I also grew up with GSD's. I have a soft spot for them.
In fact I almost got a GSD from Winifred Strickland "Wynthea Kennels" but
I decided not to go out of state and waited for one from
a kennel in Northern CA. I can't remember the kennels
name anymore. That fell through and my back up was an akita breeder whom I met a dog show.
That is how I got my first Akita.