German Shepherd Ownership



Here's my take.
German shepherds are fantastic dogs and companions, as well as fearless guard dogs. The problem is you get far too little time with them in good health and then you have to toy with the inevitability of being kind to the animal with the needle.

Not to mention moulting and regular grooming.

I wish dogs lived much longer lives without issues.
I've always wanted a German shepherd dog but the longevity and problems they seem to have has always stopped me.

I don't just want a dog for 8 or 9 years of fit and then have to watch it deteriorate in a few more years.
I've toyed with getting another dog ever since my border collie/alsation cross was put to sleep.

If I ever got another dog it would be a rough and ready little terrier or something along those lines.

Oh and close to hypoallergenic.
On the one hand I want a big dog but it would have to be a long living dog that are not prone to bad issues and do not massively shed...but on the other hand I'd like a terrier. Either way I wouldn't want to pay big money.
I'd have a mixed breed type, like a mongrel type.

The type of person I am though, if someone came with a puppy and said it needed a home, I'd home it, no matter what. So although I'm fussy in one way, I'm a sucker in emotion for pets...especially dogs.
 
damok666 said:
Do it mate. They’re amazing pets. We’ve just had to put down our eldest last week at 15 year old. They’re amazing with kids, so gentle and protective. They soon learn to be house trained.
Although it’s been a heartbreaking weekend for us she was totally worth it.
The only bad point I can think of is shedding hair during the twice yearly moult.
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Thanks mate. I love GSD - my auntie had them when I was a kid and they were always brilliant with us, but also fantastic guard dogs
 
Finest breed imo, would love another one or two tbh but I promised myself after the last girl went I was having no more, still miss the big soft shite 15 years later.
 
BlackOps said:
Possibly look at a malinois as an alternative. Shorter hair usually which is better for molting and a good looking dog. Are unbelievably adorable as a puppy
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You’re recommending a Malinois for a first time dog owner? I couldn’t see a reputable breeder allowing that, great in a working environment but not really suitable for the average household.

Champdogs is where most of the KC breeders use, as this is the only site I know that actually checks and approves the adverts and checks that Sire and Dam have had the relevant health tests required for that breed. For example they wouldn’t let a Dalmatian breeder advertise unless both parents had full hearing and the relevant BAER certificate.

As somebody alluded to earlier there are two factions within the GSD world, the Germanic lines which follow the curved top line and then those that are breeding toward a more level topline. The two sides hate each other and there are those on both sides breeding to the extreme, the real feel that somewhere in the middle would be best.

I can put you in touch with a friend in Staffordshire who has been breeding GSDs for years, don’t think he has anything on the ground just yet, but I’m sure he could possibly help in your search. Remember at the minute the price of a puppy has gone through the roof, everybody is suddenly a breeder, the litter of Dalmatians I have just had a pup from me (all health testing, KC assured and inspected breeder, all paperwork, etc.) were £1250 where as Back Yard Bob has put together two random Dalmatians, popped out a litter, no experience, no hearing test, no papers and they are selling for £3000 and people are paying it. It is the one area where more expensive does not necessarily mean better, the pups may be perfectly fine and healthy but that would be more by luck than judgement.

Pedigree German Shepherd Dog Puppies for Sale - Champdogs ®

Find the best Kennel Club Registered Pedigree German Shepherd Dog Puppies at Champdogs - The pedigree dog breeders website.
www.champdogs.co.uk
 
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DisillusionedOldGit said:
Guess who's going to end up taking out for a shit every night , and oh .get some big plastic bags .
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Oh I've already made my peace with that. My initial objections last year were a) uncertainty re working [my job and missus' plans], b) new house and the desire to not have it covered in piss shit and muck, c) despite their promises, I absolutely know 100% that I will be the one taking it out at 6am on a wet February morning
makumstu said:
You’re recommending a Malinois for a first time dog owner? I couldn’t see a reputable breeder allowing that, great in a working environment but not really suitable for the average household.

Champdogs is where most of the KC breeders use, as this is the only site I know that actually checks and approves the adverts and checks that Sire and Dam have had the relevant health tests required for that breed. For example they wouldn’t let a Dalmatian breeder advertise unless both parents had full hearing and the relevant BAER certificate.

As somebody alluded to earlier there are two factions within the GSD world, the Germanic lines which follow the curved top line and then those that are breeding toward a more level topline. The two sides hate each other and there are those on both sides breeding to the extreme, the real feel that somewhere in the middle would be best.

I can put you in touch with a friend in Staffordshire who has been breeding GSDs for years, don’t think he has anything on the ground just yet, but I’m sure he could possibly help in your search. Remember at the minute the price of a puppy has gone through the roof, everybody is suddenly a breeder, the litter of Dalmatians I have just had a pup from me (all health testing, KC assured and inspected breeder, all paperwork, etc.) were £1250 where as Back Yard Bob has put together two random Dalmatians, popped out a litter, no experience, no hearing test, no papers and they are selling for £3000 and people are paying it. It is the one area where more expensive does not necessarily mean better, the pups may be perfectly fine and healthy but that would be more by luck than judgement.

Pedigree German Shepherd Dog Puppies for Sale - Champdogs ®

Find the best Kennel Club Registered Pedigree German Shepherd Dog Puppies at Champdogs - The pedigree dog breeders website.
www.champdogs.co.uk
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Thanks. Good advice. And yeah, if you don't mind providing contact details for your friend, that would be a great start
 
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TopCat said:
Oh I've already made my peace with that. My initial objections last year were a) uncertainty re working [my job and missus' plans], b) new house and the desire to not have it covered in piss shit and muck, c) despite their promises, I absolutely know 100% that I will be the one taking it out at 6am on a wet February morning

Thanks. Good advice. And yeah, if you don't mind providing contact details for your friend, that would be a great start
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OI got two black labs as a result familial pressure . I ended up doing the lot, food, vets bills, shit duty . When they got oland were clearly suffering I had them put down . It was 5 months before anybody noticed . (they hadn't live3d in the house) .
 
TopCat said:
Oh I've already made my peace with that. My initial objections last year were a) uncertainty re working [my job and missus' plans], b) new house and the desire to not have it covered in piss shit and muck, c) despite their promises, I absolutely know 100% that I will be the one taking it out at 6am on a wet February morning
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I know it sounds shit but I certainly don’t resent it. Love taking her out first thing.
 

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