Thinking about a German Shepherd

[FrisbeeGolfer]

Hello GSD Peeps, My family and I lost our Pomeranian last December. We have been thinking about getting a German Shepherd, and I have a few questions.

First, a little info about myself and family. Our only child left in the house is almost 15. He is active in sports, and the family tries to support that as much as possible. My wife is a restaurant manager that works 50 hours a week. I work at a church early in the morning. After my morning shift I usually go Frisbee golfing. In the afternoons Monday through Thursday I drive for the county I live in. During the weekends I play in Disc Golf tournaments, go mushroom picking, Kayaking and more.

Our previous dog was absolutely perfect. He was the most well behaved dog at the Disc Golf course. I trained him to stay close to me, he would heal to the snap of my fingers. However, I always worried about other dogs getting ahold of him.

I would like my next dog to go Frisbee Golfing, Truffle hunting, boating, I'm even interested in SAR.

now some Q's

The dog will be with me the most. Does a German Shepherd sound like a good fit for my lifestyle and interests?

Are there working line breeders that breed smaller GSD's? like 40 - 70 lbs?

We have considered getting a small dog at some point. Should we get the GSD first or small dog?

I know a GSD is going to need a lot more socialization than my pom needed. I plan on lots of it. I have a good friend that has a farm with all kinds of animals and a Home Depot near by. I'm familiar with local trainers and plan on plenty of Obedience classes etc.

Thanks. All responses appreciated.

[doggiedad]

a GSD is perfect for you. you could teach him/her
to find truffles. i would get the GSD first and i would
make sure the GSD was highly trained and socialized before
bringing in a 2nd dog. good luck with your GSD pup.

[ladydi]

I am partial to the GSD's but it sounds like you are going to have plenty of time to spend with your dog, I think a GSD would be a great dog to have.

[gmcwife1]

Welcome It sounds like a GSD would be a great dog for you and your family

[codmaster]

Originally Posted by doggiedad

a GSD is perfect for you. you could teach him/her
to find truffles. i would get the GSD first and i would
make sure the GSD was highly trained and socialized before
bringing in a 2nd dog. good luck with your GSD pup.

"Truffles"? Heh! Heh!

[codmaster]

Originally Posted by FrisbeeGolfer

Hello GSD Peeps, My family and I lost our Pomeranian last December. We have been thinking about getting a German Shepherd, and I have a few questions.

First, a little info about myself and family. Our only child left in the house is almost 15. He is active in sports, and the family tries to support that as much as possible. My wife is a restaurant manager that works 50 hours a week. I work at a church early in the morning. After my morning shift I usually go Frisbee golfing. In the afternoons Monday through Thursday I drive for the county I live in. During the weekends I play in Disc Golf tournaments, go mushroom picking, Kayaking and more.

Our previous dog was absolutely perfect. He was the most well behaved dog at the Disc Golf course. I trained him to stay close to me, he would heal to the snap of my fingers. However, I always worried about other dogs getting ahold of him.

I would like my next dog to go Frisbee Golfing, Truffle hunting, boating, I'm even interested in SAR.

now some Q's

The dog will be with me the most. Does a German Shepherd sound like a good fit for my lifestyle and interests?

Are there working line breeders that breed smaller GSD's? like 40 - 70 lbs?

We have considered getting a small dog at some point. Should we get the GSD first or small dog?

I know a GSD is going to need a lot more socialization than my pom needed. I plan on lots of it. I have a good friend that has a farm with all kinds of animals and a Home Depot near by. I'm familiar with local trainers and plan on plenty of Obedience classes etc.

Thanks. All responses appreciated.

Have you considered a Corgi (the GSD tiny look alike but with short legs)?

[battleborn]

Originally Posted by codmaster

Have you considered a Corgi (the GSD tiny look alike but with short legs)?

Ha! My mom had one of those. She was a great little dog. But a very different temperament from a GSD. About the only thing they have in common are those big ol' ears.

[msvette2u]

I would get the small dog first and then a GSD puppy.
Teach the GSD puppy to respect the small dog, and don't let the puppy run roughshod over the small dog.

Often a small female and then a male GSD puppy is the best combo.

I was looking this up for another thread, they make some good points here in this article.
German Shepherd Dog Breed Information

[codmaster]

Originally Posted by battleborn

Ha! My mom had one of those. She was a great little dog. But a very different temperament from a GSD. About the only thing they have in common are those big ol' ears.

There are 4/5 of the little doggies in our OB club and it is funny as heck to see my big male GSD interacting with the feisty little ones!