A couple thoughts for you, Gary, that you may already know: The seller is presenting a sales pitch, which is a bit unusual for someone who is involved in rescue (things like "spectacular", and "will not be disappointed"). You might ask if she works with the local German Shepherd rescue org. Of course you will learn a lot by visiting her property. If it looks like she is breeding them, then she's being dishonest. It may be harder to discern this if all she deals in is German Shepherds. But if she has all sorts of mutts and breeds around, the likelihood of her being a puppy mill or an unadvised backyard breeder is less.
I see someone has asserted that they love their white GSD, but there is some controversy over the white variant's steadiness and health. White lovers will be very quick to assure you they are NOT albino (which they obviously are not - eye color, etc. reveals this) but still, the breed was not intended to be white, and it is being promoted as an "exotic" color, often at the expense of other important qualities. That said, the dog is already bred and needs a home, so if she checks out ok, then fine. I am not a GSD guy, I'm a Dobie guy, and as such my experience is less with GSDs. But don't even get me started on people who intentionally breed white Dobermans! I don't know your experience with dog ownership, but GSDs certainly do need a lot of exercise and personal attention. Some of them are very driven, others more sedate. Most are driven though, and need a job to do, or they will make jobs up - like digging up your garden or chewing your shoes or *barking*! Given sufficient mental and physical stimulation, the breed is usually quite loyal and turns into quite a close companion, and could be trained, for instance, to pick up and bring you things dropped on the floor, or to carry your groceries or light toolboxes for you, etc. etc. Remember this is one of the breeds most likely to bite though. On the other hand, one possessed of a steady temperament will likely be good with kids. I would cringe at the thought of a child running up to one though, which they always do, placing their little faces right in jaws' range. Finally, remember to watch out for excessive shyness, or any physical malady. Not sure how to diagnose bad hips besides grabbing the leg and gently pulling it sideward 'til the dog exhibits pain. If the seller does not want you doing this, that is potentially a bad sign. Oh, and make sure the dog is not deaf - white dogs are more commonly deaf than are non-white dogs - especially when the breed was not intended to be white. Brian On 11/13/07, archer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Gary Hurst wrote: > >> i am going to see the dog on friday. everything seems pretty sincere > >> here, > >> but you never know. if i catch the slightest wind of a con, i will > >> waddle > >> away. > > > > If you take her home, get a book of names at the library and read it to > > her. > > Maybe she will react to one. > > Mitch > ------------------------------------------ > Here's a list. > http://www.terrificpets.com/dog_names/dog_names_a.asp > Gerry > > > _______________________________________ > http://www.okiebenz.com > For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ > For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: > http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com > _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
