Considering a German shepherd

[Sulcata_Sandy]

I am a long time Basenji breeder, trainer and professional handler, AKC licensed lure coursing judge.
I am what is considered a "hobby breeder".

Backyard breeder - someone with no experience, knowledge and has two dogs and lets them breed. No health testing, temperament evaluation, no titled dogs to prove quality and that they can do what they were bred to do.

Show and performance titles are TANTAMOUNT to most successful breeding programs. I will not breed any dog that has not completed ALL OFA health testing and has at least one title. I breed a carefully planned litter once every 3-5 years, and my puppies are guaranteed for LIFE. My sales contracts were written by an attorney who also breeds dogs. It is designed to protect the dog, not the seller or buyer. This is what a hobby breeder does.

So decide if you want a rescue or a puppy from a reputable hobby breeder.
Then decide on a breed. I've not seen any quality GSDs in many years. Too many health and temperament problems. If I needed a guardian breed, I'd recommend a Belgian Turvern or a Malinois. I have several breeder/handler friends who have them. I'd be happy to pass on their info.
Most Police have switched to these two hardy, stable and easily trainable breeds.

Wellington and Tom and DEAD ON.

Lastly, when deciding on a breed, please google the breed's national Parent club. For my breed, it is the Basenji Club of America. I am a long time member, and it is an ever evolving source of info, support, events, latest genetic testing, etc etc. You will find breeder referral lists there. You cannot join a national breed parent club without being supported by existing members and voted in. Does not guarantee top quality dogs, but does mean this person is dedicated to their breed and has been involved in the breed long enough to have member support. I can't recommend checking out the parent club sites enough.

 

[Tom]

If I needed a guardian breed, I'd recommend a Belgian Turvern or a Malinois. I have several breeder/handler friends who have them. I'd be happy to pass on their info.
Most Police have switched to these two hardy, stable and easily trainable breeds.

I have to strongly disagree with this. This is my favorite breed. I have three now and have owned/raised/trained 6 of them, plus helping other people train a few dozen more. I call them the supreme working dogs of the universe. However, they are WAAAAAYYYYY too much dog for a casual pet owner. This almost always goes bad. If someone belongs to a training club, and wants dog training to be their new hobby/pastime three or four days a week, and they already have some substantial training experience with "less challenging breeds", then this can work out. Short of all of that, its a recipe for disaster.

Due to lack of training time and/or budget, many PDs have gone back to GSDs as the mals are just too much dog. More officers are getting bitten than bad guys. I equate it to putting cops in Ferarris. Its just too much car. The crown Vic is just right for what they need.

What Sandy? Don't your Basenjis do Schutzhund work?

 

[wellington]

We have almost identical backgrounds Sandy in both dog breeding, showing, puppy contracts, with only slight differences. The one thing I disagree with is the "titled dog". If you have shown dogs, in conformation most of all, you know the politics involved. A conformation titled dog, does not mean anything to its health or temperament or blood lines. If you have enough money, know many, or know the right people, you can just about get any dog titled. An obedience title means more to temperament then any conformation title. An advanced Obedient title means more to the temperament and conformation health too. However, even those titles should not be the only deciding factor.

 

[Sulcata_Sandy]

If I needed a guardian breed, I'd recommend a Belgian Turvern or a Malinois. I have several breeder/handler friends who have them. I'd be happy to pass on their info.
Most Police have switched to these two hardy, stable and easily trainable breeds.

I have to strongly disagree with this. This is my favorite breed. I have three now and have owned/raised/trained 6 of them, plus helping other people train a few dozen more. I call them the supreme working dogs of the universe. However, they are WAAAAAYYYYY too much dog for a casual pet owner. This almost always goes bad. If someone belongs to a training club, and wants dog training to be their new hobby/pastime three or four days a week, and they already have some substantial training experience with "less challenging breeds", then this can work out. Short of all of that, its a recipe for disaster.

Due to lack of training time and/or budget, many PDs have gone back to GSDs as the mals are just too much dog. More officers are getting bitten than bad guys. I equate it to putting cops in Ferarris. Its just too much car. The crown Vic is just right for what they need.

What Sandy? Don't your Basenjis do Schutzhund work?

Interesting, Tom! Maybe it's regional breeders. The Mals up here are just awesome,and I've taken them on as client dogs who travel with me. They are attentive, happy, eager to please. Love the. Belgian Sheepdogs are my favorite of the herding breeds.

The only police using GSDs that I'm personally know of are from their own breeding program with a contracted breeder.

