Anybody own a German Shepherd?
- Thread starter 812scottj
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rack this.
also, lots of GSDs aren't big into chew toys/fetch/games/etc., so don't be shocked. If you're expecting a dog that's entertained in the same way as a lab, you'll be retrained quickly [laughing]
Waiting to hear from the "Can't believe you would purchase a dog when you could save a stray" types
We had one for a bit. Was a great dog. Dad gave him to a cousin who had a bunch of land.
Nowadays, for me, a minimal shedding dog is a requirement. Wife has allergies something awful. Our boxer even gave her occasional fits.
Not to hijack, but our next pup will be a viszla or another boxer. Maybe a Brittany.
Nowadays, for me, a minimal shedding dog is a requirement. Wife has allergies something awful. Our boxer even gave her occasional fits.
Not to hijack, but our next pup will be a viszla or another boxer. Maybe a Brittany.
German Shepherds are one of about a half dozen breeds that are on insurance companies black lists. You might have some trouble finding a new insurer if you ever want to change. Also most insurance companies will drop you if you ever make more than one dog related claim. Very trainable dogs though, enjoy.
Adam...go German Shepherd or GTFO.
We have a white German Shepherd. Best dog I have ever owned. Great with the kids, easy to train, low maintenance health wise, and she loves to play fetch especially in the snow. She runs circles around our neighbor"s lab...which is also a really cool dog.
She is well trained (even trained her in search and rescue in case a Kaizerette or other neghborhood kid goes missing) but will bark her head off at any animal or human that comes close to our property until i tell her to stop. Then she is friendly to all and gentle as a mouse. But just once i would love to give the "attack" command when certain humans are walking by...but alas I have restrained.
Oh yeah...they shed like a mofo.
We have a white German Shepherd. Best dog I have ever owned. Great with the kids, easy to train, low maintenance health wise, and she loves to play fetch especially in the snow. She runs circles around our neighbor"s lab...which is also a really cool dog.
She is well trained (even trained her in search and rescue in case a Kaizerette or other neghborhood kid goes missing) but will bark her head off at any animal or human that comes close to our property until i tell her to stop. Then she is friendly to all and gentle as a mouse. But just once i would love to give the "attack" command when certain humans are walking by...but alas I have restrained.
Oh yeah...they shed like a mofo.
have a three year old. Really high octane till the last year or so. Wouldn't trade her for anything.Will bark at anyone coming to house though. or not coming to house. or going to their house. or walking by. pretty convinced everyone come to kill us all.
Not all insurance companies, I heard the same thing and checked with my company (Ky Farm Bureau ) they were Ok with my shepherd..More concerned about Pits, Rots, and Dobs, however I 100% agree they will drop me like a horse turd hittin the road if I ever use a claim involving my dogs, any breed dog for that matter..I will always have a GSD... awesome dogs if bred correctly
I never read your 2nd paragraphs in any thread. Usually only make it half way thru the first.
Just busting your balls, man. Relax.
hardwood floors and a swiffer is the win.
i agree, German Shepherd or GTFO.
had one growing up, the only neighborhood "dog" he barked at was a horse.
i agree, German Shepherd or GTFO.
had one growing up, the only neighborhood "dog" he barked at was a horse.
Not every mutt from a shelter is bad, and not every purebred is without problems. That said, our experience was our purebred boxer gave us fewer problems than our adopted mutt. Both were great dogs though.
I just really like boxers and vizslas, and any future family member will be a purebred.
I just really like boxers and vizslas, and any future family member will be a purebred.
We adopted our German Shepherd and Rottie/Boxer mix.
They are unequivocally better than your dogs. TFP.
They are unequivocally better than your dogs. TFP.
Congrats --- I envy you! I've owned 2 GSD's over the years (both are now in doggie heaven), and I'm starting to get the itch to get another one for the kids and for home protection (we live out in the sticks). Pretty high-maintenance and very energetic dogs, but incredibly smart and loyal. I love most all dogs (purebreds & mutts), but I'm a bit of a GSD snob
Not true, at least in my case. And the same goes for landlords. It is extremely variable. Probably the only breed that is "usually" on that list is the pit bull ("Staffordshire terrier" if you're trying to outwit their computer system). Some groups add Dobermans and Akitas. GSDs are on that third tier.
I've never run into issues with insurance, landlords, kennels/groomers, or anything else.
Rep from Travelers told me directly that they would either charge me more premium if I had a German Sheppard/Rot/Pitbull/Doberman or wouldn't quote me at all. He was also the one who told me that you get one dog related claim (regardless of breed) before you are dropped. Of course, that is just one company.
Here is a list of the 11 riskiest breeds. German Shepherd is number four.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/cateyhi...eeds-for-homeowners-and-renters/#6870d55826ec
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Laughs at GSD shedding.
I'm guessing that's a stock photo, but if that's your Chow, it's beautiful. We've had two, great dogs. The last pup I checked on though, they asked $800 so probably no more Chows for me.
Australian Shepherd is best shepherd named after a country.
Mine looked like that one. That one is not mine. I have had several chow mixes. You can get them for free or almost free. Chow Lab is a great dog.
