I would check out your local gsd rescue. These dogs are a lot of work and people dump them all to frequently. Not only will you find a great dog, but you will also be taking one that was abandoned.

I have had my current rescue shepherd for 10 years now. He did have hip displaysia in one hip. We removed his ball in his hip and you would not be able to tell the difference. The old man would put it all on the line to protect my wife or kids.