Should I get another GSD?

[CynRes]

Just some background. Okay, I love my 2 yr old GSD, Jake. I lost my last Shepherd at 13 yrs old last September and our 11 yr old Golden a few months later. We also have a 2 yr old Golden, which is my husband's.

The house feels empty going from four dogs to two. I am very active with my current dogs with classes, especially Nose Work with Jake. He is a lower activity level GSD. I take them on walks/runs four to five times a week off leash on trails.

I've always adored the long coat shepherds, but I fell in love with Jake's temperament though he is from a bad breeding (a gift from my well meaning husband).

So, my question is, with this limited bit of information, I'm I being too selfish in still wanting my dream German Shepherd? I have more and more time on my hands since I am able to be at home and my children are almost all grown.

Thanks for any opinions

[Lesley1905]

I don't think so at all! You sound like a very loving owner. Who wouldn't want another GSD?? I say go for it It doesnt mean you are replacing any of your current or past dogs.

[CynRes]

Thank you. I do love my dogs and they bring so much joy to me (psst...my kids sometimes get jealous). I'd love to get a puppy this next year but I am so worried about getting the right breeder, I get overwhelmed. Of course, it is a long time commitment! I have much to read on the forums since I've just joined. I appreciate your response.

[WynterCote]

I think since you're used to having a small pack around, then go for it! It's not like you're giving one dog up for the other, you're just adding to your family, like having another kid even when you love the first one.

It's people (including myself) who never had more than one dog and now want another, that need to give it heavier thought.

[doggiedad]

i think being selfish is a good reason to find
your dream GSD. finding your dream GSD won't
be hard. good luck with the new pup.

Originally Posted by CynRes

Just some background. Okay, I love my 2 yr old GSD, Jake. I lost my last Shepherd at 13 yrs old last September and our 11 yr old Golden a few months later. We also have a 2 yr old Golden, which is my husband's.

The house feels empty going from four dogs to two. I am very active with my current dogs with classes, especially Nose Work with Jake. He is a lower activity level GSD. I take them on walks/runs four to five times a week off leash on trails.

I've always adored the long coat shepherds, but I fell in love with Jake's temperament though he is from a bad breeding (a gift from my well meaning husband).

So, my question is, with this limited bit of information, >>>>

>>>>I'm I being too selfish in still wanting my dream German Shepherd<<<<

I have more and more time on my hands since I am able to be at home and my children are almost all grown.

Thanks for any opinions

[CynRes]

Thank you for the encouragement. I will keep on looking for my dream boy! btw all of your GSD's are beautiful.

[elsamom]

Hi Everyone...Im new to this forum and really have enjoyed reading the posts, Now ....time to join in. I have always had one dog . Two yrs ago my house was robbed so with much thought I decided to get a gsd. My older dog Zoe is a wonderful mixed breed but suffers many health issues including Cushings. Bringing Elsa into our home was a huge adjustment but as I sit here now with both dogs at my feet and (my cat curled beside me too) I am truly amazed at the individual joy each dog brings to us. I say GO FOR IT! Especially if you have the much needed time for a new puppy. Much luck to you finding the perfect pup for you!

[Josie/Zeus]

Go for it lady ! Life is far too short not to have what you want when you have the ability to do it.

If I didn't have a toddler, I will have 2 gsds. My plan is get Koda titled which will take a lot of time, effort and energy and of course Koda needs to mature too. Then in 3-5 years, I will get another gsd from my breeder, and he will be entered in conformation shows and get him titled in herding.

[CynRes]

I've been reading through some threads and it seems as though there are a few popular breeders. I would like to find someone in California (Bay Area) since I plan to get involved with many activities over the life of my dogs. Some breeders also have training programs which I think is awesome. I have so much respect for the breed and know they need to stay active and challenged, which keeps me active and challenged. A win, win!!

There are so many variations within the breed which I was unaware of also. I hope to not offend anyone, but this is purely from my ignorance. Do the show line's GSD backs tend to be more "angular?" and the working lines "squarer?"? I prefer the "squarer" confirmation. Please, educate me in this matter.

[JakodaCD OA]

At one point I had 4 gsd's, when I lost the two seniors within 6 months of each other, it was really strange to have "only" two dogs..It seemed like my time wasn't full enough with the two remaining..like everything was "quieter",,hard to explain but I guess I thrive on constantly doing something 'dog'.

I now have 3 dogs, 2 senior aussies and Masi my 3 yr old gsd..I want another, I miss having my male gsd's, tho Masi is a full time job in herself

I say go for it,,tho I'm holding out for a time, I will have another..

I am geographically challenged but I love Kim's dogs here JustK9s Home
I know Robin, on the board here has one of her dogs and really really likes her