german shepherds?

Question

are GSD good family dogs? how much exercise do they need? Can some one give me any information on these dogs first hand or research. Thank you so much=)
Some info on me
Me- Medium yard 6 1 ⁄ 2 feet tall, kids over 10, out 7 hours a day sometimes, live in half country half city.

Answer 1

I currently show 2 GSDs, both German line dogs. They are wonderful family dogs and devoted to my 2 boys. They have a lot of energy and do have high exercise requirements. Mine are exercised about 30-45 a day, which could include a walk or just playing ball. They are known to need a lot of training to keep their minds busy or they may get themselves in trouble. I would recommend putting any GSD through a couple of training classes at your local AKC club. Spay or neuter your dog, as an intact male can easily clear a 6.5 foot fence. Regardless of the half country, half city, I would recommend keeping your dog in a fence. I do not believe in letting dogs roam. Especially with a large, intimidating dog.

Answer 2

GSD are great family dogs barring you get them from a reputable breeder. I honestly would avoid the show lines, but go to the working lines. The working lines (again, be careful that it is a reputable breeder) have the correct temperments and are genetically healthier. The show people have unfortunately ruined the breed both in physically and temperment.

Go to the German Shephed Dog Club of American- Working Dog Association (http://www.gsdca-wda.org/) and look for breeders in your area. If you live in the up-state new york or Maryland area, I can direct you to a couple of people with fantastic temperments.

GSD require time and exercise, particularly those from the working lines. You should attend a puppy kindergarten and obedience class. GSD ought to be one of the best family dogs, but as I stated earlier many Americans have ruined the breed. I grew-up with GSD's and chihuahuas- my mother trained guard and attack, private protection, police dogs, problem dogs- and they were fantastic dogs. But again, these dogs were from working lines.

I recently added a GSD to my household and am having a blast with her. I have a 2 chihuahuas, 2 cats and a 2 1/2 year old (but i also have many years experience working with dogs so please keep that in mind). She's a very bright, social dog with a real shepherd personality. I bought her first and foremost as a family pet, but secondly to do working events (herding, tracking) and eventually become a certified SAR (search and rescue dog) and Therapy dog. Even if i did not do these activities with her, she is still a great dog. But, she has a good amount of energy. That being said, she has less energy than a lab or golden. At 8 months old, she is starting to settle down and starting to really think about things in a manner appropriate for her breed.

I would also check out the link i gave you above for information on the breeder, find a reputable breeder in your area and call and ask questions. The breeder should be willing to have a conversation with you about the pros and cons, and let you come meet the dogs. This will let you make a more educated decision.

Answer 3

Ive had a german shep for 7 years now I have 2 kids one 8 and one 14 months "rocky" has been very patient with my son as he was growing up who often tried to ride the dog as he was like a horsey to him. but hes never been aggressive or nipped or anything we had no reservations about bringing our new baby home last year I would never worry about leaving the room with the kids and the dog. Rocky does tend to forget his size though I think he thinks hes a Chihuahua instead of a 150lb shepard.We have a average size home and not a big yard but he's used to being let out to do his thing and stay indoors he can be left alone for quite a few hours without any problems. They do need walks and play to keep them active they are prone to having hip problems and with age they will start to show signs of joint stiffness(glucosamine is a great supplement for them)all in all they can be the PERFECT family dog.

Answer 4

GSD's require a decent amount of room unless you intend on doing a lot of walking with them each day. Great with kids, but they need to be brought up around them. Make sure to get training classes on board right away. They can become bullies if given the chance. They also like to talk as in alert barkers.

I also recommend no rough housing between the kids and the dog. It's not a play toy and GSD's take things way to seriously at playtimes.

I have a male GSD rescue plus grew up with show GSD's. I work with GSD rescue in our area and really like the breed. We actually got our Max as the big dog in the house. I raise cardigan welsh corgis and needed a larger dog for them. Unfortunately, Max is on the loosing end of most things-the cardigans are in control:0) and love to gang up on him.

Here are a couple good sites and Good Luck!

Answer 5

they are great dogs. They are awesome watchdogs, and they usually dont bark unless someone is at the door or there is a reason too. They are usually calm dogs, and since your children are over 10 that would be perfect. They are very protective animals. the only downside to having a german shepard was mine got really bad hip problems, but there is supplements that you can give them if they start showing signs later on in life that will help! I think it would be a great breed to go with :) Good luck

Answer 6

yes GSD's are great family dogs. .....if... they come from a reputable breeder, one who is trying to improve the breed and are concerned with the temperment of the pups, and are well socialized early on. etc.
GSD's are prone to certain health problems, such as hip/elbow displasia, eye problems, allergies. a good breeder will give a health guarantee on the pups he/she are selling and will give you the option of returning the pup if their health isn't good.
there are also different lines of GSD's, there is the German working line, American show lines. and in those lines the breeder will classify their pups according to quality, such as pet quality, show quality etc. and match you up accordingly to your family wants and needs.
as for exercise.....they need to be exercised at least twice a day, they are not couch-potatoes, they are very active. but more importantly they need to be trained and socialized. they are working dogs and love to work, constant training is essential for their well-being as well as it is for you. a bored GSD is a destructive GSD. out of all the different breeds of dogs that I have ever owned my german bred GSD is by far the most intelligent and he was the easiest to train. he is loyal beyond belief, great with my children (who are younger than yours) he will put up with hard loving by my 3 yr old. but yet at the same time he is very protective. I would highly recommend the breed if you are willing to put the time and effort that is needed into a pup.

Answer 7

I have owned 3 Shepperd's, just as any dog they need to be walked also would be advisable to play with your dog ball trowing. Its very important to have your children involved in the walk, and to show your new pal that they are the leaders and he is the follower.Rules will benefit the dog and make for a good relationship.A German Shepperd can be a loving pet for you. This breed can be trained for your needs. Good luck

Answer 8

I got a german shephard when I was three, he's still alive and well! although, he is 8 years old. They love to get attention. My parents are seperated, so when my mom would pick me up from my dads, Bernie, [the gsd] would bark at her, afraid she would take me. Now, I am young, but I am a sucker for dogs and know almost everything about them. Hope this helped!

Answer 9

i had a shepherd for 8 years and he was the best dog. very loyal and protective, especially over my son. they are very active dogs and they do need alot of exercise. they also need to be socialized, around other people and animals. since they are herding dogs, they do not like to be separated from the family. my shepherd was a male and he weighed 130lbs. he ate alot!!!
we bought about 40lbs of food every 3 weeks.
he used to watch over my son when he was out in the yard. he would not let him leave the gate.
if this sounds like the right dog for your family, i say go for it!!

Answer 10

German Shepherds are a good family dog, and they need some exercise they like big yards (^_^)