Francis - I disagree completely, you miss the point. This same debate has always raged and will always continue, but it is one born of ignorance. Breeding two "hard core" field trial dogs together does NOT generate a litter of pups who are all identical in temperment. It does typically produce a litter of smart, athletic and strong dogs - which is what one would look for in terms of agility. Case in point: Our last litter was the product of two of the top gundog/shooting dog "tweeners" in the country. We kept the two girls who looked to be the best field trial prospects. They are high energy outside - into everything, all over, always running. However, they are very different inside - couch potatoes. I just placed their brother (who was my favorite in terms of temperment, very sweet and quiet) with a family with a 10 month old boy and 4 yr old girl. He is so patient and gentle with them, and much lower energy outside than his sisters.

So do not judge "field trial" lines as a negative. You just need to find a breeder who will truly work with you to match a pup to what your needs are. Lastly, field trial dogs in my experience have the most drive to learn and DO something, which is also what I would be looking for in a performance sport like agility. Needless to say, they also possess the physical ability.

Jean

I too, own a dog with an extremely high work drive. Our trainer who works with all kinds of working dogs said that she thought Penny was "the best well bred hunting dog she had ever seen." Go figure. We work really hard to keep her mentally and physically exercised and she's rewarded us with being an amazing dog. That being said, I think if we ever got another GSP, we would definately get one that wasn't specifically from field lines. Training her is constant and from what I understand from my trainer, the puppy period on dogs like her can last until 4 or 5. We're committed to making it work and love her nonetheless, but I think most dogs would be 100% angels by now with the work I have put into her.

Just another experience from a non-hunter with a hunter GSP

Laura

They do ask what happened to your previous dogs(s). You could present it as a lesson learned, that you learned the hard way that hunting breeds of the GSP caliber need a different approach in regards to off-leash exercise.

I am not judging you, just saying. These dogs want to hunt. That's why I am a big advocate of fences, check cords and the e-collar. Of course, even then accidents can still happen.

I would just be straightforward about it, explain what your plans are to prevent this from happening in the future, offer to provide references etc.

BTW my previous dog was euthanized at age 4 because she had two bad knees. To a lot of people that sounds like the dog was ill and I didn't want to pay for the treatment - not much of a commitment on my part. I was worried about this but volunteered the information along with references of all 4 vets that were involved in the diagnosis, prognosis, cost estimates, etc.

Jean (DesertRoseKennel)

First, I would like to say that you absolutely have much more experience than I do.  However, I don't think I missed the point.  In fact, I believe we are making the same point which is "I would talk to the breeder(s) about your specific needs and wants in a GSP.  Tell them EXACTLY what you are looking for...obedience, agility, temperament, etc.  Then ask them if their dog(s) would be a good fit."

Do you diagree with this recommendation?

Second, I don't believe I mentioned many of the points you made as arguments against my post.  I never said that breeding two dogs with FT experience would produce pups that are identical in temperament.  Hence the statement: "This isn't to say that all the pups will be like this, which brings me to my next point."  And the next point was to check with the breeder.

Nor did I say that field trial lines are a negative.  In fact, I believe quite the opposite.  I did, however, take into account Elizabeth's particular situation...she isn't looking to hunt or FT her pup.

Again, I believe you have proved my overall point: ask the breeder about the specific temperament of the pups.

Incidentally I just went to Marshfield Kennels (via another post here) and they are adamant about NOT selling any dogs to non-hunters. Strong stuff:

www.marshfieldkennel.com/Non-Hunters.html

Elizabeth, here is a link to Freya, one of the two GSPs that were transported across the country a few months ago and who now needs to be rehomed - again. Long story...her description is at the very bottom:

www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi

I applied today to adopt this girl. She is currently at a shelter in KY. She is supposed to be coming up to GSP in NJ. So, we'll see. She's 8-10 months old.

Is it just me or does she have that head collar/halti/gentle leader or muzzle mark?