top of page

THE DEL CONO SUR DIFFERENCE

Good German Shepherd breeding starts with good females of good families. A Good family is determined by the quality of siblings more so than the fame of parents and grandparents. It is far better to breed with a mother who has excellent structure, health, and character and whose siblings display similar qualities, than to another who is a top-ranking show dog with a superb pedigree but whose siblings were rejects.

Genetic power, far from being a biblical list of famous up-line names, is more a matter of soundness in the immediate family tree--brothers and sisters of the breeding pair, and brothers and sisters of their immediate parents. The milestone producers of our time come from strong litters: The "L" litter Wienerau, the "Q" litter Arminius, the "P" litter Wildsteiger Land, suggesting that the genetic power of an individual dog like Lido Wienerau, or Quando Arminius, or his mother Palme Wildsteiger Land were animals who emerged from a strong sibling quality. This scenario concentrates the "good genes" into a more homozygous "package."

Carol in snow fayette lake.JPG
A Unique German Shepherd Breeding Method and Client Policy
  1. We start with mothers of excellent health, structure, and
    temperament. These mothers must have at least one or more
    littermates who themselves are excellent in similar ways. This
    ensures family strength essential to establish a strong genetic
    concentration.

  2. We do not breed to the latest import or to famous names on
    a pedigree (a common mistake among inexperienced breeders)
    but rather to sires who have convinced us with proven results.
    These males must also live up to the same criteria set for
    females in point #1.

  3. We also recognize that many sires are excellent themselves but
    have a shallow gene pool or are unable to produce good
    offspring. We avoid "glitter" dogs with flashy show-wins yet
    with poor or no records as producers.

  4. We listen to your needs and attempt to match the right puppy with your desires and needs.

  5. We realize that very young dogs need development. A good genetic foundation is a good start but a well-rounded dog is a product of socialization, training and proper environmental upbringing. We help you with advice to begin your relationship with your puppy in the best possible way

carol lex puppy headshots.JPG
What to Look for in a German Shepherd Breeder

Checklist to Choosing a Good Breeder

There are two qualities that set a breeder apart from the rest: The first is a deep knowledge of the
breed which should be reflected in a successful breeding program. The second, and more
important, is honesty with self and with their clients.

A good breeder is someone who:

  • Takes time to listen to you and to match you with the right puppy.

  • Has a clear picture of what his/her puppies will grow up to become.

  • Discusses bloodlines, temperament, and diseases openly.

  • Sends you detailed information on puppies and parents.

  • Stays with you over the years with training tips and advice.

  • Is experienced, knowledgeable and respected.

  • Breeds for the love of the German Shepherd dog, not economic survival.

  • Keeps puppy prices reasonable in spite of market hype.

carol website headshot.jpg
bottom of page