Best line for a companion?

[Bev]

What would you say is the best line to look into, if you just wanted a companion? American Show lines? It will be exercised daily, but nothing intense (just long walks and light obedience). I am not interested in Sch, SAR or anything else that would require a high drive dog. I just want a companion.

I love the look of some working lines, but don't think I could handle their drive at my age. I have heard some working litters do sometimes have a pup or two that is suitable for a non-working home. I'm assuming that dog would still have a relatively high amount of drive in comparison to other types of dogs?
Interested to hear responses!

This won't be my first GSD. Had one from pet lines many years ago, came from a newspaper ad. Dog had very high prey drive and that won't work these days. I have 3 cats living with me

Thanks

[Emoore]

Rescue lines. You can find exactly what you want in rescue lines.

[Bev]

We are not interested in rescuing and would prefer to raise the pup from 8 weeks. thank you

[bocron]

If you don't go with rescue, than I think WGSL is a good option. We have quite a few clients that have gone that route and overall it has been a great choice for most (the only family that it didn't work for is a family that should have gotten a dog statue). If you'll post where you are located you may get some good links to check into.

[Bev]

thank you. We are in Harrington, Delaware. I don't know of any WGSL breeders in this area. Actually, I don't know of any GSD breeders even in this state!

[dazedtrucker]

I am very pleased with my working line/canadian show line outcross...I know not all agree with mixing lines, but I have a very well balanced, smart/trainable, steady nerved,medium drive dog that is all I could have ever wished for in a pup. He is our family dog, loves children, very obedient, and a total clown at times (not to mention drop dead gorgeous ) My rescue is sweet too, but he is not great in public, he just doesn't have the nerve for "un-nerving" situations. He is however a VERY loving companion, and obedient.He came from strictly pet type lines, except for some white UKC Ch. dogs. I have opposite dogs, LOL! Love them both.

[BlackGSD]

If the "long walks" you are talking about allow the dog to be off leash running around, any line would work if you have a breeder that knows how to place their puppies in the right home. If you have the wrong breeder, you aren't "safe" going with any line. On leash only walks really aren't enough for most GSDs of any line. (Notice I said MOST not ALL, there are some that do great with little exercise.)

[dazedtrucker]

2 cats here too. He will get "frisky" with them, but settles right down if I tell him to.

Here is a picture, to give you an idea what kind of look you get with this kind of outcross. This was in august I believe, he was 5 or 6 months

[doggiedad]

you are funny.

Originally Posted by Emoore

Rescue lines. You can find exactly what you want in rescue lines.

[doggiedad]

the best line is your training and socializing.

Originally Posted by Bev

>>>>>>What would you say is the best line to look into, if you just wanted a companion? <<<<<

American Show lines? It will be exercised daily, but nothing intense (just long walks and light obedience). I am not interested in Sch, SAR or anything else that would require a high drive dog. I just want a companion.

I love the look of some working lines, but don't think I could handle their drive at my age. I have heard some working litters do sometimes have a pup or two that is suitable for a non-working home. I'm assuming that dog would still have a relatively high amount of drive in comparison to other types of dogs?
Interested to hear responses!

This won't be my first GSD. Had one from pet lines many years ago, came from a newspaper ad. Dog had very high prey drive and that won't work these days. I have 3 cats living with me

Thanks