1. Our family has 2 German Shepherds and they are both equally loyal and smart. One of them has excelled greatly in obedience and we plan to put her in competitions soon.
2. German Shepherds can be prone to hip problems. I would never buy one from a breeder that is selling them for less than around $500. Make sure that you get a health or hip guarantee. We paid $500 for one and $750 for the other and both have excellent hip x-rays.
3. We feed our German Shepherds 1 1/2 cups twice daily. I give them yogurt occasionally to help their coats and supplement them with Glucosamine and Chondroitin once a day for their joints.
Hope this helps. I have owned many different breeds of dogs and my Shepherds are BY FAR the most intelligent and loyal dogs I have ever owned. They really pick up on your emotions. My dog only gets protective if I am scared or uncomfortable; otherwise she is totally friendly and silly.
2007-08-08 17:13:27
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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I too have owned GSDs or mix of my entire adult hood. Grew up with terriers. Shepherds are quick learners and their loyalty is unbelievable. I bought a purebred for $75.00, but without papers. They are an over-bred breed so be wary of the breeder you purchase from. There are many at shelters, even purebreds of all ages available, my little girl is from a shelter although she is mixed. She learned very quickly, I taught her a command a week, all with positive training, more like playing. Try not use a harsh method, especially if they are under 6 mos., they don't usually respond well and may cause some fear aggression. I think the most important thing is to make sure you have enough time to exercise and socialize them. They can be destructive and become aggressive if you don't teach them from the get go. If left to their own, that's when they become expensive, they can remove walls, couches, floors, leap fences, possible become nasty and bite someone or other animals. Be patient through the "teen" period, at about 2 yrs the reward will pay off, they know what you want from them or will have taught you what they want of you. For a dog their size, I don't think they eat alot, mine have even turned down food, not like a lab. They would rather chase a ball than eat!! I can't imagine life without one, I do like other breeds but a german shepherd is unbeatable.
One thing they're pretty steady shedders.
You will be telling someone that asks this question the same thing after you've befriended yours. Good luck
2007-08-08 16:23:14
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answer #2
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answered by gsdmix 2
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German Shepherds are great dogs! They are incredibly loyal and intelligent dogs. I believe that a well bred dog can be quite expensive - I have always got mine thru a shelter, so I'm not completely sure. I have always had shepherds or shepherd mixes and will definitely have another when I am ready.
What I do know is that they are strong dogs and need training. They also need a great deal of exercise. I would suggest seeking the assistance of an experienced dog trainer.
2007-08-08 15:32:41
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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1. Yes German Shepherd's are very loyal, and smart. They learn very quickly and eager to listen to their masters.
2. Well... yes, if you have a budget. If you get the dog from a breeder where the dogs have been known to be exceptional show dogs, then prices could run up to as much as 2000 dollars. My friend has one that she got from a nearby breeder and paid $800. So it just really just depends. But the cheapest I've seen is $600 but maybe you'll get lucky when it comes to price.
3. Yes German Shepherds are pretty big eaters. But not too too much, just what a medium breed would eat.
2007-08-08 15:28:40
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answer #4
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answered by Do you ever think of me anymore? 2
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1: yes, very loyal and most are fast learners.
2: getting the dog: $50-500 depending on where you get it
first vet visit: $65-85 (possibly free if you adopt and they give you a voucher for their first vet visit)
Spay or nueter: $70-150
yearly vaccinations: about $80 a year
dog food and treats: (we'll say your using a really nice dog food) $30-50 a month
toys, training, misc: $100-300
A great companion: priceless :o)
3: Depends on what you feed them. Most dog foods will have suggested feeding amounts listed on them. For a gsd though once they're adults I'd say 1 1/2 cups twice a day for an active dog.
Good luck!
2007-08-08 15:35:07
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answer #5
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answered by theresa b 3
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1. German shepherds are extremely loyal and very fast learners.
2. Well, most dogs are pretty expensive when you add up vet bills and whatnot, but just to buy the dog I'm sure they are anywhere from $100-$250.
3. Yea, it's a large dog so it will eat a lot.
2007-08-08 15:28:29
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answer #6
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answered by [192882] 5
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Yes to all three. They are very intelligent.
They are better when being around children when growing up
as a puppy. You treat it with respect and it's loyalty's tops.
When it gets a little older. have it sent to obedience school
for more training. german shepherds that have grown up with
children do well in being trained as seeing eye dogs for the
blind. Others can be trained to sniff out victims in fire and
rescue operations.
One word of caution though. When feeding it. "Never" grab
it's bowl away. Always call the dog away from it's bowl and
then take it for what ever reason. <}:-})
2007-08-08 15:47:17
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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German Shepherd where I live cost about $1500, but you can find a breeder that might cut you a deal. Mine is super smart, learned quickly, and your vet can help you determine how much to feed it. at the puppy stage my vet recommended 1 1/2 cups of food 3times a day, and at 7 months recommended the same serving portions but only 2 times a day.
they are wonderful dogs and will be your loyal companion, they loved being trained and like high-energy owners, as they are high-energy dogs. they are also a "working" dog and love to have work to do, whether it be a good game of fetch or running around your home or at a park. my pup is my best-friend and she knows it, but be wary they like to jump fences, both me and my husband along with my parents who have one had to install an invisible fence. that's just us not all gsd's are like that though.
best of luck!!!
2007-08-08 15:32:09
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answer #8
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answered by ashley h 1
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Very Loyal and loving!
Mine! personally is not a fast learner, because she is a nervous wreck, and always in a panic to please!
In Massachusetts the price is from$ 500.00 to $2000.00 dollars depending on the background.
No, they don't eat all that much, BUT they have sensitive bodies and skin. SO RAW FEEDING of ground veggies and meat, is BEST. I cannot do that so I feed an Organic product with U.S.D.A. human grade meats, and baked fresh veggies called ARTIMUS, I have no shedding , no smelly dog, good weight control. from that product!
You will need to be FIRM but never ANGRY!!! good luck!
2007-08-08 15:35:04
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answer #9
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answered by bugsie 7
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1. Yes, they are very loyal and protective and they are also very smart. That's why they are used as police and military dogs.
2. In my area they cost anywhere from $250 to $650, it really depends on the breeder.
3.They are large dogs, so yes they eat a good bit, but follow the feeding instructions on your dog food so your dog doesn't become overweight.
2007-08-08 15:26:33
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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