is a german shepherd a good breed?

Answer 1

great dog.........a little headstrong.......wants to be the boss.............

Answer 2

That's really like asking, "Are Germans nice people?" There really isn't one set answer.

German Shepherd Dogs that are bred to the standard in all aspects, including temperament, can be absolutely wonderful dogs. They can be intelligent, they are very versatile, and they can be loyal and protective companions. They can also be headstrong, destructive, and quite a handful. They can require a lot of exercise, both physical and mental.

I'm saying "can" because dogs are individuals and not all dogs are created equal. Because German Shepherds are so popular in the United States (they were the #3 most registered dog with the AKC last year), there are many backyard breeders who pump out puppies that may have questionable health and temperaments. Some problems in dogs such as aggression and fear can be genetic and the results of bad breeding.

If you plan on getting a German Shepherd, really, really do your research about the breed, different breeders, and different rescues. A rescue would be your best bet in finding a dog that will fit your requirements as most rescues keep their adoptable dogs in foster homes and can tell you about their training, behavior, how they are with kids and other dogs, etc.

Also, you may want to consider that German Shepherds are often included in breed ban lists. It's very difficult to find a home if you're renting, or to get insurance whether you're renting or own your own home if you have a GSD.

Answer 3

I show and own them and work for a kennel that breeds them, you need to be very carful of backyard breeders, they will do anything to get there hands on that green if you know what I mean. They are in my opinion the best dogs you could ever own, however you have to be ready for a dog that sheds a lot (depending on the coat type) and if you get one as a puppy or adult for the first week or so they will test you and try to take advantage of you!! They know the diffrence between the owner and the newbi. They will love you for ever and don't enjoy being away from there owners, you can expect and huge welcomeing party at the door when you come home lol. They are dogs that seem to forget that they are not the cute little 10 pound puppy that could sit in your lap 7 months ago lol. They a big and often scary looking to people who don't like dogs. They will gaurd you with there life. If they sence danger they will protect you and your famialy.
They often attach to one person rather than a famialy but they will protect anyone who lives with them. They are big on jumping so I highly suggest training classes right when you get it. They can bark a lot or they don't bark much at all that depends on the dog. Don't buy one from puppyfind.com if you know whats good, If you friend still has puppies you may want to see that the parents are OFA regesterd so you will know that your puppy's hips and elbows will be ok. I highly suggest a temprament test on the parents as well. Also you may want to have the parents tested for Panis, it is an eye desise and is genetic. The dog can go blind if they have it. It is ussually detected by the age of 5 years old but it can take longer sometimes. GSDs do have plenty of health problems along with being a great dog! A lot of them die from bloat and scientists are still trying to figure out if that is genetic. Hope all this helps!! If you have any more quesitons feal free to e-mail me!!

Answer 4

German Shepherds are the best of the breeds in the right hands but the worst of the worst in the wrong hands. You need to be willing to TRAIN TRAIN TRAIN. You need to make sure the breed is the right fit for you. Look up the breed standard on the AKC website www.akc.org or go to the german shepherd dog club of america www.gsdca.org and look there. Go to a reputable breeder who does health clearences. A breeder who also shows their dogs is also a VERY good choice, they work for the betterment of the breed and breed to the standards of the breed. Just because they breed for show quality does not mean that all the pups are going to be show dogs and you could end up with a VERY VERY nice pup unlike what people often end up with from a pet store or a back yard breeder. If you have questions or would like helping to find a reputable breeder in your area please feel free to contact me via my website.
http://sites.centralpets.com/mammals/peakesbrookgsd/index.html

Answer 5

I agree with Shepherd. They are extremely wonderful dogs, but they do need A LOT OF SOCIALIZATION and they need a strong person to look up to as the pack leader. Once that leadership is established, then there are usually no problems.
Please, please do your research on the breed. You need to buy from a reputible breeder and make sure that the parents are OFA certified ( for hip displaysia) as well as other diseases the beed to prone to.
Another important thing is to make sure that they recieve training from the very first. I start training my puppies almost as soon as I get them home. The very first thing that I teach my dogs is to SIT before it gets fed. This is great because it is safer to put food down, but it also teaches the dog that you are the master!!!! The other things that I teach my dogs right away is to COME ( I sit on the floor with them and just play and bond with them). I also call them and just love on them!!!!! They think that they have done something really great. Make sure that you always praise the puppy for coming - other wise it confuses them and they will not associate COME with something good. It makes for a very loving and nurturing relationship. I teach my puppies OUT ( to go out of a building, out of an area, out of a car, etc.) I teach my dogs the command LOAD UP ( load up into a car, truck, etc.).
Another thing that my dogs know is the command LEAVE IT. LEAVE IT refers to leaving something alone - whether it is another animal, food, any thing that you don't want them to touch.
While all puppies are cute, German Shephers can be BIG dogs. My male is 103 lbs and my female is about 85 or 90 lbs.
There is a temperment test that breeders will give all of their puppies to see what kind of a personality they have - from very dominent and do not do real well with human companionship to the puppy who is extremely timid and might end up being a fear biter.
It is very important to make sure that you are paired with a dog that is compatible to you and your life style as well as temperment. Do not get a dog the is dominent wif you are not a strong person as this dog will try to take over the leadership role.
Good luck with your choice - make sure that you do your homework so that the dog doesn't pay the ultimate price - going to the pound because the owner was not responsible and did not teach the dog to be a well behaved, and socialized.

