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German Shepherds as Pets (with cats, small dogs, and kids)
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:28 am
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:28 am
Looking at getting one from a reputable breeder in the near future. All the ones I've interacted with in the past have been friendly and it'd be nice to have a bigger dog around. Our house right now has some cats, a Cavalier, and probably some kids in the next few years. I see German Shepherds are actually a pretty aggressive breed statistically so I don't want to get one without doing research and certainly don't want to get a dog that would likely harm a child, cat, or our other dog.
54
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:32 am to jlovel7
With all of these talks of insurance rates going through the roof, you might want to call your insurance agent and see how much your insurance will go up with a German Shepard.
I doubt that it will increase that much. The board's favorite "dog of peace" is probably much different.
ETA: I dated a girl right after college who had a German Shepard. She was afraid to invite me back to her house because she said her German Shepard was fairly aggressive with men. I assured her that I got along with all dogs. As soon as I walked in her house, the dog came and jumped on me (in a friendly manner) and I was her (the dog's) new best friend. We got along great -- which greatly surprised the girl. The only issue I had was that the dog would never let us close the door to the girlfriend's bedroom. She'd scratch at the door and cry until we let her in. Then, she (the dog) would just look at us with almost a sinister vibe. It was clear that she (the dog) did not like my being in bed with the girlfriend.
I doubt that it will increase that much. The board's favorite "dog of peace" is probably much different.
ETA: I dated a girl right after college who had a German Shepard. She was afraid to invite me back to her house because she said her German Shepard was fairly aggressive with men. I assured her that I got along with all dogs. As soon as I walked in her house, the dog came and jumped on me (in a friendly manner) and I was her (the dog's) new best friend. We got along great -- which greatly surprised the girl. The only issue I had was that the dog would never let us close the door to the girlfriend's bedroom. She'd scratch at the door and cry until we let her in. Then, she (the dog) would just look at us with almost a sinister vibe. It was clear that she (the dog) did not like my being in bed with the girlfriend.
This post was edited on 1/24/22 at 11:41 am
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:32 am to jlovel7
They require training, training and more training. Shepards act aggressive, only because they’re really big chickens. They need to be introduced to a broad variety of people, other animals, ect, or they’ll never develop past that stage.
They also shed, constantly.
Great dogs though.
They also shed, constantly.
Great dogs though.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:33 am to jlovel7
Be prepared to do some sort of activity with it every day, they aren’t dogs that do well just sitting around all day especially when young. They need some sort of stimulation or will tear shite up and act out
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:33 am to jlovel7
We have two GSD and a smaller dog. Our male GSD (kept his noonoos) is by far the best of the three with our young daughter. These dogs are smart, loyal, and amazing family pets. Do they bark at the doorbell and passerbys? Yes. Do they actually intend to do harm? No. Except for this one guy at the dog park one time, but that tells me something was off about that dude.
Get a GSD at a young age and they will acclimate to their surroundings. You see them on the list of bites because there are SO many of them so it is basically the law of averages at play.
Get a GSD at a young age and they will acclimate to their surroundings. You see them on the list of bites because there are SO many of them so it is basically the law of averages at play.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:33 am to jlovel7
They’ll be great with your kids. But they will eat your kids friends.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:34 am to Planetarium
We always joke that if an intruder comes in and starts making themselves a sandwich, we're goners. Those dogs are treat/food motivated to no end. 
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:35 am to jlovel7
Never had one with a cat, but had small kids when I had my GSD. Best dogs I ever had, (I had a pair of males) would get another if they didn't shed so much. Great all around dog. Needs plenty of exercise. Loyalty is unmatched by any other breed. Prepare to buy a couple vacuums over the life of the dog. That thick hair will burn it up. Needs brushing every day.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:39 am to jlovel7
most people here will sing their praises. they will post that their German shepherd was the greatest dog ever. that's fine.
i think they are good dogs, not good family dogs.
heres my perspective. i look at statistics and not individual stories.
They can be highly anxious and neurotic breed. They are meant to be working animals and need outlets. On top of that you need to be careful on breeder selection. so many now have such bad genetics from backyard breeders. I see some of these poor things at 1 year old and their hips are so poorly developed i am wishing them luck walking in 5 years.
ive only been bitten (many more have tried) by two dogs in my career, one was a german shepherd. it would later send a woman to the hospital for tearing her elbow open. When i walk into an exam, there are 3 breeds i dont ask "is this dog going to bite me", it "when is this dog going to try to bite me". They are one of them.
so, if your concerned at this point, there are many other large breed dogs that fit the bill with less worry.
i think they are good dogs, not good family dogs.
heres my perspective. i look at statistics and not individual stories.
