Quote:
Originally Posted by icehog3
Great dogs, I have had 3....My current Shepherd, Ganz, will be 9 in May.
I looked for a breeder who had bred the dogs several generations back, with no "in-breeding". Also made sure that there was no hip dysplacia or cancer in the bloodlines.
As bvilchez stated, training is crucial. Shepherds are strong, smart dogs, but they need to know who is boss. I recommend a local German Shepherd club for training, as they take more time than a PetSmart type class offers.
They are wonderful, loving, loyal dogs, if you train and care for them properly, they are a great adddition to a family.
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Make sure there is no "in-breeding".
I have known people that have had great luck with them, but I also know two who had problems.
My former neighbor had one that touched their electric fence (they think) in the back yard, let out a yelp, ran to the front yard and attacked his wife.
My friend had a very large male that at times would go nuts and you couldn't turn your back on him. If you showed any fear, you were his. He came at me one day and thank God I yelled at him and went towards him instead of away from him. He backed down and never challenged me again.
He did bite a few people and my friend had to shoot him.
Both people paid a lot of money for their dogs and they were fine looking dogs. All we can think is there must have been some in-breeding to make them unbalanced.