re: German Shepherds as Pets (with cats, small dogs, and kids)

They do shed quite a bit, but not more than the yellow and white labs that I've had in the past. The last yellow lab I had shed twice as much as one of my shepherds, easily.

It really depends on what OP wants out of their dog. If they want a protector that's attached to their immediate family but also energetic and smart, you can't get any better than a german shepherd. But if you want a dog that loves everyone and everything, including the stranger on your property, the cat you just brought home, or the stranger with your kids in the park, then GS are not the way to go and I'd suggest a lab instead.

They are extremely protective of "their people" and don't want anything that might pose a threat between you and them. That is, unless you end up with a giant 90lb teddy bear and titty baby like my male german shepherd. He can't be bothered by anything except getting belly rubs from my wife, that seems to be all he cares about. And sniffing out the bone or treat you've hidden from him in the house or backyard, but then he just lets his sister have it