Dutch Shepherd Forum

We are actively looking for a Dutch Shepherd from a reputable breeder. The puppy would be integrated into a home with young children and would be worked for USAR with a task force. Must be health tested. If the puppy needs to be shipped we expect to pay for the shipping cost, crate and health cert. Any information or leads would be great.

Welcome. I am assuming that USAR is Urban Search and Rescue, which sounds like a great job for a Dutch Shepherd.

It would be helpful if you went on over to the New Member Announcement and introduced yourself. We'd love to hear more about USAR, and what brought you to consider a DS for this type of work.

You probably have considered rescue, but have some hesitations about damaged goods. However, there's some really good working canines that have been acquired through this path. I recommend a conversation with the North American Dutch Shepherd Rescue.

You're already expecting to pay for health certification, so that should not be an issue.

I did not seek out a DS, but I got my Radar from the local shelter. He was ~11 months, and with some more dedicated work could probably perform well as a working dog.

As for breeders, there will be other members who are (or know) good breeders and will chime in soon.

Good luck.

I would talk to Bunkerdogs, Les Flores, Northwoods/Thunderhawk, and Vandalia. Battle Ridge K9 could also have some possibilities, I think they have a litter. Cher Car may or may not work, depending on their breedings, and I would do a lot of work into the bloodlines before purchase of any puppy. Welcome to the forum.

I would do a lot of work into the bloodlines before purchase of any puppy. Welcome to the forum.

When you say do a lot of work into the bloodlines. I've been on bloedlijnen to look at the parents and history and it shows titles but not sure how to do much more than that. I have a brn for two parents we are looking at from a Kennel in Minnesota. What other work do you recommend?

Strangely enough typing one of the parents' names into google will yield good results. Look at youtube videos if there are any (keeping in mind sometimes they can be edited, but gives you a fairly decent idea of intensity and bite). Research the grandparents and great grandparents, especially if they're well known, and you'll find a lot of info. Talk with the breeder in depth and if it's a repeat breeding ask if there's anyone you could talk to who has a pup from a previous breeding of the two to get a feel. You can also get on FB/here/workingdogforum and ask around about the lines. Sometimes I even check out the grand parents' lines just to see what all the possible combos are.

Wow, I guess our 15 years, including but not limited to many SAR and USAR dogs is easily forgotten

I wouldn't say forgotten. Perhaps we can chalk it up to having mostly new members who may not be familiar with you as they are with others??

asheleylane wrote:Wow, I guess our 15 years, including but not limited to many SAR and USAR dogs is easily forgotten

Posting more often and helping others and just saying Hi to everyone would go along way in keeping your name out there. A reply to the OP about your dogs and talking more to the OP about what they were looking for would help more in keeping your name in the mix.

Before we get off topic...

I believe the OP asked about additional work beyond viewing bloodlines.

This is an excellent opportunity to provide valuable information either by breeders or experienced members.

I am certainly interested in knowing what to look for when researching a working dog.

Thanks.