Long time stalker, first time poster. I have been researching German Shepherds for months now and have few questions as start to look for breeders that match my specific needs.
Thank you all in advance for your answers and input. Please correct any naive statements or false assumptions I am making.
Location. I am located in Nor Cal, but I am willing to travel up to Washington and down to SoCal.
Background: I have owned Labs in the past and have greatly enjoyed training and obedience, but I have never participated in formal sports. I am an outdoorsy and active individual and would like to go running and hiking with my dog. I would also like to get into some dog sports, but since I have never been involved before, I am not sure how much I will progress.
Labs are great dogs, but is drawing me to GSDs are their loyalty, nerves, and attention.
What I am Looking For: This is where I am a bit confused as to whether a working line or a show line would be more appropriate for my needs.
(1) First and foremost, this dog will need to be a companion. I loved cuddling with my labs, and I am a bit afraid that I would lose that level of emotional connection with a GSD - especially as WGWL (PLEASE correct me if I am wrong). The dog would be getting plenty of exercise and stimulation, but would probably spend a great majority of the weekdays indoors, so would need an "on/off" switch. Weekends, of course, would be spent out doors.
(2) Temperament. I am looking for a dog that would have strong nerves, affection, trainability, obedience, and medium prey drive. I would like to explore sports, but wouldn't be the end of the world if that didn't work out. Would rather have an affectionate, solid dog, with an "off" switch than an excellent sporting dog that was always "on" and never wanted to settle down for the day. This is mainly where I am confused as to whether a working line or show line would be more appropriate.
Thank you all in advance for your answers and input. Please correct any naive statements or false assumptions I am making.
Location. I am located in Nor Cal, but I am willing to travel up to Washington and down to SoCal.
Background: I have owned Labs in the past and have greatly enjoyed training and obedience, but I have never participated in formal sports. I am an outdoorsy and active individual and would like to go running and hiking with my dog. I would also like to get into some dog sports, but since I have never been involved before, I am not sure how much I will progress.
Labs are great dogs, but is drawing me to GSDs are their loyalty, nerves, and attention.
What I am Looking For: This is where I am a bit confused as to whether a working line or a show line would be more appropriate for my needs.
(1) First and foremost, this dog will need to be a companion. I loved cuddling with my labs, and I am a bit afraid that I would lose that level of emotional connection with a GSD - especially as WGWL (PLEASE correct me if I am wrong). The dog would be getting plenty of exercise and stimulation, but would probably spend a great majority of the weekdays indoors, so would need an "on/off" switch. Weekends, of course, would be spent out doors.
(2) Temperament. I am looking for a dog that would have strong nerves, affection, trainability, obedience, and medium prey drive. I would like to explore sports, but wouldn't be the end of the world if that didn't work out. Would rather have an affectionate, solid dog, with an "off" switch than an excellent sporting dog that was always "on" and never wanted to settle down for the day. This is mainly where I am confused as to whether a working line or show line would be more appropriate.