Accepted temperament w/ other dogs - per the standard

[Lucy Dog]

I know we've had a lot of discussion about the breed standard in terms of size lately, but I was wondering what's considered "the standard" in terms of temperament with other dogs.

According to the AKC, "The breed has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships."

Now who and what does this certain aloofness apply to? Does this only apply to other people/strangers or to new dogs as well?

Is it not considered acceptable (per the standard) if the dog is overly friendly with other dogs because the standard calls for an aloof type behavior?

[LaRen616]

I'm not really sure but my dog is 2 years old and he absolutely loves other dogs and lets random dogs come into his house as well.

He gets along with both males and females.

[Lucy Dog]

What I've noticed as Lucy's matured (she just turned 3) is that she seems a lot more aloof with other dogs now.

When she was a puppy, she was always overly excited to play and wrestle with other dogs. I've noticed as she's gotten older, she's not nearly as interested in strange dogs as she used to be.

She'll still accept them and allow them in the home or her yard. No barking or growling or anything, but she's not really into the wrestling and playing as much anymore. She'd rather just kind of sit and watch.

No fear issues, just not the playful pup anymore. A little more serious, but still friendly and accepting at the same time. Just wondering what is considered acceptable behavior per the standard.

[Lilie]

Originally Posted by Lucy Dog

According to the AKC, "The breed has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships."

This truly describes Hondo to a "T". Unless the person/dog happens to have a toothbrush in their mouth, then he fails the fearless part. My daughter tells everyone Hondo is just a snob.

[Rott-n-GSDs]

See... now I interpret that as meaning friendships with humans, rather than behavior towards other dogs. I notice this a lot with Nova.... he is just sort of indifferent about someone until he's had several encounters with them and can consider them someone worth his trust and friendship.

[selzer]

I think that unless a dog has genetic dog aggression, or has had a very bad experience in the main socialization period, the dog's acceptance or non-acceptance of other dogs varies dependent on how well you socialized him and continued to socialize him to other dogs. If your dog LOVES other dogs, good for you, you did a great job.

Some dogs are more accepting of strange dogs. Some are very accepting of strange dogs. Some might have been more if their owners let them. Some of us let our dogs romp and play with other dogs, some only let them romp and play with dogs of people we know. Some of us really do not want our dogs to see other dogs as play things, and play time.

So I guess it really depends.

[onyx'girl]

I also think the standard pertains to human.
Mature GSD's aren't social butterfly's like a lab or a golden. They'd rather not have someone come up and pet them that they don't know....if they know them on the other hand they are happy and cheerful.
GSD's aren't usually dog park candidates either,play style is so different than other breeds, between the herding behavior, growling and just hard play it can be misinterpreted as aggression when it is just really play. My neighbors hear my dogs playing in the back yard and probably think they are fighting.

[AgileGSD]

IME with the breed "a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships" applies to strangers, both human and dog. Having a Lab-like "love everyone" personality is not really characteristic of the breed. While many young GSDs are very friendly, most mature into a more aloof adult. No all do of course. IMO a mature GSD who actively wants to make friends with every person and dog they come across does not have a proper temperament for the breed.

[Rott-n-GSDs]

My female GSD (likely a mix), is much more friendly with strangers: both human and dog. My male GSD (purebred) could really care less if we have human or doggie visitors (once we've established that they're not "intruders"). I have friends that come visit all the time, and it took several months for Nova to be happy to see them. I remember the first time Nova went over to one of my friends and asked to be petted... she was very surprised and said she felt very honored. My other two dogs had LONG ago accepted her and showed pure happiness when she visited.

[Lilie]

My GSD isn't a friendly dog. He isn't an aggressive dog. He will allow you into my house, he'll allow you into my yard (as long as we are home) but he isn't going to ask you if you want a cup of coffee.