2007-01-15 05:36:37 · 12 answers · asked by MISSY ANN 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Absolutely!!!!
White Shepherds & German Shepherds are excellent dogs. They are very loyal, highly intelligent, and very easy to train. They are great family dogs, great with kids. They are very protective of their owner/family, but when the "boss" says that a stranger is okay the dog will accept them.
"Working line" GSDs can be very energetic and if you don't have the time to do lots of training and exercise, I would not recommend a working type.
White Shepherds tend to be more easy going, more managable by the average person. They are also stunningly gorgeous and typically very healthy (if bought from a good breeder).
Shepherds do shed a lot, so be prepared for that. When looking for a breeder, find one that gets at least OFA Hip & Elbow certifications on their dogs. The breeder should also guarantee your puppy against hip & elbow dysplasia for at least 2 years, and they should guarantee against other genetic defects for most of the dogs life.
If you need help finding a good breeder please feel free to contact me. My website is www.kerstoneshepherds.net
Other good breeders:
http://www.regalwise.com/
http://www.surefireshepherds.com/
http://www.sablerockkennels.com/
http://www.whitestonekennels.com/
http://home.earthlink.net/~standhaft/
http://www.patchworkshepherds.org/
http://www.alphashepherds.com/
http://www.starrshepherds.com/
2007-01-15 05:40:31 · answer #1 · answered by Kerstone Shepherds 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They can be great dogs. First research the breed to be sure that your new dog will fit your lifestyle. They are VERY smart and require a lot of activity and mental stimulation. Training is a great idea for any kind of dog. If you do decide that a German Shepherd is for you, then think about whether you want a rescued one or one from a breeder. Either way, do your homework. There are advantages to both options. If you decide to go with a breeder, make sure that it is a reputable breeder (i.e. both parents on site- check their temperaments, the breeder should ask you a lot of questions about you, your lifestyle, etc., puppies and parents should not look sick, etc. Good luck to you!
2007-01-15 05:45:52 · answer #2 · answered by Lady J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I grew up with German Shepherds and found them to be wonderful dogs: very smart and loving! Mine were never aggressive and all were great with kids, cats, and even my smaller pets. That's not to say all G-Sheps are like this. When looking for a dog, I suggest you check into one of the many rescue organizations around. They have already evaluated the dogs for temperament, potential problems, etc. They quite frequently have young dogs and even puppies, although I personally think an older dog is best (all my G-Shep puppies were terribly destructive chewers). Stay away from breeders!
2007-01-15 05:48:12 · answer #3 · answered by Benilana 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh they're fantastic!!!! I have two, Scooby, and a beautiful white, Jazz (Jasmine)! They're the best dogs in the world I believe. So loyal and protective. They make great guard dogs because they make so much noise exactly when you need them too, they are so soft and just like great, big, cuddly bears. They learn really fast and are very eager, Jazz learned to sit at only 8 weeks old, bare in mind we only got her a few days before. They need a lot of care and are a real nightmare to groom when they get dirty, you wouldn't believe the trouble we have living in a field, oh all that mud!! lol especially Jazz! Sorry I know I'm rambling, but these are just the most fantastic dogs and are so underestimated, you'll have no idea until you have one of your own. just remember though, they need a lot of love and attention, but given the right care, will be one of the best decisions you'll ever make.
2007-01-15 05:45:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are great dogs!!!! I was lucky enough to get mine from the pound when he was 8 weeks old. He was completly house trained in 3 days!!! They respond very well to treat training. I have 3 cats and they get along very well together. He is very protective of my house and my daughter. They are truely wonderful dogs. Also I havent had any problems with him ever being hyper.
2007-01-15 07:14:07 · answer #5 · answered by christy_lee27 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
generally yes, but have guard dog instincts. That means they will attach to you and no one else. Great you think. But you'll have to work hard on socialisation skills and being the alpha leader to avoid nervousness. I had two males in the past. They need to learn confidence and socialisation as early as puppies as possible to accept people and be friendly, and squash the over-protectiveness that can cause aggression problems. and have the boys neutered, it does help.
2007-01-15 05:46:02 · answer #6 · answered by rose_merrick 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
German Shepards are great dogs, but will require a lot of training. They can be fairly desrtuctive if bored and not stimulated. They are very intelligent, but definitely need a lot of your time and effort while they mature.
2007-01-15 05:40:35 · answer #7 · answered by Dr25 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but they need lots of exercise and make sure to get them around other dogs and people. Watch them when they are with small animals and cats.
2007-01-15 05:58:58 · answer #8 · answered by Arlene E 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From personal experience they are good dogs, but tend to be a bit hyperactive. Make sure if you get one that you have the time and energy to keep up with him :)
2007-01-15 05:41:13 · answer #9 · answered by icequeen406 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES! I have owned one for 9 years and they are GREAT dogs!
2007-01-15 05:50:41 · answer #10 · answered by Someone 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