Can someone tell me about the characteristics of Shepherds?

Question

My family has been looking for another dog and we already have a golden.We were interested in the German Shepherds.We would like to know if they are good pets and if they're good with children/other dogs.The kids are 13 and 9.

Answer 1

German Shepherds are great dogs in the right hands. This is not a breed for everyone. Care should be taken in choosing a breeder because some can have serious health, nerve and temperament problems. Early socialization is a must to develop a stable, confident temperament, they are easily trained, aloof by nature and can be very territorial.

If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or schutzhund (protection), or herding, or tracking, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed.

A German Shepherd may be right for you if you want a dog that is:

Is strong, athletic, and natural-looking
Thrives on challenging activities and exercise
Looks stern and imposing, so makes an effective deterrent
Is exceptionally versatile -- when well-trained, can learn and do almost anything

A German Shepherd may not be right for you if you do not want to deal with:

An extremely careful search to avoid all the bad-tempered and unhealthy German Shepherds
Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
Aggression or shyness toward people in some lines, or when not socialized enough
Aggression toward other animals
Chasing and nipping at things that move: children, joggers, other animals, bikes, cars
Constant heavy shedding
Legal liabilities (public perception, future breed bans, insurance problems, increased chance of lawsuits)
A multitude of serious health problems

Answer 2

the american kennel club web site has a good profiling questionnaire about what breeds are good for your situation. You might also contact the local German Shepherd Dog rescue and ask them about the breed. They probably also have some adult dogs (and/or puppies) that you can meet and introduce to your Golden and your kids.

If you're at all tired of the hair balls (haha), you might consider a retired racing greyhound. They get along with other dogs, and your kids are old enough to know how to treat dogs well.

Whatever you decide, a rescue group will cost you a lot less in adoption fees, you'll have a support network, and you could probably even foster a dog as a "trial" to see how you like the breed. Have fun!

Answer 3

I have had 4 German Shepherds in my lifetime. To me, there is no other dog. They are very good with children. They are also Very protective with you and especially with children. Let me tell you a short story of a shepherd and a child. When we lived out of state, we lived near the bay, off of the ocean. Every sunday when we would go to the beach, there would be a child approximately 5-6 years old with his shepherd. That dog would take every step that child took. When the child would go near the water, the dog would grab the child by the clothes and push him back from the waters edge. There was no adult with them. The best baby sitter we ever saw. Get your shepherd. You will be proud of him or her.

Answer 4

I have had german shepherds as pets since I was a kid. Like everyone has already said, they are very easy to train, very loyal and good with kids if brought up right. They are protective of their people and property. This can make them a legal risk if they are not socialized properly. They are great dogs, just make sure you get them socialized to other animals and people. And as much as I dislike breeders - i would aim to start with a puppy. Having worked for vets and shelters i have seen many many neurotic shephard come from shelters (probally were not socialized properly).

Answer 5

German Shepherds are easily trained, extremely intellegent dogs. They are great with children and very protective of their home & family. Make sure that the puppy has been tested or comes from a bloodline that has had no problems with hip dysplasia.

Answer 6

They need training at an early age, and have a lot of health problems because they have been severely overbred the past 2 decades. Some can be dog aggressive. You want to make sure you pick a very openly friendly puppy from a reliable breeder, and ask the history of hip dysplasia and bloat their past dogs have had.

Answer 7

German Shepards are wonderful pets - and it also depends on how they are raised - as with any dog. I had a German Shepard and my ex husband still has her -- we have a 2 y/o son together who is able to pull on her fur - she is very tollerant of him. So I really don't think that their would be any problem with a shepard and older children. Shepards are wonderful dogs ~ the females are more protective of their family ~ I can say that they are not as laid back as goldens, but all in all they are wonderful pets. (also, but from a good breader, if you need one I can give you the name of one!) hope this helps you with your decision.

Answer 8

well i have a georgus Female German Sheperd they are GREAT pets they are VERY intelligent and great family dogs they are protective over your family and should have lots of space to rome and play and i recomend to have someone to play with ur new pup alot so it can grow up big and strong ,my sheperd will go in the front yard with my other dogs and stand her ground to any unwanted strangers , from ur discription a sheperd sounds like a great addition to ur family,OH! and they're great with kids, good luck!=) keep in mind they will get LARGE sometimes up to 100lbs. i meet one named Bow 125lbs. HUGE! but females tend to be a little smaller , Bow is just big for his size, believe it or not he was the runt in the litter , make sure some one in ur family is strong enogh to handle such a powerful dog!

Answer 9

i grew up around german shepherds and have one today, i think that they are the best dogs to have, 1st because they are good guard dogs and will protect you and your family, 2nd because they are playful and good with children, lol my shepherd licks babies, and 3rd they have a personality and are easy to train.


hope this helps!

Answer 10

You can find some good general information on GSD's here - http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/german-shepherd-training.html

Good luck with your selection.