I am interested in getting a dog for the family. I really want a Shepard since they seem very intellegent and friendly. What is best for an outside dog who is protective and great with children? Oh and where can I get the larger breed of Shepard or the true German-German Shepard breed? Only in Germany??
2006-09-01 03:45:49 · 14 answers · asked by lululala 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Try this website
http://dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm
Answer a few easy questions and they will suggest a breed that is right for your life style.
2006-09-01 03:56:59 · answer #1 · answered by A Great Dane Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
German-Shepard is a good choice. However, since you have children, make sure you do not get one that's aggressive. It is said that it takes three generations to breed the aggressiveness out of a dog. It is best that you take a look at the parents of the dog you intend to buy. That will give you a good indication if this dog will be good with children. Another great choice is lab. You might want to consider labs. They are very intelligent and loyal, plus they are good with children.
2006-09-01 03:54:58 · answer #2 · answered by HW 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A german shepherd is a great breed, but they are dogs with strong personalities and are best with people who have experience with dogs. Also, a dog who is kept outside is never going to be a member of the family, they rarely get the attention they need, so how could they be great with kids? Dogs have been turned into companion animals by humans and don't do well when they're relegated to a yard, rather than being with their family. There are quite a few breeders of german shepherds who advertise that they have German lines so they're available in North America.
2006-09-01 03:53:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
German Shepherds are a wonderful breed, I'm actually thinking of getting two of them. I would look up the AKC, american kennel club for more specifics on the breed and even a list of breeders in your area.
Also most large dogs usually have problems with their joints, One poster suggested a mastiff, they're good as well but drool and it's a b'tch to get it out of your furniture, clothes and carpets as well. Basically they're a towel dog. But every breed has their own little problems, with special foods, vits. They're pretty good to go.
Anyway if you do look up breeders they should have papers on their breeding dogs, health, stats and they should be AKC registered, if they're registered it means they're a pure breed. And any really good breeder if there's any in your area should have no problem with you visiting them to look at the pups, most of the time they prefer trying to match personality of the pups to the owner. If you are able to visit you also have a chance to see the parents, the surroundings they're from and can ask questions on the breed, how they trained their dogs, what they feed them, what vet they use etcetc. Just don't be afraid to ask questions.
Anyway good luck and have fun!
2006-09-01 04:03:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You ever heard of a bull mastive (sp) They are huge, no one will bother your house ever and they are very loveing, i just wouldn't advise your child to call him into his lap ha they are huge!!
Huge and wonderful dogs great for family and protection.
German shepards are a wonderful breed but i have heard bad thigs about there physical body. They age quikly w/ there bones arthritis and what not. But are beautiful protective dogs as well.
On another note u may want to consider making your dog an inside one so it can truley be a part of the family.
2006-09-01 03:55:08 · answer #5 · answered by Becca 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a big dog. You need to make sure that you have room for it, are able to exercise it regularly and if you have children, that they will be comfortable around a large dog.
I have a border collie who isn't quite so big but is phenomenal as a family dog. They need a huge amount of walking so that they don't get bored, but are very affectionate and intelligent enough to quickly learn what they can and cannot do around the house.
2006-09-01 03:53:22 · answer #6 · answered by eponymouswhitey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I prefer Labradors but shepherds are great also.. thus, I would stick with either the Shepherd, collie or Labrador. No, you do not have to go to Germany to get a German Shepherd.. You can go to:
a) your local vet who has knowledge of where animals can be obtained
b) Check the pet section of your local newspaper
c) Go to the City Pound tdo look ford a German Shepherd(that is where I get all of my animals)
2006-09-01 03:51:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No dog should be an outside dog! That's not a pet... they're pack animals and want to be with their human "family," not stuck outside all day and night. Skip the dog and get a fish if you're worried about the mess.
2006-09-01 04:10:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are very few breeds of dogs that do well being an "outside dog". Most dogs are social animals who belong with their pack and will develop serious psychological problems if forced to live seperately from their pack (aggression, self-mutilation, nuisance barking etc...).
2006-09-01 04:37:36 · answer #9 · answered by tenzo0 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
GS's are great, but not an easy dog to own. There are A LOT of breeders out there, and easy to find. Make sure you do lots of research, and investigate the breeder carefully. There is also lots of places where you can take quizzes online to see if a dog like that will be compatible with your family.
http://www2.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm
2006-09-01 04:00:47 · answer #10 · answered by bon b 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very good choice. You should be able to get hold of them anywhere. I am in South Africa and have two and denitely not from Germany. Onother good dog is a Labrador. Excellent with kids and very protective.
Good Luck.
2006-09-01 03:49:51 · answer #11 · answered by robsnor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