Germand Shepherds: Man's best friend

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[Betteboop]

Seriously--the domination issue is important and that's what I want to avoid this time.

[WHATNEXT?]

You can't let a large shepherd have any question who the boss is. If your not breeding get them to a vet. Basic obedience is a must for all dogs but especially large dogs.

[Carry_Okie]

Is there a nobler breed?

It may have been true in the days of von Stephanitz, but GSDs are so screwed up these days it's hard to find one that is worth breeding.

I settled on the Dutch Shephred. Vastly fewer health problems compared to the GSD because it is NOT a pure-bred dog and they didn't mess with the hips. They are bred for temperament and working ability. They're big enough to keep a big cat off me while I'm working and fearless enough to run off a bear or pig without getting hurt. They're smart enough to hold the perimeter and stay to the high ground, although in the woods they are hard to see. The short haired variety (shown) has hair short enough to find a tick and doesn't mat, but the dog can take a 20°F without a problem. They're not afraid of a chainsaw, gunfire, pain, or a falling tree. My bitch defends her property and family tirelessy and never leaves her perimeter (the males need watching unless they are with you). Fast, agile, and a good nose. A KNPV (Royal Dutch Police Force) PH-1 Dutch Shep (or Malinois) is an awesome working dog and a KNPV trial should be seen to be appreciated, but one should NOT get ANY working dog without a job for the dog to do (especially males). Not terribly social unless raised as such. VERY family oriented (high pack drive). The dogs shown are about 80-100 lbs and 24" at the shoulder, bitches are 60-80 lbs. A great replacement for a GSD, but as you can see, I'm prejudiced. :)

[barker]

Most police departments go to Canada or eastern Europe for their police dogs.

Nearby police department has a black German Shepard named Ben. His name is painted on the police car. He's the biggest German Shepard I've ever seen. He's beautiful but I wouldn't want to make him mad.

[Betteboop]

that's exactly why he has to go to puppy school soon and why we are thinking of getting him neutered. He is a sweet thing, but very strong now. He really is a big klutz!!!

[The Wizard]

had them for 30 years, love them, great breed of animal friend

[yarddog]

A few years ago, I had some contact with the PD of a medium sized University Town in the South. This PD had just bought a German Shepherd out of Germany.

I know just what you mean about being big! I have never seen one this large, even on TV. This particular dog was really pleasant and friendly, he was literally chasing butterflys the day I saw him. His trainer told me the dog could be quite vicious when asked to be. The first night they had him on the job, he caught a burgler. By the time his handler got to him, the dog had all the guys clothes torn off.

[SCalGal]

LOL, his bark will be just as deep, and he'll fill out just fine.

[SCalGal]

Neutering will help with the dominance, but you should still find a good obedience class. Puppy kindergarten is offered in some places, too- it's fun, and a good idea, as long as the puppy has all of it's shots first.

[SCalGal]

I've heard of the dutch ones. The german dogs are hard to find- I wouldn't want one of the american bred ones- too overangulated (they can hardly walk) and I've seen too many of them trying to hide behind their handlers. Bad temperament, and it's being bred.

[oyez]

Great thing about Bassetts is their "passive" intelegence. They give you these incredible looks and you know their brain wheels are really spinning behind those eyes. We're on our 5th BH. Our present dog has learned to sit up. Its not a gracefull thing to see.

[Betteboop]

Yes, he's had all his shots--and I did take my last puppy to puppy school and he was fine, except that he was too treat oriented. this one will have to learn with fewer treats--just lots of praise!!!!!

[lodwick]

Rainbows Bridge

For those who've loved and lost their best friends. JL

[Incorrigible]

"Mmmmmmmm.  That German Shepard was tasty!  Time to play with the kids."

He's doggone huge! America's biggest dog.

[SCalGal]

Start with treats and gradually get rid of them... sometimes you have goodies, sometimes not... and then, not.

[freekitty]

Go for it. Shepherds are the best. Mine was black and she was friendly, intellegent, stubborn and protector to the end. What a great dog. Will always have a Shepherd. Don't ever give in and good luck.

[red-dawg]

I would post a pic but most of the pics posted here look like mine. Mine is a 130 lb. loveable,loyal goofy fuzzball.
All of his littermates have gone to the TX border patrol and various TX police departments around the state.
I got him from a friend/breeder of champion Shepherds for nothing.
(He owed me...)
He sold the rest of them for $350.00 apiece. I got to meet one at the border and she was a cutey.

[Brad’s Gramma]

. But, will his bark be higher pitched????

I have no clue, but I had a mental image of some dork trying to break into your house, thinking he's only going to come up against some little thing....and is greeted by those teeth. MAN, those teeth are something else...

[red-dawg]

Why is it the female GS is always the MEANone?
My friend kept one from a previous litter and I am one of three on this planet that can touch her
without coming back with a stump on the end of my arm.