They can be highly anxious and neurotic breed. They are meant to be working animals and need outlets. On top of that you need to be careful on breeder selection. so many now have such bad genetics from backyard breeders. I see some of these poor things at 1 year old and their hips are so poorly developed i am wishing them luck walking in 5 years.
ive only been bitten (many more have tried) by two dogs in my career, one was a german shepherd. it would later send a woman to the hospital for tearing her elbow open. When i walk into an exam, there are 3 breeds i dont ask "is this dog going to bite me", it "when is this dog going to try to bite me". They are one of them.
so, if your concerned at this point, there are many other large breed dogs that fit the bill with less worry.
This post was edited on 1/24/22 at 11:44 am
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:53 am to jlovel7
There are two in my neighborhood, neither are aggressive to strangers, so worthless as guard dogs. They are, however, hyper, high energy, and just plain nuts. So, enjoy 10x the amount of dander than most dogs and more food and bigger turds. That's the best case scenario for you.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:54 am to caro81
quote:
ive only been bitten (many more have tried) by two dogs in my career, one was a german shepherd. it would later send a woman to the hospital for tearing her elbow open. When i walk into an exam, there are 3 breeds i dont ask "is this dog going to bite me", it "when is this dog going to try to bite me". They are one of them.
My wife is in the same business and says the same thing. German Shepards, Chihuahua's, and Chow Mixes I believe. I know German Shepards are on the list for sure.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:54 am to jlovel7
My sister has one and its a super good dog. Very protective of her family but good. Just train it well and it will be a good dog
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:56 am to jlovel7
Had one nearly kill my dog and attack me. My Dog a pointer needed 19 stitches. I punted the GSD in the face when it came at me.
Dumbitch owner.
Don't own one unless you can handle it. They can be aggressive and are large. Get a lab.
Dumbitch owner.
Don't own one unless you can handle it. They can be aggressive and are large. Get a lab.
This post was edited on 1/24/22 at 11:57 am
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:56 am to MMauler
quote:
With all of these talks of insurance rates going through the roof, you might want to call your insurance agent and see how much your insurance will go up with a German Shepard.
How does the insurance agency know that he bought a dog?
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:57 am to jlovel7
I have one that we rescued at 1 year of age. Sweetest dog I've ever owned. Smartest too. Be ready for hair and a lot of it every day. That being said, I saw a GS kill a cat one day .
I wouldn't pick this breed with young kids.
I wouldn't pick this breed with young kids.
This post was edited on 1/24/22 at 12:01 pm
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:58 am to MMauler
quote:
With all of these talks of insurance rates going through the roof, you might want to call your insurance agent and see how much your insurance will go up with a German Shepard.
Who the frick tells their insurance when they get a dog? They might charge you more but they aren't going to pay shite for the dog.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:59 am to jlovel7
i would think as long as you get one as a puppy, and they grow up living with other animals, and obviously kids, and you show them those are members of the pack, and you're the leader, they will be great with them.
and you without a doubt have to do something stimulating with them daily, or they are going to tear shite up. I go out of town and the trampoline gets ripped up, or the god damn couch, or there's a 2 foot hole in the yard. We have a Husky, but the need to exercise/stimulate them is the same.
and you without a doubt have to do something stimulating with them daily, or they are going to tear shite up. I go out of town and the trampoline gets ripped up, or the god damn couch, or there's a 2 foot hole in the yard. We have a Husky, but the need to exercise/stimulate them is the same.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 12:01 pm to BulldogXero
quote:
How does the insurance agency know that he bought a dog?
When you apply for most homeowner's policies, the form specifically asks if you have a dog and the breed of the dog. They also tell you that you have an affirmative duty to tell them when you get a dog. If you do not have a dog on record and the dog does something that causes damage (like bites someone), insurance will not cover it. And, some will not cover you at all if you have certain types of dogs. Some even have something akin to a "one-bite rule." You just have to check to make sure.
Nerd Wallet on Pitbulls and other "dangerous breeds"....
This post was edited on 1/24/22 at 3:06 pm
Posted on 1/24/22 at 12:08 pm to jlovel7
The best dogs
Posted on 1/24/22 at 12:11 pm to BulldogXero
Some of you have no idea how insurance works.
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