How to Choose a Schutzhund Puppy

Learn as much as you can about Schutzhund and the breed of dog you plan to show before you begin looking for a breeder. Many breeds are successful Schutzhund competitors, with German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Belgian Malinois and Doberman Pinschers being some of the most popular breeds chosen for the sport. Dogs from successful working lines make the best Schutzhund prospects, so be sure to study working lines and select a puppy from dogs who are already Schutzhund titled themselves, and who come from a line of highly titled dogs. Pedigree and lineage is the key to determining working quality and ability of a litter. Puppies from lines which have been proven as good Schutzhund dogs will almost always turn out to be successful prospects themselves.

Attend a Schutzhund trial in your area to meet local breeders and their dogs to get a feel for what you’re looking for. Talking to, and getting to know people who are already participants in the sport allows you to find out how trials and training classes work in your area and to get to know people you’ll be dealing with. See what breeds of dog are most popular in your area and which breeds are successfully titling. Ask about dogs and lineages you might be interested in and get advice on the sport if you have any questions.

Contact breeders you are interested in to find your dream pup. Explain to them who you are, your experience with dogs and dog sports, and that you are interested in a Schutzhund prospect. A breeder who is active in the sport will be well aware of the characteristics which make a successful Schutzhund dog. They should tell you what litters they have available and, if interested in selling to you, will invite you to meet the parents and puppies. Check out a variety of breeders and look at a number of dogs and lineages to determine which ones you like best.

Look for a puppy with a strong, solid topline, structurally straight legs for your breed, a full and properly aligned set of teeth and healthy hip and elbow joints. Schutzhund puppies should be neither too large nor too small, as the rigors of the sport demand a dog of moderate size. Check the parents, grandparents and great-grandparents of your puppy in question for physical health to help avoid any defects. Schutzhund puppies should come from lines of dogs which are free of genetic defects such as hip dysplasia and elbow issues, as well as any other congenital defect which may be prevalent in your breed.

Consider the puppy's mental health and personality. A good Schutzhund puppy should be bold, outgoing and not afraid of noises or strange objects. Check the puppy for sensitivity to loud noises by creating a loud racket, such as firing a starting gun. Part of the Schutzhund trial is courage and steadiness under fire, so a puppy must not be startled by loud sounds. The puppy should willingly come inspect you and check you out, and should not be fearful or shy. A good Schutzhund prospect should show prey drive at a young age, easily tested by running a rag across the ground. The pup should follow it and at least attempt to bite it, showing interest in pursuing and catching the rag. The puppy should be alert and interested at all times, showing awareness of its surroundings and paying attention to activity around it.

Ask the breeder to see the pups in both a group setting with all littermates, and separately. When in the litter, a good Schutzhund puppy should be bold and independant, not shying away from or fearful of other puppies. When separated, the puppy should not cower or try and hide from you, and should be openly curious and interested in you and its new surroundings.

Expect to pay approximately anywhere from $800 to $1,500 for your new puppy. A vast amount of time, energy and work goes into training and titling Schutzhund dogs, and breeders are very selective about who their pups go to. Be sure to ask questions you might have, and be honest in answering breeder’s questions for you. They will base the selection of the puppy they offer you on your answers, lifestyle and goals in the sport, so be upfront. However, do not assume just because you visit someone means you’ll be accepted to get a puppy. Breeders are highly selective and may not have a pup that matches what you need, so keep your options open.

Transport your dog in a crate once you have found him. Do not let him roam the car, which is dangerous for you and the dog. When you get the puppy home, be sure to have a quiet area prepared for the pup to rest in and recover from the ride home. Feed her a bit and offer water, after your pup has rested. Make sure your pup always has access to clean, fresh water, and schedule mealtimes to make housebreaking easier. Your new pup will most likely want to eat, play and sleep, as young pups need a lot of rest to grow and properly develop. Begin introducing your new puppy to simple grooming so that as it ages, it will be used to bathing, brushing and nail trimming.

Take your new Schutzhund puppy to the vet within 48 hours for a complete physical. If your pup is behind on vaccinations or wormings, your vet can get them on track and ensure they stay healthy. They will check for basic physical soundness and structure, and make sure the pup is free from any noticeable congenital defects. Report any issues with the new puppy to the breeder as soon as possible, and discuss with them any other questions you might have about your pup’s health. If there are no issues or concerns, you can take your pup home, and look forward to many years of fun, companionship and training with your new Schutzhund puppy.