Hello from NC.

[xSLZx]

Hello all. I am new to the forum as well as new to the GS breed. We are looking to get a puppy and it went from a Lab, to a golden retriever and now thinking about a german shepherd. I've been spending most of my 'internet time' researching goldens, and was pretty set on that breed. Now my husband decided he'd really like a german shepherd. I came here to learn as much as i could. Are they good with children? Good family dogs? Good protectors? My husband is in the Army and he's deploying again about a year from now. I'd like to get a 'big' dog to feel a little safer with him gone.

Hope to learn a thing or two. I'm gonna go check out the board now.

[crisp]

Welcome!

GSDs are excellent with children and develop a deep bond to their families. Depending on the kids ages,though, all kids/dog interactions should be supervised. There is also no question on the protection aspect. Thats why GSDs are used as police dogs throughout the world. You will definitely feel safer with a GSD at home, but keep in mind that these are high energy working dogs that need LOTS of excersice. They have to be highly socialised as puppies to be sound in different situations and do require a lot of attention. I guess what I'm saying is, owning a GSD is a lot work, but the benefits are invaluable.

I see you're in NC and your husband is in the Army. Are you by any chance in Ft, Bragg? I did a stint there in the early 2000's

[vat]

I agree with crisp. GSD are great with family but do require allot of work. If you have the time to go to classes, take the pup everywhere to meet people, dogs, etc then I say go for it. Sounds like your doing your research, good for you!

I will warn that once a GSD owner you will get sucked into the GSD black hole like the rest of us, lol.

[KZoppa]

i agree with the previous posters. I got my husband hooked on the breed when he was at first going off the typical all GSDs are high drive and whatnot because of police work. Then we adopted Riley (a mix) and Zena (PB). Riley took some time getting used to kids as we didnt have any until he was almost 4 but Zena adores kids. They're good with our other animals. Shasta is my first puppy puppy and she's doing very well. They are fabulous dogs and i believe the Air Force is the only branch that has them on breed ban but only at certain bases. my hubby is stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville NC. No he isn't a marine, he's a navy corpsman. GSDs are awesome. I know and understand the feeling of wanting a large dog very well. Zena was my personal protector. Golden retrievers, though good dogs, just dont have that spark i look for in a dog breed. Thank you for doing your research. i say go for it. You'll love it!

[xSLZx]

Thanks! Yep, we're at fort bragg. If anyone has any reputable NC breeders they recommend, please let me know. I am a stay at home mom, so i'll have lots of time with the pup. My kids are still very young, but that's why we wanted a puppy. So they can grow up together.

[Stosh]

They aren't to be taken lightly! It's wise of you to do your research first, but if you decide on a gsd, you'll never own another breed. They're dogs on a whole other level.