think diz's posts say it all. When I was dog walking for the RSPCA, there were several GSD's there in need of a good home.

[jasmin26]

Didn't think I would get quite so many answers re this but I take on board all the comments made. I have had two rescue dogs in the past both with major behaviour issues and that's the reason I haven't opted to get one for many years.
I am not quite sure what Baldric means by perceived status symbol, status has nothing to do with it in the slightest. My last two dogs were both GSD and where nothing more than much loved pets.

[viv38]

Yes jasmin rescue dogs often have behaviour issues because of their ill treatment and neglect by the marvellous human race! For me, there's nothing better than helping them overcome their earlier lives and letting them see that we are not all rubbish. It's hard work at times, but so rewarding.

[Prudie]

Jasmin I wouldn't worry too much about feeling uncomfortable for not getting a rescue dog. I agree it's the ideal thing to do but as someone who has tried to adopt a rescue cat from Cats Protection and friends who have taken on 2 rescue the dogs the selection process is harder than getting a mortgage. My experience has put me off for life quite frankly.

[Tilly2]

jasmine, you must do what you feel is the right thing. I know what you mean about the 'baggage' that rescue dogs can bring with them. I have had three rescue dogs. All of them had problems initially.

Did you go and see the puppy?

[FredPuli43]

Overpriced. I don't pay that for a potentially Cruft's standard Irish wolfhound pup. Try negotiating the price down

[Baldric]

Jasmin,
sorry didn't mean to sound rude

[jasmin26]

Hi Tilly , yes we went to see her and the breeder came tonight to check out house. We went back and bought her ! She is lying flat out now.
Baldric , no need to apologise no offence taken.

[lankeela]

Too late but no doubt my comments would have made no difference anyway! £1,500 for an undesirable colour is disgraceful! They must have seen you coming. I paid £750 for my current GSD, his father is the top winning dog in the country at present, and he has qualified for Crufts every year since I had him. His parents were both hip and elbow scored and his dad is Haemophilia tested. He also has working qualifications, which German dogs have to have before being bred from. Liver is undesirable as it is a dilute colour and often dogs have skin problems. I wish you luck with your puppy and sincerely hope you don't have any problems.

[jules77]

Same here Lankeela, not a GSD, but I recently paid £800 for a puppy from the twice BOB Winner at Crufts. I dont know much about GSD's, but didnt think £1500 for an undesirable colour sounded right. I wouldnt support these type of breeders, it is similar to those breeding designer dogs, purely for monetary gain. I dont know how the KC can educate the public, but they need to have stricter guidelines on members of the KC Assured Breeder scheme for starters, as people see that and think its ok. But thats another story.

[viv38]

Sorry, but I still think you should consider a rescue dog rather than lining a breeder's pockets. Don't care how controversial this may sound and actually, I'm not sorry at all !

[jasmin26]

I asked the initial question purely about the price I didn't really expect to be berated for what I was about to do. While I do have a lot of sympathy for rescue dogs, past experience with them have put me off ever having another one.

[lankeela]

jasmine I do breed rescue for my other breed, yet I do breed them as well. No everyone wants a rescue dog for whatever reason, and not everyone is suitable to take on a rescue. The latest we have rehomed had a lot of issues with aggression, yet we found the ideal home for her and they have worked through most of her problems. Had these people not been the right type of experienced home she would probably have been put to sleep, and certainly if things do go pear shaped that is what will happen. Anyway I digress, other than to assure you that I don't have a problem with people wanting to buy a dog and know exactly what they are getting in the way of type, temperament, size, etc. What I do have a problem with is breeders claiming they are producing something special when it goes against the breed standard which has been in place from the days when the breed was first recognised, for very good reasons. Having delved into the background of some of the dogs used there are various health issues such as temperament, high hip scores, epilepsy, CDA, dwarfism, oversize and that is from just a quick flick through a few generations. The price you paid is way over the top and as I said I am sorry I was too late with my comments but I don't know that you would have taken my advice anyway. But then I have only been in the breed since 1978 and am a championship show judge, and have bred one or two litters in my time. I do hope you enjoy your puppy and that you are lucky enough not to have any health problems.

[pixie373]

Enjoy your pup, jasmin. I hope you get many years of pleasure together x

[Tilly2]

Jasmine, how are you getting on with your puppy?

[jasmin26]

Hi Tilly she is lovely full of fun and mischief ! Lying here at my feet sound asleep looking like butter wouldn't melt ! Took her to vet yesterday just to get her checked over and every was ok
Thank you for asking after her.

[jasmin26]

Thanks Pixie

[Tilly2]

Can you post a picture? What's her name?

[jasmin26]

Her name is Reeva . I haven't a clue how to post a picture for you Tilly ! If you could tell me how to do it I will try x

[Tilly2]

She was the one jumping around on the website. I have seen her.

You can sign up for tinypics and upload a photo on here. It's quite straightforward. Even I can do it, jasmine.