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The plain and honest fact is that there are only a tiny number of dog owners who actually show in anything. Most dogs are first and foremost family companions. So what you want is what almost everyone wants—a nice dog…a pet.
You know who shows their dogs in conformation? Breeders show their dogs, so they can obtain the titles, ratings and recognition necessary in order to breed quality puppies. A good breeder is striving for the best possible puppy in every respect. And they are breeding them for you…the pet owner. And they are breeding for themselves because they will usually keep many of their own puppies to carry on their preferred bloodlines.
When you tell a breeder you only want a pet, you are actually saying, “I do not want your best dog!” This also infers that you are hoping not to have to pay the price for a “show” quality dog. What you need to know is that good breeders are actually pricing their puppies on the basis of the bloodlines, and this is generally what determines the cost of the puppies. With German bloodlines, which we bred at Von Stroman, there are many generations of good genetics that are behind a litter, and this is what you are buying. These genetics help promote a healthy and structurally sound puppy with the added features of excellent temperament and beauty.
There should normally be no difference between the price of a male and female or a difference in price among puppies from the same litter. The breeder might have an increased price for a “pick puppy,” but this is often so subjective that it is often meaningless. You can tell some things about a 7-8 week old puppy, but often the “middle of the pack” puppy turns into a star. The bottom-line is that in most cases it is guesswork trying to predict a puppy that will go on to do great things in the show/obedience/agility/dog sport ring.
Is there such a thing as pet quality? Sure, there is. We would classify as pets a coated (long coat) or a male with only one or no descended testicles, or a puppy with an obvious physical malformation. These puppies sell at a significantly reduced price. Even with judging the desired scissors bite, it is difficult at an early age to tell under or over bites as the top and the bottom of the muzzle grow at different rates often causing a temporary overbite. And it's much too early to tell anything about hips or elbows.
Genetic problems can plague even the best quality puppy, but you want to increase your odds by purchasing a puppy, which has parents and grandparents and many generations with no known difficulties.
For German bloodlines, expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,500 for your puppy. Some puppies are less, and some are more, but this is ballpark for puppies from titled and breed surveyed sire and dam. Remember that the sire and dam of these litters have had to pass rigorous tests to even be eligible to breed. These tests are very difficult and take years to train, and not every dog can pass. In addition, a judge—usually from Germany-- must examine every aspect of the sire and dam to make sure they are suitable for breeding, hence the KKL designation behind the name. For more information on the breeding requirements, please read our article on Schutzhund and on Breed Surveys.
A dog with missing teeth, incorrect pigment or coat, ears that are not erect, bad hips, poor structure, questionable temperament, lack of stamina, bad nerve, lack of courage, and sound sensitivity cannot pass these tests.
What we suggest is that you buy the best possible puppy from the best bloodlines you can find. The initial purchase price is the smallest investment you will make as the cost of quality food, vet care, medicine and training will far surpass the purchase price. This can be especially true if you get a poorly bred puppy predisposed to genetic problems.
If you cannot afford the purchase price of a well-bred puppy, we highly recommend checking out German Shepherd Rescue organizations. There is a web link on our Links Page to the organization in the Austin, Texas area, but there are similar organizations throughout the country. This is another option you can consider, as there are some very nice dogs in need of loving homes. Also, do not forget the Humane Society in your area.
 Alice & Fred Stroman phone: 512-836-3933 cell: 512-694-9990 |