German Shepherds...... Should I get one?

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Hi!! I really want to get a GSD!! But I'm not sure if that's the breed for me. Could you help me out? Thanks!

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Oh, and, are they good in Agility, and obedience, and stuff like that?

[Ewoodward]

Everyone will probably tell you many great things about GSD's, and it's pretty much all true... They are my favorite "purebred" breed...I'm a big fan of "mutts" too though. Anyway, I'm going to cut and paste a previous post of mine that will give you a better view of owning GSD's from a more rounded point of view, and not just the good things about them...
here it is
"I'm "owned" by two pure GSD's, and one GSD,Mal,Husky mix (June 13th DOTD, Pharlap)....and although I think the world of them, I'll be the first to tell you, GSD's are NOT for everbody!!
First, they are high energy animals, and SMART....which means that you either need a good yard for them to run in, or take the time to exercise them DAILY. As for being smart, that also means they can easily get bored if you don't provide them with lots of stimulating mental activities.
As far as grooming, they aren't particularly high-maintenance, except, they do require quite of bit of brushing in the spring/early summer when they blow their undercoat.
Some things you migh consider "downfalls" of the breed (not necessarily all GSD's will have these characteristics, but a good majority do, so you should be aware of these things before considering making one part of your family.):
*high prey-drive (can you say "cat killer"???)
*territorial aggression (this could be a problem if a kid hops the fence to get his ball back...you may be able to avoid this problem if you heavily socialize your dog as a pup, and throughout his life, with other people, kids, other dogs, and sometimes even cats.)(One of my boys gave the water-meter reader a warning nip in the rear one time, after he hopped the fence to read the meter...)
*stranger aggression (part of the loyalty/protective complex thing....also might be avoided through heavy socialization)
*fear biting (also, usually an issue of socialization and training)
*certain health problems common in the breed (hip and/or elbow dysplasia, ect....)
These are just some of the issues anyone who has never had a GSD needs to consider before making one part of your life. They are wonderful dogs, and many have already commented on their virtues. But anyone considering obtaining one needs to realistically evaluate their circumstances, to make sure they have the time necessary to provide socialization, training, mental stimulation, exercise, etc.... Not to mention the MONEY to feed (these big guys and gals eat a LOT more than a lap dog) and provide proper medical care (which may only amount to yearly vaccs and check-ups, if you are lucky, but can end up being medicating your dog daily to give relief from the pains of severe hip dysplasia....or other medical maladies. I'm STILL paying on hip surgery for my baby Chewey that he got last November.) So I guess what I'm saying is that you HAVE TO count your costs (time and money) as part of your consideration of taking on this wonderful breed and integrating it into your family.
Sorry this post is so long...."
Hope I was able to give you some insight.
I haven't done agility with mine...so I honestly can't say...but they are great at obedience...they're very smart and very loyal, and want to please you.

Originally posted by *LabLoverKEB*:
<STRONG>Hi!! I really want to get a GSD!! But I'm not sure if that's the breed for me. Could you help me out? Thanks! </STRONG>

[ July 24, 2001: Message edited by: Ewoodward ]

[Logan]

I think you have gotten wonderful advice already. The only thing I would add is that there are literally thousands of German Shepherd dogs needing homes. If you decide to go that route, I hope you will try to rescue a needy GSD. Good luck with your decision.

Logan

[Sudilar]

Whichever breed you decide on, please go the rescue route!!! You will be surprised at what you can get!! Good luck.

Sue

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Do any of you know any GSD rescue websites? Thanks!

[Karen]

Most shelters odten have German Shepherd mixes
from what I've seen, and often dogs that might be purebreds. Go to http://www.petfinder.org/ , and you can search in your local area. The
following website: http://www.gsd-rescue.com/agsra/
has phgone numbers for regional contacts.

[aly]

We get more GSD's and GSD mixes than anything here in our shelter. And I fall in love with each and every one! It should be fairly easy to find one in a rescue or shelter near you.

[ July 25, 2001: Message edited by: aly ]

[Stenograsaurus]

This dog looks just like my sweet Patience. I'm in shock. I wonder if they're related. http://www.gsd-rescue.com/macy.html

[ShepherdLover]

Well German Shepherds have ALOT of energy. If you cannot give them a job to do, they might not be the breed for you. They're not as active as your average Border Collie, but they do have energy.

They're not (like any other breed) just go into an obedience ring and do whatever you say. You have to train them.

If you want more info about GSD's you can go to my site http://www.geocities.com/iris_gsd/ or this one is very informationitive http://www.geocities.com/babycass7/intro.htm

I cannot give you a site to a GSD rescue in your area because I don't know where you live. A rescue is an excellent place to get a purebred GSD.

[ July 25, 2001: Message edited by: ShepherdLover ]

[Stenograsaurus]

Hey, lablover. Read the post that I have here. Maybe you and catcrazed can work something out with this shepherd.
http://petoftheday.com/cgibin/ultima...c&f=6&t=000112