Working line pups

[Mary Beth]

Originally Posted by Jefferson's_GSD

Never thought of an young adult before. I have never been into any type of sport, but our girl now 5 years old has been fully trained in obedience and I feel that the male that comes in our home be the same

You may want to reconsider - I did. The working line GSDs are bred to be worked which for most people means in a sport, like Schutzhund, tracking, agilility, herding. That is why many working line breeders specify "working homes preferred". The majority are high energy dogs that need that outlet and a lot of exercise. Training in obedience isn't enough - they need to be "worked" in the exercises even after they have learned them. PM me if you'd like some suggestions on breeders for companion GSDs. Many also have sables.

[Freestep]

Originally Posted by Mary Beth

The working line GSDs are bred to be worked which for most people means in a sport, like Schutzhund, tracking, agilility, herding. That is why many working line breeders specify "working homes preferred". The majority are high energy dogs that need that outlet and a lot of exercise. Training in obedience isn't enough - they need to be "worked" in the exercises even after they have learned them.

It's true that working lines need good exercise and continued training, like all dogs, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have to compete in a sport. Since the OP has 60 acres, just running the property (supervised, of course) could provide enough exercise, and as long as the OP has the time and the wherewithall to train (and continue training), a working-bred GSD could be a good choice.

Many working-line dogs do have an "off" switch, so given good exercise and training, can settle nicely in the home and be a great companion. I have a working-line GSD who mostly holds her bed down in the house; once outdoors, her drive and energy bursts forth and she could go all day if I let her. She is 11 years old now, and has calmed with maturity, but has pretty much always been good in the house.

It seems that most working-line GSDs are sable, so if the OP wants a sable dog it should be no problem. In fact, if you want any other color, it's becoming something you have to look for.

[Ken Clean-Air System]

Originally Posted by Freestep

It's true that working lines need good exercise and continued training, like all dogs, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have to compete in a sport. Since the OP has 60 acres, just running the property (supervised, of course) could provide enough exercise, and as long as the OP has the time and the wherewithall to train (and continue training), a working-bred GSD could be a good choice.

Many working-line dogs do have an "off" switch, so given good exercise and training, can settle nicely in the home and be a great companion. I have a working-line GSD who mostly holds her bed down in the house; once outdoors, her drive and energy bursts forth and she could go all day if I let her. She is 11 years old now, and has calmed with maturity, but has pretty much always been good in the house.

This pretty much sums it up, in my opinion. Our working line pup is exactly the same. In the house, as long as she has had enough exercise (both physical and mental) she settles and is perfectly happy napping on the floor or on the couch. When we are out playing, walking, or training she has boundless energy ... I've yet to find the limit of her energy actually, but in the house she settles right down.

A GSD of any type or bloodline can be a high energy, high strung dog. A good breeder, whether they breed show line or working line dogs, should be able to match you up with a pup that suits your lifestyle and needs.

[jmdjack]

Originally Posted by Mary Beth

You may want to reconsider - I did. The working line GSDs are bred to be worked which for most people means in a sport, like Schutzhund, tracking, agilility, herding. That is why many working line breeders specify "working homes preferred". The majority are high energy dogs that need that outlet and a lot of exercise. Training in obedience isn't enough - they need to be "worked" in the exercises even after they have learned them. PM me if you'd like some suggestions on breeders for companion GSDs. Many also have sables.

I agree that working line dogs tend to be high energy and need a fair bit of exercise. I disagree that their outlet must come from participation in dog sports.

I have two working line dogs and do not participate in a dog sport. The young male, in particular, has a pedigree with many dogs known for high drive. The older female is of east german lines and does not fit the stereotypes one often hears of such lines; we often joke that "you can't stop her, you can only hope to contain her." They get exercised several times throughout the day with training (formal and non-formal) mixed in. They are great house dogs and live harmoniously in a family setting with young kids. These dogs spend nearly every waking hour of their day interacting with us and we, as a family, do active things that include the dogs (hiking, swimming, climbing around playground equipment, etc.). When it is go time, these dogs GO and will go as long as you want. However, they are calm, happy, and well-behaved in the house.

If you are not prepared to give a GSD - from any line - what it needs, do not get one. But in my experience working line dogs need not spend 4 days a week at a schutzhund club to be happy, well-behaved dogs. At least that has been my experience . . . .