Are German Shepherd consider mean dog?

Question

I'm thinking about getting a German Shepherd Dog, but, I heard that GSD is mean and is an aggressive breed, is that really true?

Any GSD owner here can gives me some info?

Answer 1

German Shepherds are gentle, loyal and intelligent. Definitely not mean. Like any large breed, they need a commitment to training, a clear understanding of who is the boss (this does NOT mean ever hitting or hurting them - rewards & praise work very well with Shepherds, they have a need to please) and plenty of exercise.

Answer 2

No, but any dog can be trained to be aggressive. I have been around German Shepard's my whole life, and they can be very protective. The one I had when I was a kid, would protect all of us kids till the death, but sometimes would get out of hand with visitors so we had to watch her closely or put her up for people to visit. That was my best friend, she loved to go hunting, and fishing with me (I lived on a very rural farm, nearest neighbor was over a mile away).
I now have a White German Shepard (male) which resembles the one I had growing up (she also was white colored).
The breed is a very smart breed and can be trained in all sorts of task, including law enforcement, military, and seeing eye to mention a few. The 2 mentioned first is why some people may think they are mean and aggressive.
I had one that excelled at escaping the kennel, she learned to open the gate, and could do so in less than a minute if I left the lock off. She made me be a smarter human, by constantly figuring ways to escape.

Answer 3

No, they are wonderful dogs.
If not socialized or trained, they may be fearful and can act aggressively due to their fear.
And since they are popular, there are a lot of breeders that want to make extra money and don't bother to select good tempered dogs that are health certified and get poor quality pups.
People may say they are mean because they are the most common police dog, and many people don't like police officers.
And some people just go by what they see on tv.

If you get a GSD just be prepared for the exercise your dog will need, and the shedding fur.

Answer 4

I would not describe GSDs as an aggressive breed, since a properly handled and trained GSD is a wonderful family pet. However, they big strong dogs and can often be very dominant and if not properly trained and handled, can become aggressive. They are used heavily in police work and obedience work because of their size and strength, their intelligence, their high trainability, their heart and their drive to work. All of these things need to be channeled properly. When owned as a pet, these things need to directed in a way so that you don't end up with untrained, bored, frustrated dominant dog.

Answer 5

It's a very protective breed, and very territorial. Also very intelligent, and they can be real sweethearts. They don't have the same reputation as pit bulls, but they need to have an owner who's calm and who sets boundaries and trains them well. Also an owner who's loving & gentle, but firm. A good owner can raise a well behaved German Shepherd. However, they should never be allowed to run loose outside the property.

I would never own one because I'm not a good disciplinarian at all, and I'm kind of high-strung. A golden retriever is a good choice for me because they're SO mellow. But people are all different, of course.

Answer 6

Mine is very docile and has never shown any agression to anyone. German Shephards are very smart and learn to behave as they are taught. They can be taught to be aggressive or to be great family dogs. Raise on right and you will have no issues. I have a german Shephard mix now and he is the best dog I have ever had. If you are really concerned about temperment then get a shep/lab mix or another mixed breed with some shephard in it. That way you get all the benefits of both breeds.

Answer 7

I have a German Shepherd and she is probably the best dog I've ever had. Like any dog it all depends on how they are raised. You need to take alot of time with it and socialize your puppy with young children and other dogs as much as possible. They also need a lot of exercise, this helps feed off aggression,.

Answer 8

No, it's not true unless you make them that way with improper training or lack of training.
GSDs are wonderful dogs but they have a high prey drive. Prey drive is what can lead dogs to aggression when mishandled. When properly trained and controlled, prey drive will not lead to improper aggression and will actually be a good thing in the way that the dog will protect you.
To control this, you need to start early with proper socialization and strict obedience training. The dog should always know you are in charge. Do not improperly handle your dog with hitting and such, but show you are in charge through the training.
When you do this GSDs are excellent family pets and wonderful protectors.

Answer 9

I have a 5 1/2 month old white german shepherd. She is very sweet. These dogs need to be socialized with as many people and animals, places, noises. They are not an aggressive breed. They are very smart and loyal. Can be protective. You will need to go to obedience class and like I said socialize the dog. Also find a reputable breeder so you don't get one with a crazy tempermant.

Answer 10

Mine is a doll. She is 80lbs half american half german import and 26" at the whithers (over american standard). She is also a working service dog (disability assistance).

A well bred shepherd is a joy to own with a stable temperament and good intellegence. Back yard bred dogs may be great or aggressive or fearful which makes fear biters. It depends on the stability of the bloodlines, the early care the breeder provides and the TRAINING the dog recieves from the new owner. Obedience classes are very important to have a well socialized well behaved friend. They are big dogs and need a firm, consistant, confident handler to allow them to be their best.

If they have a genetically stable temperament the dog they turn into is entirely based on the care and training you provide. Like any dog large or small they can be made aggressive but that is the fault of the owner for lack of training and socializing the dog or deliberatly making them mean by encouraging the behavior.

It IS important to socialize any dog especially large dogs. They need to see a lot of people including kids, bicycles, people in wheel chairs, with canes, with hats, with beards, in uniforms etc. so that these things are not 'strange' or unfamiliar to a dog which can make a dog nervous. The larger the variety of things/people/places/other dogs they are exposed to when young the more they will be accepting of them in the future.

Don't use bullying tatics to train or control and never hit. If you love on the dog one minute and physically assault it the next the dog becomes confused and when you call it isn't sure which you will do which results in dogs that run from you instead of to you. You need to be seen by the dog as the best thing in the world no matter what he is doing, when you call he knows its for something good. Never call the dog by name or use come command to do something he won't like (like bring him in when he doesn't want to come in.) Use come once and then go get him, don't repeatedly call him over and over letting him ignore your first command. Reward him with praise, a toy, treats, what ever he values depending on food, ball drive etc.

Shepherds do shed a lot. Consider that, I use a furminator and brush a small dog off mine daily (well it looks like it from the hair pile lol) They are best as any dog as house dogs but do enjoy a good run & play ball playtime and being outside when it isn't too hot or cold.

Some are also same gender aggressive, so if you already have a male or female dog please consider this when choosing your pup. It's a 10+yr commitment it's great that your asking questions first.