I have owned lots of different dogs. Chows are special. Reminds me of the dog in Gladiator with their dedication to the owner. Best thing about a chow is they are housebroken from day one.
I've definitely grew up around them. Like a lot of herding dogs you have to be a more assertive owner. Herding dogs tend to be very smart and crave a job. If you aren't an assertive owner or if you sit back and don't give them something to do (i.e. Walks, frisbee, fetch, etc) they will make their presence known......usually in he form of destruction.
But agree with all. Great breed and a heavy shedder.
But agree with all. Great breed and a heavy shedder.
I was turned down for insurance by several companies simply for owning Chows. The insurance guy that turned me down owned a GSD. That really pissed me off. State Farm was ok with my pets.
i'm convinced that most of the "bad breeds" aren't necessarily bad because of their genetics, but moreso because they attract bad owners.
^ yep.
Don't bark. Don't smell. No grooming. Independent. Faster than most doggies. Super-intelligent.
Cool racing stripe.
Learn Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
+1
Have both a Rhodesian and a German and they are very different. Rhodesian is super friendly and thinks everyone is her friend - very social. Can leave her with an infant and no worries. Rarely barks or growls but when she does it is legit. GSD is our watchdog and has a bark/growl that can shake the house but he is not vicious and very loving around everyone - will bark at any/everything in the window. Both usually crash around 9pm on the couch like they are right now next to me. Fun to watch them go at it when they play - GSD is stronger but Rhodesian runs circles around him.
Kooky Kats / Kendall Cats,
Damn, I was skimming thru the thread and thought you posted a picture of my dog. He is part RRH and Bull Mastiff so he is not as tall as the dog you posted. But exact color, just a bit shorter and more muscular. Most people are very intimidated by him, think he is a Pit Bull. He never barks, except when playing with other dogs and tries to get their attention. Son's friend could not have him at his apartment, took him in at 6 months, house broke within a couple weeks. Sheds like a mofo, he sleeps with me and the wife every damn night. Big Lug just gets in bed, and plops down and sleeps wherever he wants, most of the time on my damn legs. Would not take $10,000 for him.
My wife after losing our female Morkie and female Chi, swore to never have another dog, she fell in love in a matter of days, it was a easy sell. I told her, " no more little yappers" after spending almost $10k on the two little dogs surgeries and vet bills (if was if they where to fragile in my mind). We had both of them cremated and have their id collars sitting on their boxes with footprints in foam sitting on a accent table. Never thought a dog could replace those two in her eyes, he has.
Damn, I was skimming thru the thread and thought you posted a picture of my dog. He is part RRH and Bull Mastiff so he is not as tall as the dog you posted. But exact color, just a bit shorter and more muscular. Most people are very intimidated by him, think he is a Pit Bull. He never barks, except when playing with other dogs and tries to get their attention. Son's friend could not have him at his apartment, took him in at 6 months, house broke within a couple weeks. Sheds like a mofo, he sleeps with me and the wife every damn night. Big Lug just gets in bed, and plops down and sleeps wherever he wants, most of the time on my damn legs. Would not take $10,000 for him.
My wife after losing our female Morkie and female Chi, swore to never have another dog, she fell in love in a matter of days, it was a easy sell. I told her, " no more little yappers" after spending almost $10k on the two little dogs surgeries and vet bills (if was if they where to fragile in my mind). We had both of them cremated and have their id collars sitting on their boxes with footprints in foam sitting on a accent table. Never thought a dog could replace those two in her eyes, he has.
For the two posters with RRB's, does your dog ever make crying / yipping noises while sleeping or tremble and shake ? It scares the hell out of me, thinking he is having a seizure or something. The vet told me the yipping and crying type noises is probably him having a dream. The shaking or nerve twitches I do not know, I have kind of got used to them, but they still scare the **** out me at times when it wakes me up in the middle of the night.
Ours never makes a sound except when she is playing with the GSD. As far as sleeping noises - none. She is the best sleeper, and when we let her stay out at night she will jump right on the bed and will butt up right next to you for warmth and curl up there all night. Don't know if you can find a better dog - very sweet and great around people. Also, if you work out they are great for running and never get tired. They are also used for hunting lions and keep them at bag until their master is ready.
Oh he is a very heavy sleeper, and snores like a human. He has never spent a night outside, kids did leave him outside from around 2AM until 6AM once, he was sitting there like "let me the eff in, I am not a outside dog, I want my pillow top king size bed." I know one thing for certain, if they do something wrong, never, ever, be harsh with them. Correct them, but only in a soothing, kind way. He is very sensitive and easily upset and feels that you are disappointed in him if you try to be stern or the least bit aggressive to him when correcting.
Have 2 GS/Black Labs. Extremely loyal and wanting to please. Friendly to all people but for some reason don't seem to like small dogs. Also love to chase squirrels and rabbits. They've caught a handful. Only downside is that they shed pretty bad, especially when it's above 40 degrees. Something else to keep in mind is that a lot of GS end up having hip problems. Mine just turned 5 and one has a bit of trouble with hers time to time.
All that said, I'll never have another dog other than a GS or Lab.
All that said, I'll never have another dog other than a GS or Lab.