Basenjis for Schutzhund....well, my dogs know German? Does that count? Tom, Sandy is why too lazy for Schutzhund! HAHAHAHA. "PLATZ!!!!" (Tom hits the floor)

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We have almost identical backgrounds Sandy in both dog breeding, showing, puppy contracts, with only slight differences. The one thing I disagree with is the "titled dog". If you have shown dogs, in conformation most of all, you know the politics involved. A conformation titled dog, does not mean anything to its health or temperament or blood lines. If you have enough money, know many, or know the right people, you can just about get any dog titled. An obedience title means more to temperament then any conformation title. An advanced Obedient title means more to the temperament and conformation health too. However, even those titles should not be the only deciding factor.

I somewhat agree. However your average breeder and owner/breeder/handler will be able to finish a dog on its own merit. Even a mediocre dog can finish with the right judges. But it still shows (to me) that dog is probably socialized, mostly meets the breed standard, and has a decent enough temperament to be examined by judges and pleasantly gait around the ring. I've seen top professional handlers try to finish poor quality dogs, or scared/aggressive dogs. That is very very rare that they can finish. I don't consider politics much of an issue in the classes. Now when we are talking group and Best level, of course, that is the game. I play it well. [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES] almost 20 years. Love it.
Performance titles are a must....a JC title tells me the dog is fit and can hunt by sight...as it was bred to, a SC title tells me he can run with other basenjis...proves even temperament. Obedience and agility titles...again, can't complete those with bad temperaments. So yes, I require titles. [SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

 

[Tom]

If they are handled, socialized and trained early, often and a lot, they ARE a fantastic breed. Its just that most people that I have come across that just want a pet around the house, are not going to put the time in.

If they are up there doing lure coursing, obedience and other training, then I can see why you see them that way. You would likely think the same of my dogs.

I'm just saying, as much as I think they are the best dog in the world for a trainer, I don't think they are for everyone. And neither are Basenjis!

 

[thatrebecca]

You guys are such a resource, it's awesome!

In our case, neither my husband nor I has had a dog as an adult, so there will inevitably be a learning curve. As with our torts, we're the types to do a lot of research and investigation to learn how to give them what they need. But while we're committed to giving a dog a lot of exercise and attention, we definitely don't have the ability to take on a super high maintenance dog, nor the interest, time, nor money for showing or intensive obedience training.

In other words, this is not the house for a Ferrari dog. Think, like, a Toyota Tacoma dog, a Honda CRV dog.... You get the idea.

 

[Leopard Tortoise Lover 16199]

I know that German shepherds are very loyal, protective, loving dogs. It sounds like a German Shepherd would be a great dog for you. A couple living down the street from us has one, and it is a beautiful and playful dog. Always barks at strangers but warms up to them when she sees the owners talking to them. Great family dogs, but must be effectively trained. Remember that it is also a big responsibility to care for a shepherd. They need really good training so they're not aggressive as an adult. Most well adjusted German Shepherds make amazing family pets.

 

[wellington]

Although not the most intimating dog, but is very loyal, smart and easily trainable, you can never go wrong the golden retriever. Long hair though, so must be brushed often. The lab, although most do not look like they are intended, is another. Both will be loyal and alert to intruders. Both of course have their own health issues, but that is with any purebred. As for rescuing a mutt, any larger one will make intruders leery of choosing your home, in fact any dog will really and I have not heard of a rescued mutt that wasn't very loyal to it family. They seem to know you saved them and they forever show you their appreciation.

 

[thatrebecca]

I'm a fan of mutts, no allegiance to purebreds. I grew up with hound mix named Maggie who my folks got as a pound puppy before they had kids. Unfortunately she was never given any kind of training -- my Dad used to joke that he and my Mom made all their parenting mistakes on Maggie, so by the time they got to my sister and me, they were perfect parents. Regardless I loved her, and have great memories of her.

Our neighbor has two Goldens who occasionally jog over to our yard with tennis balls in their mouths and hope in their eyes. Their friendliness is helping my cause to slowly wear hubster down. So is the Doberman down the street who barks aggressively at every other person on the block, but for some reason wags her tail at hubster. It's like the dogs of the neighborhood are conspiring with me to win this man over! Well, except the ones whose owners let them leave a giant pile of poop behind.

 

[Sulcata_Sandy]

Then there is always the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Intelligent, gentle, incredible guardian, healthy if you purchase from reputable breeders. I have had many, and some of my best friends across the country are RR breeders/exhibitors.

