Looking to buy a German Shepherd for Christmas

Yes...don't do it. And definitely don't do it based on the AKC website.

What do you like about GSDs? What do you want from your dog? Just a best bud or personal protection, running buddy? German Shepherds can be great, my favorite breed in fact, but careless breeding has practically ruined them. Health problems,"nerve" problems (temperament), lots of poor examples of the breed out there.

If you like a German Shepherd for what they are supposed to be (aloof, intelligent, hard, moderate to high drive, very stable nerve), then seek out a working GSD breeder. If you just like the look but could care less about the rest, don't get one, or get a rescue.

Anyone who buys any dog from any breeder should insist on health testing of parents. For GSDs that would include OFA hips and elbows at a minimum.

Is the life's expectancy only 7-10 years?

I researched my latest dog for a long time, spoke with breeders all over the states. My dog came from OH, flown down an I picked up at the airport. Serious breeders understand the demand for their dogs, will interview potential purchasers, and shipping is common.

No real tips but they are absolutely incredible creatures.

I’ve had many friends who have wanted a Shepard but have ultimately opted for a German Malinois. She should definitely look into this breed.

Google, "Old World German Shepherd breeders". These are the straight back shepherds and they are much healthier in my opinion.

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German Malinois

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Damn those must be expensive and rare.

Usually, see the less expensive and less rare Belgian Malinois for sale.

Where you located, Van Rich?

I can provide you some reputable breeders in TN for a working line Shepherd. I’m in north MS and protection work has become a passion of mine.

Let me caution you though, be prepared to spend thousands on a dog like this. And be prepared to devote a lot of time (at least 3-4 hours a day, every single day) to a dog like this.
These types of dogs are also not bought on impulse or as a gift. People usually interview several breeders and can wait a year for the right puppy. What you want is for a breeder to ask you what you’re looking for and pair you with the correct litter being breed based on the side ans bitch’s genes, then help you select the right pup from such

If this isn’t a commitment you can make, then there are plenty of good Shepherds that are available for adoption.

(FYI, I see you are wanting a sable Shepherd, those are mostly of the working line breed)

I got my first German Shepherd a year ago. He's really smart and you have to devote time to them. With their intelligence, they get bored easily. My dog wasn't from a working line, but still has a lot of energy. They need lots of exercise and shed like crazy. Mine is short to medium haired and if I don't sweep for awhile my floor looks like a barber shop floor. Escpecially in the spring and fall when he sheds the most. Mine is protective but hasn't met a person he doesn't like. He's freakishly athletic and loves my cat. The cat hates him. Outstanding dogs but are a lot of work too.

3-4 hours a day seems excessive. So my typical day would be wake up at 5 to get ready. Play with him from 6-7 and get an hour in before I leave for work, then I get home at 6 so then play with him until 9. I guess I’ll forget about eating dinner and spending any kind of time with my family.

None of my research says anything even close to this amount. Most say 1-1.5 hours.