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lestat1978 User is Offline

Western PA

JH
Posts:23

08/13/2012 7:06 AM
Ivan is now over year old, so I decided it's time to start researching GSP breeders. Does anyone have any experience with Keystone Gun Dogs? What are the most important tests to make sure the breeder is performing? CERF, OFA, and ?? Since I want to do SAR with this dog, what titles do you think I should pay most attention to? Thanks!

GSPCRNA

Pennsylvania

JH
Posts:32

10/04/2012 2:08 PM
I'm also curious to hear if anyone has dealt with this breeder.

Texas Belle User is Offline

Austin, TX

MH
Posts:7854

10/04/2012 2:52 PM
I don't know this breeder, but I would look for the following health tests: 1) hips at a minimum, but I also do elbows 2) CERF (eyes) 3) cardiac 4) Cone Degeneration (CD) (not all breeders do this genetic test, but it is easy and it is a disease while not a huge problem in the breed we could drive out of the breed entirely if everyone checked) 5) Lupoid Dermatosis (LD) ( same as CD, not a major problem, would be easy to get out of the breed entirely, and this disease is heartbreaking if puppies have it) 6) some also do thyroid too Some also do the test for the dilute gene, but there is no health issue associated with this gene. It only effects the color of the coat. I am not an expert on SAR, but I would think a dog would need to be smart, but also be high drive. So, with that I would look for agility, obedience, maybe field, and good conformation. I would be looking for a dog that is motivated by toys especially and a dog with excellent balance. For me the balance and the ability to stand comfortably four square is almost always a balanced dog with good conformation. Remember not all champions have good conformation, although that CH in the pedigree probably gets you closer to a soundly built dog. That said dogs that have long careers in just about any performance event are likely sound dogs, because if they weren't they would have health issues that would likely be career enders. I would also look for some independence, but one that will also be a good team player. You don't want a dog that will blow you off, but you do want a dog that thinks.

Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna) Yellow Rose GSPs "A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato

pixie bee

MH
Posts:4452

10/05/2012 12:08 PM
My main focus would be a line of dogs with proven drive,nose,intelligence,cooperation and focus. I have seen many dogs start out strong on live rabbit tracks (unseen rabbit) and loose interest within 50 yards and plenty more dogs who loose interest during the hunt b/c there has been no encounters for an hour or more. Focus would also account for calmness during tasks. An earlier maturing line of dogs will help,as well. Dogs who don't show a level of maturity till 2+ years of age just won't do,IMO. Check into lines that scent track and/or blood track.

"Time with my dogs clears my mind, renews my faith, and lets me see the world as it is. My only regret loving dogs as I do, is the misery of their early departure." Robert G. Wehle

kpwlee

Raleigh, NC

MH
Posts:998

10/07/2012 5:35 AM
I have a friend that is very involved with SAR, I'll email her and get back with what she says. I believe that a dog with a strong drive, good nose, good cooperation and good conformation will fit the bill. The rest is so dependent on training. My friends first Aussie washed out because he wouldn't range far enough, others wash out for not keeping some contact with the handler. I've done some training with Bugsy to be a cadaver dog and what people love about him is his intensity and focus on the task and a willingness to do anything to complete the task. I hope to attempt SAR work with my next dog - which will be aGSP

It's Bugsy's world... http://dailyzoomie.blogspot.com/

kpwlee

Raleigh, NC

MH
Posts:998

10/07/2012 8:09 AM
Her response: we do the general puppy test stuff, you can find it online. We test them on different surfaces, around startling noises and people plus we see if they are interested in toys and food, how they react with friendly dogs and so on. Then depending on what you want to use the dog for you would test that. So for a cadaver dog you would make sure the dog isn't afraid of HR or try to avoid it. Most dogs will go right to it if they are walking along and get a whiff. Dogs that do everything except go to it would fail. If you want a live find dog you would test prey drive and drive to follow people. A trailing dog you would see if it follows people and how nose driven it is. For search you want a dog who is not afraid to explore and one who isn't startled by changes to its environment.

It's Bugsy's world... http://dailyzoomie.blogspot.com/

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