Answer 6

I think GSDs are awesome dogs! (Obviously -- I blog about them!)

That said, there are a few things you need to be aware of before getting one. First, I agree with everyone on here who warned about health problems. The ONLY way to improve your chances on this count is to do your research and refuse to purchase a puppy from a breeder who does not do appropriate health testing! DON'T accept excuses from breeders -- see the paperwork for yourself.

Second, temperament is a big issue in shepherds, as many are bred to be too intense for the average pet home. Be prepared to visit lots of breeders -- if you don't like the behavior you see in the parents, you won't like the puppy! Of course, proper socialization and training is essential, but try to give yourself a head start.

Below is a link to an article I wrote about 10 reasons you might NOT want a GSD:

Answer 7

if you want a dog who` 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 be right for you.

IF you dont 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
A German Shepherd may not be right for you

Answer 8

For me, GSD are the best! But you have to research them and make sure they are a good match for you and your lifestyle. GSD are very loyal and bond deeply. That means you will need to plan to make this dog your best friend and find ways to include him/her in many of your activities.

They can also have a strong tendency to be alpha. My female GSD is the bossiest dog I ever had and I have to be very firm with her or she tries to take over.

They are an extremely intelligent breed as well. Don't let them see you open a gate if you don't want them to figure out how to do it. We have to be careful what we let my girl see us do :)

Sadly they do have many health problems. One of the worst being degenerative myelopathy. I lost a precious pup to that and it was heart breaking. It usually doesn't show up until the dog is 7-9 yo and there is no cure and not a lot in the way of treatment. There is now a genetic test for it called the Flash Test. If you get a GSD I highly recommend you get them Flash Tested. If they are positive (current data suggests approx 10% are positive on it) it will greatly benefit you to know that as early as possible as there is a protocol for it that helps some and the earlier you get them on it the better chances of it helping.

I would recommend ALL GSD owners have their pups Flash Tested. It is a simple blood test. Not all vets are aware this test exists yet. I promise you that you do not want to have to go thru this insideous disease that slowly paralyzes them leaving their minds intact.

Hopefully you are going to adopt and save a life, but if not, please do not purchase a dog from a breeder unless they can show you a negative Flash Test. Many of them will claim they never heard of DM and/or it is not in their lines. I have heard that story before and wouldn't believe it for a minute. If they have really never heard of it they have no business breeding.

Good luck finding the right breed and dog!

Answer 9

Depends on your lifestyle.

They're high energy
Loyal
They need lots of brushing as they're shedders
They're the type of dogs who enjoy having a job to do, so you'll need to make sure you keep them active.
They can be very friendly
Easy to train...
They like bigger yards...

Ask yourself...

how much time do I have to devote to a shepherd?

Do I have kids in my house?

Do I have time to train my dog?

Do I have enough money set aside for emergency situations in the event I lose my job or if I fall into hard times?

Do I have the energy to keep up with my dog

Am I willing to meet the grooming requirements.

take a look at the information sheets on the GSD and see if their personality meets yours

http://www.germanshepherds.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Shepherd_Dog
http://www.akc.org/breeds/german_shepherd_dog/index.cfm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/germanshepherd.htm

that's where to start!

In my personal opinion, I love GSD!

Answer 10

Yes they are a good dog, we had a german shepherd when we were younger growing up...awesome family dog never ever did anything wrong towards us kids but if someone was play wrestling with us, our dad or uncle ect..he would growl and warn them to back off so a very good protector too but never aggressive to strangers just barked and that kept them in their cars but he was super nice but a good protector if needed.

Answer 11

I recommend researching the breed thoroughly because although they are great dogs they are not suited to all types of owners. They are a very intelligent breed that needs plenty of exercise and something to do, be it obedience, rally, schutzhund and etc. because a bored GSD can be very destructive and they need a strong owner because without one they can become unruly, aggressive and hard to handle. They also need lots socialization, you need to let them get to know the world they live in so they will not be fearful of new things. They need training because they are very smart dogs and they will try to outsmart you so you need to teach them to obey you and you need to be a fair leader so the dog will respect and listen to you.

GSDs have some health problems such as Hip Displaysia, Pannus, Bloat, Pancreatic Enzyme Insufficiency, Cardiomyopathy, Skin allergies, Pyotraumatic dermatitis but if you research the breeder you buy from, health concerns will not be a big issue because reputable breeders do all testing to ensure healthy dogs. The average life span of a GSD is 12 years.
All dogs, regardless of breed, need ample attention especially as puppies to ensure they become well mannered and confident companions.