[Mary Beth]

I am speaking up in defense of these big dogs because my GSD is "giant" 125 lbs., straight back, tall, not heavy boned, not fat. He looks alot like the one posted by Chicagocainine from the rescue site. I didn't set out to get such a big guy. The breeder kept asking me "do you have any reservations about a dog that will be over 100 lbs.?" I told her, "no, it is the dog's temperment that is my main concern." I live in town, my yard borders my neighbors's driveway with their active teenagers and cockapoo, kids and dogs go down the alley all the time, on the otherside, there is my neighbor with his 3 year-old son and visiting lab. Sure, I have a 6 ft. chain link fence, but I didn't want to worry about my dog jumping over that fence to take on the neighborhood. When I walk my dog, I don't want to have to be concerned that he will be agressive to another dog or person. When he is in the back seat of my vehicle, and the stockboy is placing the groceries in the back end, I want to be able to open the back end of the vehicle, and not have to worry about my dog jumping out at him. I didn't want a GSD from Schutzhund parents, because I want a companion dog. not a dog with a high drive. My dog is not fearful or aggressive. He is intelligent, confident, and friendly. I met a lady from Germany when I was walking him. She said that is exactly the type of GSD that her father had on their farm. It turned out that my Sting was the biggest in the litter but the friendliest! Would I get another big GSD from a breeder who breeds only these big guys? Yes. Do I think that 160 lbs is too big? Of course. Do I think the only "true GSDs" are over 100 lbs? No, they are just the kind I prefer.