Whoop! Whoop! New puppy alert!!!! (Malinois) General Chat

Also this breeder likes to match the temperament and ability of the puppies to the requirements of each potential customer ( which I applaud ) , so it might be that the colour is of no consequence. I don't have any strong feelings about either colour, I want a dog to do WT. ............. I'm so excited!!!

I have arranged to go and see this litter and meet the parents and some of their other relatives on 11/08/12. It seems such a long way off, I need to practise being patient!

Apart from being friendly to strangers what should I be looking for in the temperament of the parents? Also I want a bold inquisitive pup, which is what I will be watching the pups for. Anything else?

OH and I were talking about this just the other day, as I had one pup chosen for me by the breeder in the past, and would be happy to go down that route again in the future. OH said he would always want to choose his own.

How exciting It will soon come around, even though it feels like forever at the moment

Most importantly for me would be the temperament of the parents and other dogs at the breeder's house, as you have said. I would not want to see any nervous or aggressive behaviour - although a warning bark when you first arrive should be expected.

Personally I like to see quite an evenly matched litter and all pups being quite outgoing and confident. Try to observe them without disturbing them if you can, and watch the interactions between pups - it might give you an indication as to how overbearing a particular pup may be, or show one that hangs back from the others etc. Do you know at what age the breeder will be choosing your pup for you?

Also give them a quick check over for health - they should be nice and round (but not fat), with bright eyes and a shiny, clean coat.

In the meantime, you could ask the breeder to put you in touch with owners who have had pups from her (and ideally from Foss) in the past and so you can chat to them about their dogs.

Remember to take your camera!

He said in the two hours that I would be with them I may not get an accurate indication of the pups temperament as the sleepy one may have been terrorising all of the others all morning and was just recharging his batteries. Although the decision is theirs they have encouraged me to express a preference about temperament and colour which they will try to accommodate. I have asked about the other potential purchasers and no one else wants to do working trials, just a bit of obedience. They will be considering that when they are making their selections.

That makes perfect sense to me.

I think they make their selections at 7 weeks so I won't know for a while yet, but they should have some idea when I go up as they'll be 6 weeks then. Unfortunately I can't collect the pup until she is 9 weeks due to the Para-Olympics so I can't get time off. I am not overly concerned as the breeder goes to extra ordinary lengths to socialise all her pups. I will ask them to get the first jab done so I can get her to puppy socialisation classes ASAP

The qualities required for both Obedience and Working Trials are exactly the same. So should not be an issue.

Would you not want the slightly bolder more outgoing pup for WT?

It would depend upon the breeding, you may not want the boldest most outgoing pup from very strong lines!

However I am not familiar with this affix having never come across any of this breeding in either Schutzhund or Working Trials so I have no idea how strong they might be.

They have a show line mother and a working line father. Dad has several relatives that are police dogs. They have been bred to be active pets but there may be a couple of couch potatoes in the litter!

This is the problem when you breed WL and SL you will get a mixture, some SL, some very WL and some in the middle.

Good luck in your exciting new venture"

I would think that the most important characteristic Maxine would want in her pup, is to fit into her family life as a pet first and foremost.

Is it not better to have the correct temperament of the breed, in a pet home with the ability to do a sport one is interested in, rather than one bred for Schutzhund or Working Trials, as we have already been informed there really should not be a split in the working/show dog, they dog should be capable of both given the nature of the breed.

Only my opinion ofcause, I would rather have a pet, that could turn a paw to A. , than a dog bred solely to compete in A and has the temperament for little else.

From what has been said , this breeder sounds like they know what they are about and will vet all potential buyers to fit each pup.

Must have typed at the same time,

i am sure they will match you up with the correct pup.

I have a lot of confidence in them to find the best fit for all of their pups. It was made very clear that they won't let a pup go to an unsuitable home.

Cheers SB. Watch this space....

I beieve that Maxine has decided on a GSD rather than malinois so there is most definitely a split between working and show line.


Remember to take your camera! I am not at all jealous

I will, I will! And I'm not at all impatient!

missed that bit

Any news or updates on this?