[Teresa]

I have Ann Mauer come and do mine - she has been evaluating Rottie litters for 30 some years. From two VERY long time breeders, I got quite negative reviews on the Pat Hastings evals - they did not like some of her methods, and she was apparently difficult to work with (and expensive). One breeder was quite suprised when she said "I don't do heads". Not that we are completely a head breed, but it certainly does matter!

I've had many a long discussion with Ann about evals and what you can peg at ~8 weeks, and what you have to wait and see...she's helped me with every litter since the A kids, and I've got back and compared eval to adult in dozens.

I've got eval pictures at 7 weeks plus 2 days (had to be done early due to schedules), and the last set of photos on the table from Wed - at 8 weeks plus 5 days. I do see some changes - I'm including the link for discussion purposes...kinda disappointed to only get two replies. I am thinking that picking the best puppy is one of the most critical decisions (besides picking the stud dog) that you make as a breeder, at least if you are in this for the long term.



Thoughts and discussion welcome :)
Teresa