Originally Posted by
dontshakepandas
While the breed itself is prone to such issues, getting a puppy from a breeder who health screens the parents and has the elbows and hips certified and rated can significantly reduced that chance.
Most breeds have some type of chronic issue, and there is always just bad luck such as my Mollie who recently passed away. You'd still have that same chance with a mutt, but without knowing what kind of drive it protective instincts the dog would have.
Picture of my new pup just because.
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Beautiful looking puppy. I love the oyster ear phase!
I have a nearly 6 year old GSD. He's been a wonderful dog and fiercely loyal family companion. To the OP, take the advice you've been given seriously. GSD's are a huge responsibility and will be around for 13 years or longer (if you're lucky). That's a lot of dog hair to pick up!! They shed, a lot. I found a trainer and took the time for basic and some advanced obedience training. My boy achieved his K9 Good Companion certificate and then I let his training die down. It's on me to keep things going. Regular exercise. Regular runs. Regular energy releases are all there, but I can tell he misses the training. As mentioned, ask yourself what you want your GSD to be and then develop a clear understanding of the time, cost and commitment it will take to get there. Your GSD will be always be up to the challenge. It's on us, the owners, to deliver.
I too learned a hard lesson on breeders. Definitely do your research and if possible, call local vets after you've found someone you think is a reputable breeder. Personally, I don't think you have to spend thousands on a solid GSD. There are plenty of owner/breeders out there that truly love the bloodline and provide pups at a reasonable price. You don't necessarily get what you pay for. I paid sub $1,000 and have what I think of as a perfect GSD.
Equally important to obedience training is proper socialization. I read up on the subject and was determined to socialize my GSD inside the home and out. This is important because when you have people over, they will stop dead in their tracks at the sight of your 100 pound beast, with ears up, staring at them. I have two teenagers now and their friends come over regularly. My male GSD checks them all out, licks and sniffs and then leaves them alone. He has although, let a couple of them know who's boss! Never a bite, but he has nipped and scared a few away when he was either on his bed or wrapped up with one of my sons. That's their nature - protective.
One last thing... In a shtf scenario, I see the benefits of having a protective dog for defensive purposes. Food and water for an extra person are obvious shortcomings, but I'd also consider the fact that your GSD will bark at the site of danger. If you're trying to not attract attention, this will be counter intuitive. Just something to think about. Good luck with your decision.
Here in America we are descended in spirit from revolutionists and rebels - men and women who dare to dissent from accepted doctrine. ~Dwight D. Eisenhower, address, Columbia University, 31 May 1954
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