Need help locating a reputable German Shepherd breeder in ..

I'm looking to get either a puppy or young German Shepherd dog
sometime early next year and need help in finding a reputable breeder
in my area. There are so many breeder listings on the Internet and
elsewhere that I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed with the selection
process.

I live near Chicago, Illinois, but would be willing to drive to any
surrounding states to find a good match.

My only desire is to find a good companion dog that comes from a
healthy line. I do not want to enter shows or compete.

I would prefer a completely black female, but am truly open to finding
any suitable match. I would be willing to wait for the right dog to
come along.

I currently have no pets (or children), but would like the dog to get
along with other dogs, even cats if possible, and especially children.
I know the socialization process is important in this respect, but I
figure it wouldn't hurt if the parents were good on these counts
already (or the breeder raises their puppies with kids and other
animals).

Also, I would prefer a dog that's not "over the edge" in the energy
department. Just a nice healthy dog with excellent temperament who
would enjoy just lounging around the house as well as going out to
play.

I am also looking into local rescues and such, but I would like to
know some reputable breeders in the area as well. This would be my
first dog.

Thanks in advance for any help or guidance!

Mark Mann wrote:


> I am also looking into local rescues and such, but I would like to
> know some reputable breeders in the area as well. This would be my
> first dog.
>
> Thanks in advance for any help or guidance!

Have you been to any local dog shows? That may be a good
place to start. I would think there would be an abudance
of GSD's in the rescues in your area as well as shelters.

But if you go here you can find out when and where the
next show will be in your area.

www.onofrio.com

There is a breeder I often recommend who does breed
black GSDs, although not for color it just occurs
in her litters. But from what you have described
as your needs her pups would not match.

Gwen