Want to visit breeders this weekend near Central Indiana

[MyronD]

Hello, my name is Myron and I am new to this forum. I have been doing a lot of research on the Dutch Shepherd and have learned a considerable amount about the breed. However, I am having difficulty in locating any sort of organized registry of DS breeders. I have come across many breeders' websites who look to be actively involved with the DS but I have also found many that have outdated information on their site from years and years ago. Is there a UKC, FCI, or DSDCA listing of breeders? I live in Central Indiana and I am very interested in visiting some breeders that are within a reasonable driving distance. I have a 4 day weekend this weekend and would love to spend it experiencing some DSs live in person. From what I have seen on this site, it looks to be very friendly and helpful so I look forward to hearing from you soon. Any help, suggestions, links, feedback, etc. is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[johninny]

in 25 hours, I drove from the eastern tip of long island in ny to newburgh, IN, last November on a sudden impulse to hunt for a missing dog, so my interpretation of ''near'' may be questionable. I do not know the breeding world, so I have no idea whether or not there are any DS breeders of ANY sort really near you. but there are 2 of the very best within semi-reasonable driving distance - Chercar Kennels in MI [ 989 224 7225 ] and Christie Meyer in TN whose associations you can find in her signature on this forum. there is also Liberty... in/near [?] Louisville, KY [ 270 927 8646 ], whose reputation I do not know, but I rescued and fostered a dog from them who was very very smart even for a DS. as for your more technical questions about registries, etc., someone with some real knowledge will have to answer.

[LyonsFamily]

I would drive up to Michigan to CherCar. That's probably the closest to you that I know of. Their dogs are worth seeing and Michigan is a great state . If you have the first weekend of September free, a dog from their breeding, Cash, will be competing at the ultimate air dog dockdiving show in Imlay City, Michigan. I'll probably be there with a Dutch or two and usually a few other malinois and Dutch Shepherds come out.

What are you looking for in a DS? You're going to find a lot of different dogs at each kennel and breeders that focus on different things. You might need to venture out of your area to find a dog that fits your lifestyle. Also, keep in mind, North American Dutch Shepherd Rescue has dogs all over the US and the volunteer transport network can arrange for any dog to get to you with a little effort.

[MyronD]

I'm posting a different reply here than in the other section. Don't want to confuse anyone.

Yes, I am definitely going to plan on going up to see Cher Car at some point, hopefully soon. Regarding Liberty K9 in Louisville; they are even closer and my girlfriend's family lives there so I will try and work it out to get there too although their website doesn't seem current. I will just have to give them a call I guess.

As far as what I'm looking for in a DS; well, their biggest draw to me is their versatility. It seems like there's nothing they can't do! That in and of itself is appealing to me. However, more realistically speaking, I am interested in doing obedience work, agility, and, depending on the availability in my area, some sort of protection sport such as Sch, IPO, FR, etc.

I am not a first time dog owner. I had 2 Akitas for 12 years. They both completed some novice level obedience work and obtained their AKC CGC. I tried showing my female but neither she or I was really interested in the dog show circuit. And, my male was TDI registered therapy dog. My Akitas were AMAZING dogs, very, very special. I realize that they are totally different than a DS, of course, but I mention it because I am well aware of the kind of responsibility and vigilance necessary to manage and control a large, aggressive (or potentially aggressive anyway) dog.

Due to the travel requirements of my previous job, I have not been able to have a dog since my female Akita passed away about 5 1/2 yrs ago (the first time in my life that I have not had a dog). Now, my new position requires no travel so getting a dog has quickly become a priority. I am looking forward to finding the right dog from the right breeder.

Thanks for listening to my ramblings!

[johninny]

I did not say before because I was keeping it back for my big ''announcement'' [ with photos and all], but my newest dog is my first, only, last non-rescue [ i.e., breeder] dog. Tracer - the current masthead - is from the may 4th litter of CherCar Kennels of LUNA and LOTHAR. he has off-the-charts potential. he might actually come a little close to my old Tracedog if I get EVERYTHING right on my end [ I am not sure I am up to task - my non-professional methods may not cut it, but am developing my normal DEEP bond, so we will see where that takes us!] Cheryl did ''GET'' what I asked for [ Tracedog's qualities that worked for me as an autistic ] and did indeed select beautifully her most perfect fit for me and the criteria that I laid out [ which were for her a first in terms of what I was requesting]. puppy TRACER is an unbelievably impressive dog [ in my terms, but probably in anyone's terms]. frankly, I would hate to see this dog's mind wasted in normal DS stuff; he is a very complex thinker at just less than 4 months. since he was 2 months old, he has regularly out-witted the combo of my other 2, who are no slouches.
he is no TD, but he is beyond as great as I have any right to expect, so the ball is in my court to shape him into the maximum he can be, which would be just plain awesome if I get it right.
this is Tracer 8 days before he arrived home and I think the masthead is the very day he arrived [ or the next morning]:

[LyonsFamily]

I did not say before because I was keeping it back for my big ''announcement'' [ with photos and all], but my newest dog is my first, only, last non-rescue [ i.e., breeder] dog. Tracer - the current masthead - is from the may 4th litter of CherCar Kennels of LUNA and LOTHAR.

So that's where he came from. I was still over here wondering. We were considering contacting Cheryl for a female from that litter, but Elli just kind of landed in my lap as she desperately needed a new foster home and then Odin fell for her and the puppy idea went out the window.

[johninny]

yes, Stephanie, there it is, minus the photographs. I knew you would see this; wrote with you in mind.
the autistic in me wants everything right - - complete with photos, etc. - - so I waited to do a good 'job', but it just seemed too germane not to relate here. still want to 'answer' in your thread more completely -- and with pics!