Ok - so I was going to post this in the Breeding section but didn't see a main topic where I could put this in. And not sure if I am stepping over any rules for the post and if so I apologize and won't do it again. But I live in MA and am looking to add an addition to my existing family (one GSD) and I am looking for a solid black GSD with good working lines. Does anyone know of a good quality breeder in and around MA that will be producing a litter probably sometime in the Spring or even the Summer? I am looking for Solid Black only - possibly a Sable, but preferably a Solid Black - thank you

I don't have any breeders to recommend in that area - maybe others can help with that.

I will say however that you can not buy a GSD based on color. Never a good starting point.

Hi - Well we have seen many colored GSD's and our preference is the solid black. So if we can find one that is solid black then that would be good for us

It's ok to have a color preference. Mine is bi-colors.
However a color preference should be last on the list of what you're looking for in a GSD.

Oh yes I totally agree - I mean we are looking for a certain type of dog and color is last on the list. But if we can get a solid black or a Sable that would be great. We have seen so many of them and they are beautiful. All colored GSD's are beautiful but something about those colors, for me, sets them apart from the rest.

How old is your other dog now?

I don't have a lot of time right now, I'm supposed to be working but I'll try tonight to post about what it's like at my house right now with an adult GSD and a 10 week old working line puppy (Who is a delightful pup!!)

Thank you and that would help. My dog is 20 months old. So by the time I get the puppy it would be a little over 2 years old and then the puppy - please let me know - thank you

hehehehehe!!! I bet life is fun at Barb's house right now!

I hope you find what you are looking fer. I do not know any breeders out that way. I can understnad you wanting a certain color. I am partial to black and tan and that is what I want but I will take what dog is right for me, even if it is a sable which is my least prefered color.

Thank you and I hope I find what I am looking for as well. One thing that really bummed me out is my dog's ears are not up. I know people always tell me I should love my dog the way they are and I do so much. But when the ears are not up and this is my first GSD, it is kind of a downer. But he is still my son no matter what.

so how is Bruski's training going?

I am sure your Bruski is beautiful with his soft ears! Ok, it doesn't help in the show ring, but other than that?! Did you ever post a picture of him? Have a look at the dogs on top of this forum, I love the diversity in colors and in ear shapes.

Some things to consider when you think about adding another GSD:

Especially if you want a working line GSD, but for that matter any working breed like the GSD, a responsible breeder or rescue will look at your resident dog and the training he has received, and will check your level of training knowledge. If your current dog were not trained yet, you might get good advice on handling skills and making time for training your current dog before looking at a high octane dog.

Some questions to ask:

What training are you doing with your current dog, what would you like to do with a second dog? Why a working line GSD? Regular club training? Competing for titles? How much time do you have for training and exercise daily, for driving to training fields weekly? And for watching training DVDs?

I love this pup. She’s smart, funny and tenacious. And she’s a lot of work.

Everything in life right now revolves around Kaos, EVERYTHING!

This goes through my head often, “Oh Kaos just pooped and/or pee’d, now would be a good time to crate and vacuum/do dishes/take a shower/etc”. That crating when I’m home means about 5-7 minutes of barking/howling, it’s got to be frustrating to know that others are around and you don’t get to join the fun

She goes to the office with me and is crated in my Explorer (Winters are mild in my part of Oregon), there is no other option. I couldn’t afford a pet sitter to come at least 3 times a day to potty here while I’m gone and I can’t/won’t/wouldn’t leave her outside, this would be asking for trouble of all sorts. Luckily I have a flexible job so I can just go a bit early, leave a bit late and take a couple extra breaks in the day to go out and potty her.

On leash 100% of the time in the house so I can stop her from bugging Dante who she wants/tries to grab by the leg/tail/neck ruff/etc every time they pass each other, EVERY time. She’s on a 30-foot long line out in my fenced backyard if Dante is out as well for the same reason.

Very closely supervising the play between Dante and Kaos, he’s a lot bigger than she is and could hurt her without meaning too. On the other hand she’s tenacious and with those sharp puppy teeth could easily shred an ear

Being very careful with high value treats, like the Elk antlers

Running out to potty every 2-3 hours 24/7, it will be nice someday to have 8 hours of straight sleep again

The accidents in the house (all my fault, but still, they’re a pain)

Making sure Dante and I get 1 on 1 time

Making sure Kaos and I get 1 on 1 time

Making sure Dante, Kaos and I get time together

Puppies learn from older dogs, good and bad, and the bad can be really hard to untrain!

I’m just waiting for her next round of vaccines and then I’ll start taking her to classes, I’m thinking that will keep us busy for at least 3 months as we work through the levels of classes. I can’t imagine having this pup and not going to classes with her.

Please, really think through this decision. REALLY think about it! Too bad you don’t live near by you could come live at my house for a week and see what it’s like!

I this pup, she’s a delightful girl (Thanks Lee!), but getting a puppy is a lot of work and anyone that decides to add one to their family needs to really sit down and be honest with themselves about if it is really the right thing to do.

I’m tired, I’m very happy (people have commented on that) but I’m very tired.

Ok, it’s very very quiet from the bedroom so that means that I can let the sable tornado out again!!

Oh and what if the new pups ears don't come up?

I totally understand where you are coming from. My Molly is my first GSD and she has soft ears. I did used to be quite upset but you know now I truly think she suits her floppy ears! They add so much to her personality and I would not dream of having her any other way now

As to a puppy, Barb covered it so well, much better than I could. But I also have a little devil (puppy)12 weeks old. Molly is only 26 months so it's not as if I have forgotten how much work she was. My gosh, he is a lot of work

And I guess there are the additional costs too. I know here in Australia prices are different but I just spent nearly $200 on their flea/tick treatment, heart-worm and intestinal wormer's today. And thats for 6 months of wormer's but flea/tick (advantage) is only 3 months worth.

I have been looking at puppies for a bit now too and having done many puppies I have to say that I not really looking forward to the work, yes they are fun but they are work and if one dog is not settled and still a lot of effott adding a puppy may not be the best thing to do.

Great post Barb!

I just read your other post - Let me give you some background on my "family"

In 2004 I got Dante with the plans to add a second when he was a year old
In 2005 when Dante was a year old I realized he still needed ALL my attention and I decided I'd add the second when he was 2 years old
In 2006 when Dante was 2 years old I realized he still needed ALL my attention and I decided to wait.

In 2008 I started the addition search, things didn't quite work out for me then and now in 2011 I have my addition.

I know what it's like to want 2 dogs, I really do, I've wanted 2 since the day I got Dante.

It's hard to wait but you must do what is in the best interest of your dog, your family and the new addition down the road, and from the sounds of it you're a ways from that now.