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Dogs - all types Thinking of getting German Shepherd Help!
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Author | Topic: Thinking of getting German Shepherd Help! |
ChronicHaze Member Posts: 39 |
posted 02-18-2004 02:30 AM
Hi, I've been thinking of getting a German Shepherd for a lil while now, any oppinions and information that you can offer is much appreciated. tks in advance. IP: Logged |
charmedagain Member Posts: 790 |
posted 02-18-2004 03:04 AM
Hiya what a great choice i breed german shepherds and find they are very well mannered and generally a good dog. When getting any type of dog if you buy from a breeder its always best to look around as there are alot of backyard breeders that just breed for the fun of it. Seeing both parents aswell as the pedigree and vet check papers should be one thing you ask to see. A clean whelping area with clean puppies and parents is a good sign. Ask alot of questions if the breeder hesitates to answer anything especially questions about hereditry defects that could land on the puppies then you should not buy from them. Also be prepared for the breeder to ask alot of questions about your lifestyle where you live things like that. German shepherds are very loving and affectionate but can get a little grumpy if they get upset. Mike. boro_lad1976@hotmail.com IP: Logged |
tidpit Member Posts: 23 |
posted 02-18-2004 04:28 AM
Beautiful dogs and extremely smart! This was our familys choice of dog while I was growing up. However this is a dog that loves to work. If your looking for a dog to be a family companion be sure to let the breeder know this, the last thing you want is a Sheperd with real high drive. Those dogs are the ones that aren't always happy in a family situation because they become bored easily within that type of atmosphere. I wish you years of happiness and you won't be disappointed! just be sure to pick a pup that suits your lifestyle. He/she will be a loyal companion. IP: Logged |
Samsintentions Member Posts: 944 |
posted 02-18-2004 04:46 AM
Great dogs. Make sure your doing a complete check on the breeders. Make sure they have had all their tests. Shephards are known for having bad hips and ears. Check their pedigrees and make sure you take the new puppy to the vet within a few days of it comng home. That way if there are any problems, you and the breeder can negotiate. Also read your puppy contracts carefully, and if they do not offer a "warrenty, or guarentee" I wouldn't consider getting a puppy from them. IP: Logged |
MaryNH Member Posts: 240 |
posted 02-18-2004 05:46 AM
be sure be sure you do see both parents and some health checks on them. I adore the breed...always had mixes and my Sadie dog is my first-ever all GSD. And she is plagued with joint problems and now possibly genetic liver disease. She'll be 10 in March. We knew she had bad hips when she was 3 months old - could hear her hips clicking when she walked. X-rayed when she was spayed at 6 mos. and the damage then was pretty severe. Now other possibly genetic health issues have cropped up. She's doing well but with GREAT diligence on my part. She's a great dog, great temperament, and her loyalty to her family is undeniable. And the intelligence of a GSD is amazing - this dog was housetrained in 2 weeks, she learned to sit in seconds...Time and patience and these dogs will bend over backward to please their owners. Research the heck out of breeders and don't jump into anything cause the pups are cute. Get vet references from the breeder, maybe some references from past owners of the breeder's pups. We jumped into getting Sadie and yes it was a BYB situation (before I knew such a thing existed). But in spite of all of Sadie's health issues I wouldn't trade her for the world. She's been a wonderful dog. IP: Logged |
susan_cude@hotmail.com Member Posts: 813 |
posted 02-18-2004 07:38 AM
When I was first married many many years ago! My father inlaw had a GS, her name was Brandi and she was the smartest dog I have ever seen! Very loyal, protective, energetic and sweet. She taught my daughter how to walk! not a joke! she realy did...I was in kitchen preparing dinner, Crystal (my daughter at 7 1/2 mo.) was in the living room on a blanket with toys. I heard her laughing so I went in to see what's up! she was holding on to brandi's mane and walking. Each time she sit/fell, she (Brandi) would lie down next to her and Crystal would grab on, and there they would go again. It was the cutest most amazing thing I had ever seen! just had to share!! Susan IP: Logged |
ChronicHaze Member Posts: 39 |
posted 02-18-2004 12:05 PM
Wow, tks for all the help. I'll be sure to check the breeders and vet records befor i jump into anything. IP: Logged |
dogangel Member Posts: 132 |
posted 02-18-2004 12:12 PM
Wonerful breed!! We are owned by three of them. All of them rescues. Have you ever considered rescuing one? Rescue groups could tell you lots about each and everyone's personality. Then you may want to think whether you want a puppy or an older dog that is already trained? IP: Logged |
ChronicHaze Member Posts: 39 |
posted 02-18-2004 01:25 PM
I heared of rescue adoptions befor, but never knew anyone who had done that, so I always questioned what kind of dogs they would have to offer. But if you welcomed 3 into your home I assume its safe to say, they offer dogs with a good temperment. I'll take a serious look into that option for sure. tks IP: Logged |
puggleowner Member Posts: 228 |
posted 02-18-2004 01:35 PM
Adopting a dog is definately a wonderful option- especially if you aren't ready to deal with the work (and trust me, it is LOTS AND LOTS of work) of dealing with a new puppy, plus dealing with the messes, an older dog from rescue can be a perfect solution. Sometimes these dogs are ones that have been abused, but more often they are just dogs that have been given up because their owner didn't have time, moved away, etc., or often they have simply gotten missplaced from home and have lost identifying tags. I guess the point I'm trying to make is that they are perfectly "good" dogs that can be just as loving as a new puppy German shepards are a popular breed and there are usually quite a few in rescue centers or humane societies. Also, you can many times find shepard puppies or at least shepard mix puppies in shelters as well. Try Petfinder.com and do a search for the breed in your area. Also, adopting a dog is very common- I would say at least 50% of the people on this sight have adopted their dogs. Good luck! [This message has been edited by puggleowner (edited 02-18-2004).] IP: Logged |
ChronicHaze Member Posts: 39 |
posted 02-18-2004 05:02 PM
also, what would be more calm when inside a male or female? a friend was telling me deppending on breed, on can be more high strung than the other. IP: Logged |
dogangel Member Posts: 132 |
posted 02-19-2004 07:09 AM
ChronicHaze, in my experience, I don't think it's a matter of male versus female. Each and every dog has it's own personnality. What does make a difference is whether they're "fixed" or not. I would strongly recommend spaying/neutering if you want to get a pup. If you decide to adopt, then problem solved, since they only give them out for adoption after "the Knife" IP: Logged |
postey New Member Posts: 4 |
posted 02-25-2004 03:43 PM
WHEN WE HAD ONE, WE FOUND THAT HE NEEDED LOTS OF ROOM TO RUN. BE SURE OF THAT, ESPECIALLY IF YOU GET A PUP. IP: Logged |
crazycat327 New Member Posts: 8 |
posted 02-25-2004 09:01 PM
Shepherds are a beautiful & intellegent breed! We always had Shepherds growing up and gave my Father a new pup this past Father's day. Be ready for a growth explosion when you get your pup. Chica was 8 weeks old when we gave her to Dad and she gained an average of 10lbs a month! Everyone teased Dad that he should have called her Grande! IP: Logged |
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