What is the ideal GSD?

[elisabeth_00117]

I know there are going to be a lot of different opinions in this thread but I am curious to hear what different breeders, owners, trainers, etc., would consider to be the ideal German Shepherd dog; from tempermant to drives to physical attributes, etc..

Is there a German Shepherd out there that you would consider ideal? Who comes the closest to your ideal GSD? Why? Or why not?

[Mrs.K]

To me it doesn't matter if he has a high balldrive or what kind of line he is from, what he looks like, etc. pp.

It is like with kids. The ideal German Sheperd to me is the one you own and have fun with. I would love to get Yukon "geköred", would love to do Schutzhund with him. Heck, he's got it in his bloodline but he doesn't feel comfortable out there. It's probably because the previous guy F"§$% him up so bad that he doesn't want to be anywhere near the Schutzhundtraining. Yet at home he's the perfect guarding dog. Nobdy would ever get into this apartment. He protects this place because it's HIS home.

To me, he is ideal. even though he's missing half an ear and has the abuse background. I love this dog to death. He's silly, goofy, funny, playfull, not that much afraid of men anymore as he used to be but still a little shy but thats okay because that means he doesn't go with everybody. He's got one of the best working dogs bloodlines in the world, a great exterieur and to me, he is one of the best dogs in this world. No other dog could replace him.

Zenzy on the other hand is missing half her nose. As a puppy she had an infection which cost her half her nose. The vet said it would grow back but it never did. That's one of the reasons why nobody wanted to buy her. Who wants an imperfect German Sheperd?
She's got it all, she isn't afraid of anything at all. She's naturally aggressive and to me she's perfect. People look at me weird because I am walking around with one dog missing half his ear and another dog missing half the nose. She looks a little like Miss Piggy but to me both of them are the ideal German Sheperd.

Their kennel is one of the ten best kennels in Germany and I picked the two Sheperds that nobody else wanted. I don't care because to me, there is no such thing as an ideal or perfect German Sheperd. It's like with humans. We ain't perfect so why do we expect animals to be perfect?

[MelissaHoyer]

It would be a combination of my two girls.

Things I love about Grace (my <3 dog, for sure):
*Friendly and can be trusted around kids/new people/other dogs
*Protective when needed
*Great at relaxing and great at "get up and go-ing", just content to be with us
*Sweet personality and very loving
*Very obedient (but stubborn sometimes)

Things I love about Kira:
*Healthy (my number one requirement!!)
*Very drivey and eager to learn, super smart
*Happy, never worries, sassy personality
*Small size...I love that she only weighs 60ish pounds!
*Has very little undercoat and sheds way less than Grace.

[littledmc17]

aren't they all awesome!!
haven't met one I didn't like

[trudy]

The ideal GS is the one I have at the time, I socialize, train, and love them so to me they are the perfect ones.

[Stephanie17s]

That's a difficult question. I think it's probably a myriad of things for everyone, but probably very similar things as well. Health is #1 of course. Not just the typical good hips and elbows and eyes and heart, but the other things that dogs seem plagued by these days, like ear infections, and skin conditions.

The ideal temperament for me would be one that I know would protect me as I sleep at night, and easily accepts anyone I ask him to. A dog that I could trust to be around all types of people, children, small animals, other dogs, etc. I wouldn't want to worry if he will bark or nip at someone he meets. A dog that has my trust. A lot of that is training, but we are just talking ideals here

All GSDs are beautiful to me, though some are more appealing than others. I prefer a rich pigmented Black and Red, with a dark face.

A dog that enjoys training, and wants to please.

Yup, that pretty much sums it up for now

[aubie]

I'm going to get all mushy...but to me, the ideal GSD is the one that allows you to be a part of their lives, kind spirit and unfaltering love while asking for nothing in return.

Yes, Awwww.

[Branca's Mom]

For me a Rock Solid Temperament is #1. This will cover so many things but I would like to add that I prefer a dog that is not too dominate with other dogs and I strongly dislike a dog aggressive dog.

Health a close second. Hips and Elbows and all the other stuff.

Good Working ability/attitude

MY ideal GSD - I want a a dog with a real desire to please / biddable and prefer a strong dog that is also somewhat handler sensitive.

[Mrs.K]

It also depends of what you want to do with them. Do you want a show or a working dog? Than what kind of working dog do you want? What do you want to do with him? Sheperds are allrounders that is for sure. But you have to take a closer look of what his strength is and what isn't to find the ideal dog.

One might not be the best Schutzhund but one heck of a Tracker.

[GSD07]

Originally Posted By: aubie the ideal GSD is the one that allows you to be a part of their lives, kind spirit and unfaltering love while asking for nothing in return.

I bet our GSDs hope their ideal owner is just like that as well Especially desirable is the last part about expecting nothing in return

Sorry, couldn't resist I expect a lot from my dog but he rightfully has his own demands that I respect.

Strong nerves are #1 sign of good breeding for me. Health comes second.