German import - Page 2

I've imported several puppies from Slovakia, Czech, and Germany over the years.  They all got here to USA in good shape, I was pleased with all of them but one had weak nerves.  I didn't notice any difference in them as opposed to the US bred pups I've bought as far as the much longer flights, they came out of their crates just fine.  I'll never be worried about importing a puppy because of a long flight.

Thanks for the info Alphilips! Which airline did you use?

I've imported from Czech Republic and Very Recently Germany, dog from Czech
Republic had no problem in transition as I worked him their 3 weeks Prior  so we already
had Bonded. The Dog From Germany had Upset stomach for 36 hrs, after that he
was fine also.
                      I think the key is to check out  your Kennel/Breeder as Much as Possible
and if you don't feel comfortable move on. I Have found these relationships to be very
beneficial. Most people abroad want to create and maintain a good re pore here in the States.
                                I still think a written contract of some sort is a must  ( which I got from
Both).  I did see a similar dog here in the states that I was serious about buying . Although
the price was 4X as much as I paid going abroad, and the kennel although highly known for
great Working dogs here in the USA, they had some issues that I couldn't get past.
                  #1 Issue that I always stay away from is poor customer service even before the
sale takes place or hearing several Past clients say that they don't return my calls or ignore
problems when they arise.  All in all Their are great dogs on both sides of the ocean, Only buy after
you do all your homework and you get that warm and Fuzzy feeling...lol :-)

Border11

Oh...used Lufthansa from Germany very good and helpful..............
 From Czech-Republic used Czech Air (associated with Delta team)
                                     

I purchased my import dog on a verbal agreement over the phone with the breeder directly.  I typically dog not target a kennel spedifically, I target the pedigree and hunt down breedings from dogs I like.  The two pups arrived healthy and well.  Shipping actually cost more than the price of the puppy so I purchased two and paid 100EU extra for the extra pup to be put in the crate (shipping).  I used GK (for shipping) and was very pleased with them.  The absorbent material used in the crate kept the pups pretty clean, and I think they must have let them out because there was no feces in the crate.  I kept the pup I liked best and sold the other pup for what I had in her (lucky for that person, they got a deal based on pup prices I have observed here in the US). With that said, there are also very nice dogs here as well.  I am getting an American bred GSD (from European working lines) and am excited at the prospect of his working ability.   

@Border- When did you import last?  When I was calling in September of 2010 Lufthansa told me I had to go through a shipper and that they no longer dealt with animals (meaning the third party company would do everything, at least in Germany).  Any other dog I have brought back has been a "companion" and flown with me on the flight.  I think it would have been cheaper to deal with the airline directly.  Just curious.  

Both bitches I have imported (Germany and Czech Republic) came by way of Lufthansa Cargo last spring... I provided a writen contract of the seller and they were more than happy to sign it. It all went very smoothly!

Both bitches I have imported (Germany and Czech Republic) came by way of Lufthansa Cargo last spring... I provided a writen contract of the seller and they were more than happy to sign it. It all went very smoothly!

Bloodlines, i had some in other dogs and wanted more so I went to the source.  Very happy with my decision.

Sounds very Good!

             When your serious you'll be surprised how accommodating the
good breeders/kennels can be abroad. Sounds like allot of great Dogs are coming
from Europe with many good reports of smooth transactions.
Heidi I just Imported  1-28-2011 so I can say this was pretty recent. Lufthansa was great
to deal with and if the breeders sets the dog up right
many times their is no mess in crates(adult dogs ), Never imported pups yet.
 I haven't heard of any huge problems. I"am also very Happy with
My descion and tend to look abroad 1st Now and hope to repeat with kennels
that I have re pore with. I have also helped sell  a few dogs that Have now  been imported into
the USA as They usually call me for a reference (Clients looking to buy here in the states).

                                    My toughest thing is always US Customs as they can make for a bad day
make sure you have all your paper work , and just be nice to them even when their rude:-).
The usual thing I here from them "whats wrong we don't have enough German Shepards here
in the USA?"

Border11

Yeah, customs can be a drag....that's what made me look right here in the US for my new pup...and I'm quite happy with both decisions:-)