No hair, no stink, no drool, no overly-neediness of a Golden (sorry, I hate Goldens...after I had one, and work with them every day....gross. Smelly, messy, needy, pathetically in your face, and so many skin and cancer problems...but I'm a Basenji snob....LOL....I like my quiet, independent, zero odor and no hair breed [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]).

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And with that said, the last AKC Puppy Match I judged I awarded Best Puppy In Show to a Golden.

[GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Rebecca:

Regardless of what kind of dog you get, a purebred or a mutt from the pound, plan on making the dog a member of the family. Don't get a dog that's going to be a back yard dog. Get one that's going to live in the house with you and your family.

My dog only goes outside when I do. She's never alone with any of the tortoises. I know she'd chew on them in a minute if left to her own devices. But ever since I've had her, she's lived in the house with me. She is so tuned in to my moods, understands what I say to her and is a very good watch dog.

A dog that lives most of its life outside by itself, with only the occasional visit from the human, will not have the same 'intelligence' that a family member dog has.

 

[TommyZ]

This is where ill probably get barked at (pun intended), but, I have had American Staffordshire Terriers my whole life, aka pitbulls. I would ride my first one, Spunky, like a horse when I was 2 years old. My next, Brandy, was essentially our high school mascot. My current, Apollo, is 90 Lbs of the sweetest, mushiest pupster you know. I recommend pits, find them easy to to train, loyal and loving pooches. Ok...begin yelling at me

 

[Sulcata_Sandy]

This is where ill probably get barked at (pun intended), but, I have had American Staffordshire Terriers my whole life, aka pitbulls. I would ride my first one, Spunky, like a horse when I was 2 years old. My next, Brandy, was essentially our high school mascot. My current, Apollo, is 90 Lbs of the sweetest, mushiest pupster you know. I recommend pits, find them easy to to train, loyal and loving pooches. Ok...begin yelling at me

Did you have an actual Am staff? Curious, because that is a separate breed from American Pit Bull. Both are bully breeds, but Am Staffs are not Pitties. I love both. LOVE them. I have a dear friend who's bred some multiple Best In Show winning Am Staffs, she's getting too old for such a strong dog, so she's switching to Staffy Bulls...which I love even more...freakin cute. I work for a Pitty friendly vet hospital. We see tons of them a day. I want one, but being a renter makes it tough. Plus I'd rather focus on my Basenjis. And my guys won't bark at yah....we are all too good for barking...it is beneath us. [FACE WITH STUCK-OUT TONGUE AND WINKING EYE]

 

[TigsMom]

Thatrebecca; My hubby said "NO DOG" when our kids were little and I soooooo wanted a dog. I found some Golden Retriever puppies and brought one home. Hubby said "WHAT's That?!" to which my reply in my sweet loving wife voice was "Oh this?, this is a new breed it's a "NO DOG" and you said I could have one. Isn't it sweeeet?" ROFL it worked, we had her for a while and until she thought she was a giant termite and began eating our brand new Redwood Deck. I found her a new home with a friend from work and didn't get another dog for a few more years, Hubby picked a full grown Lab Mix that lived down the street and needed a new home, she came complete with 9 puppies! ACK! Hahahahah. Found homes for them at work again. She lived with us for 15 years, we still miss her and she's been gone a long time. She'd been obedience trained and didn't tell me until we went to classes. The instructor got good laughs, my Dog knew every command by hand signals (didn't even need voice commands), all she needed was a choke chain to tell her she was working, her cute cloth collar meant she was off duty. She never barked, but on the rare occassion she did we'd all look at her in shock.

 

[TommyZ]

Re: RE: Considering a German shepherd

This is where ill probably get barked at (pun intended), but, I have had American Staffordshire Terriers my whole life, aka pitbulls. I would ride my first one, Spunky, like a horse when I was 2 years old. My next, Brandy, was essentially our high school mascot. My current, Apollo, is 90 Lbs of the sweetest, mushiest pupster you know. I recommend pits, find them easy to to train, loyal and loving pooches. Ok...begin yelling at me

Did you have an actual Am staff? Curious, because that is a separate breed from American Pit Bull. Both are bully breeds, but Am Staffs are not Pitties. I love both. LOVE them. I have a dear friend who's bred some multiple Best In Show winning Am Staffs, she's getting too old for such a strong dog, so she's switching to Staffy Bulls...which I love even more...freakin cute. I work for a Pitty friendly vet hospital. We see tons of them a day. I want one, but being a renter makes it tough. Plus I'd rather focus on my Basenjis. And my guys won't bark at yah....we are all too good for barking...it is beneath us. [FACE WITH STUCK-OUT TONGUE AND WINKING EYE]

My current Apollo is an Am Staff. My previous two were true red nose pits. My Am Staff if considerably larger than the other two.

