do you view me as a bad dog owner?
I am considering leaving my male german shepherd pup intact, and possibly breeding him in the future. Now, before you judge, here is why:
I have an 18 month old male purebred german shepherd. He does not come from working lines and is not show quality, plus he had panosteitis, so I of course neutered him.
We just purchased a 13 week old purebred shepherd. He comes from strong working german lines, and his father was a Beautiful czech import. His mother OFA tested at Excellent, and his father received a Good. His parents were not titled, but all his grandparents were titled at at least Schutszhund 1.
At the age of 6 months, we have the option through our vet to do a pinpoint hip test, and from there all other needed x-rays and genetic health tests. We are also looking at getting him in to Schutzhund training. I have my older male in protection training right now, so we are use to a lot of the training. If our pup excels titles, and passes all his health tests, we will put him up for stud to well-qualifying bitches only. If not, then we will have him neutered ASAP
Am I a bad dog owner or a responsible dog owner?
Update:doc's wife, they have an evaluation called the PennHip evaluation. It is far more accurate then OFA certifications, and can be done at 6 months of age.
Comments
Responsible. Like you said, you are only going to breed him IF he passes all his health tests, has titles and to well-qualified females.
The irresponsible ones are the people that don't care about health issues or show quality and are just trying to make a quick buck. I don't see anything wrong with what you are doing.
No you're not a bad owner. In fact I'd say you sound very responsible.
As long as he passes all health tests and has a good temperament, and you choose his mates with as much 'research' has needed, then those are the dogs that should be mated. As a Shepherd owner I'd love to see more of the 'Working' lines being bred with care.
It's a decision only you can make but be aware, there are a few problems keeping a stud animal as a pet. Talk to people in the 'know', go on a dedicated site, and ask owners of 'breeding' animals.
There's nothing wrong with keeping a dog intact if you are a responsible owner and make sure they don't have 'accidents' and the decision to neuter doesn't have to be made till you know whether he really is worth breeding.
As most breeders prefer a stud who is 'proven' then 'working' him seriously will not only give you more chance of getting the right interest in his qualities but it will give him the type of life the breed needs. Even if not breeding, doing some doggy activity will give you a better pet! It might cure his 'stubbornness'.
Good luck, whatever you decide.
I have had several German Shepherds during my life. Your's looks very beautiful. Sounds like you really care about him and are taking very good care of him. The only thing you did not mention is for his age, what is his behavior? Is he protective, which most are when in their homes or with their owners, or is he aggressive? There's a difference, which can turn into real problems. Does he listen to you when you call? And, does he have manners while in the house? These questions, knowing the information given, if the answer is no to any seems like that would be the only thing to improve.
Never ever neuter a working dog before the age of 2 years. If you do you'll be taking the one thing he needs to do high end Schutzhund work: Testosterone! After he's fully mature (2 years) it's fine to have him neutered and it will in no way affect his working ability. If you're still interested in Schutzhund it'd be in your best interest to take him to your local Sch club and have him temperament tested. It'd also be a good idea to get him started right away on leathers and obedience (positive reinforcement only for now of course because he's just a pup). Good luck and I hope this helps. Btw, keeping a dog intact for 2 years means that you have to be extra responsible for 2 years...it's not that hard, just keep him fenced or leashed and in sight! Good luck again!
Edit: The breeding talk is WAY too premature, he hasn't even proven he's a real German Shepherd yet aka hasn't stepped on a Schutzhund field yet much less proven himself to be stud worthy!
Auppy that is stubborn at this age, you know can be trained and more than likely comes out of it, he is just pushing you around to see how far you will let him go LOL
I would not consider neutering this dog till you can do all the testing, and OFA cant be done till 2 yrs of age....so get all your other tests done, and wait to OFA him...if you want to do further training with the dog, then wait...if not gonna do further training then neuter.
I know your a responsible owner, or you would not be considering the options, you would just hold back and do it..which not choosing to do.
so, let the little guy get the tests, all the tests he deserves, then get all the training on him you can...if he warrants the training.
but a GSD at this age being hard headed is not unusual, give him a good chance...and since you have already purchased the pup, please give him a fighting chance to prove himself, okay
good luck
No, you aren't a bad owner. If you are genuinely contributing to the breed, I see nothing wrong with it. As you know, do not breed him unless he is an excellent example of the breed standard. If he's titled, completely healthy and of very sound temperament, and you work closely with other breeders to ensure the best offspring possible, go for it. If you were breeding a dog that was physically unqualified, of unstable temperament, or simply for the prospect of making money, then yes, I'd consider you irresponsible.
I think this show true responsibility a lot of people seem to just want breed regardless of anything. You say that you’re going to get your dog checked out to see if it would be a viable stud, also the pup has good lineage and you plan to have him trained in something that his kin got titles in. You also got the dog that is not show/breeding quality fixed.
Wait until he's 2 years old, then get his OFA's done. Continue training and whatnot. If he passes, then you're on your way to having an excellent breeding dog. If not, get him fixed. You're not a bad owner!
As long as you know what to expect and do a lot of research. Make sure there's no health conditions (like you said you would) and the same for the *****. And make sure the female has not been bread several times in the past. 1st or 2nd time is good
Nah