 

[thatrebecca]

Thatrebecca; My hubby said "NO DOG" when our kids were little and I soooooo wanted a dog. I found some Golden Retriever puppies and brought one home. Hubby said "WHAT's That?!" to which my reply in my sweet loving wife voice was "Oh this?, this is a new breed it's a "NO DOG" and you said I could have one. Isn't it sweeeet?" ROFL it worked, we had her for a while and until she thought she was a giant termite and began eating our brand new Redwood Deck. I found her a new home with a friend from work and didn't get another dog for a few more years, Hubby picked a full grown Lab Mix that lived down the street and needed a new home, she came complete with 9 puppies! ACK! Hahahahah. Found homes for them at work again. She lived with us for 15 years, we still miss her and she's been gone a long time. She'd been obedience trained and didn't tell me until we went to classes. The instructor got good laughs, my Dog knew every command by hand signals (didn't even need voice commands), all she needed was a choke chain to tell her she was working, her cute cloth collar meant she was off duty. She never barked, but on the rare occassion she did we'd all look at her in shock.

I love this story! I might try that. The 'no dog' breed.

 

[Kara]

According to their vet, my nephews, Jake & Melvin are malinois mixes. (Tom?) Two of the the best dogs EVER. Exceptional guard dogs as they don't bark every time the wind blows; there's always a reason. They're also exceptionally good looking, as you can see.



My own, Big Bad Bud, was a shepherd/ hound mix. He was about 2 years old when we adopted him. I got the best of the GSD traits with none of the 'issues' Tom mentioned. After we bought our house, I met with a couple different alarm company reps. Noticed Bud was quietly putting himself between me & the alarm co. guys. If anyone moved, so did Bud. He wasn't obnoxious about it; just taking care of Mama.

 

[wellington]

This is where ill probably get barked at (pun intended), but, I have had American Staffordshire Terriers my whole life, aka pitbulls. I would ride my first one, Spunky, like a horse when I was 2 years old. My next, Brandy, was essentially our high school mascot. My current, Apollo, is 90 Lbs of the sweetest, mushiest pupster you know. I recommend pits, find them easy to to train, loyal and loving pooches. Ok...begin yelling at me

Only an idiot that knows nothing about dogs or a pit would yell at you. The only thing with pits, they need to be raised by someone that will understand that they do need different training and discipline then what the average person thinks. I don't think,they are for someone that wants a dog. I think they are more for someone that loves pits and will take the time, have the patience to do right by them. I love pits, in fact most of the fighting breeds. Shar-Pei and now my Bull Terrier.

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According to their vet, my nephews, Jake & Melvin are malinois mixes. (Tom?) Two of the the best dogs EVER. Exceptional guard dogs as they don't bark every time the wind blows; there's always a reason. They're also exceptionally good looking, as you can see.



My own, Big Bad Bud, was a shepherd/ hound mix. He was about 2 years old when we adopted him. I got the best of the GSD traits with none of the 'issues' Tom mentioned. After we bought our house, I met with a couple different alarm company reps. Noticed Bud was quietly putting himself between me & the alarm co. guys. If anyone moved, so did Bud. He wasn't obnoxious about it; just taking care of Mama.

Unless they did blood test, they really don't know. There are lots of people working in the dog world that sadly couldn't tell you a Malinois from a poodle. Vets are one of them. The one looks like it could have some in it, the other doesn't. If they are from the same litter, then possibly. The only thing is, unless the area you live in are bountiful with that breed, they are still pretty rare as family pets, where their would be a mix of them. At least in my area.

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Oh and yes, the Amstaf is not the same as a pit. Same kind of jaw not the same reputation, except by those that don't know the difference.

 

[Kara]

Definitely NOT the same litter. Jake, left, is about 15. We don't know Melvin's, right, exact age, but he's much younger. Regardless of where they came from, 2 exceptionally good dogs. Of course, I'm biased.

I've been told the 'DNA for mutts' tests are useless. Is this true?

 

[TommyZ]

My vicious killing machine....yall scared yet? Lol. Big guy rolls over and shows belly to my 5 LB Birman cat, lmao