Pasadena, Md - F. needs experienced home

[tournant]

This is a female, purebred, AKC German Shepherd without papers. She is named Duchess and needs a new forever home, and just the RIGHT home. Duchess is spayed and weighs about 80 lbs. She is approximately 41/2 to 5 years old. She was raised by my son and his wife who recently lost their home due to financial difficulties. Unfortunately, this dog was never properly socialized as a puppy and young dog. She is very loyal to her family, however, she is NOT very friendly with strangers. She has never bitten anyone although she has bared her teeth at strangers and shown the potential to be an aggressive dog. She has chased small children while visiting in their yard, demonstrating her natural prey drive. She did NOT nip at them, but I would consider her temperament to be on the aggressive side. I, personally, would not recommend this dog to a family with small children. She will likely take a little time to adjust to a new owner and family. This dog needs a home where she will either be put to work, (trained to perform specific jobs) or with someone who has the knowledge of Shepherds and can put the time into her and work with her so that she can become properly socialized. She does NOT get along with other female dogs or smaller animals, but would probably be ok with a male dog of equivalent size. She was raised with her parents, so she has been around other dogs. She is a very dominant dog however, which forced my son to rehome her mother over a year ago because Duchess was constantly beating her up. She did get along well with her father who has since been rehomed as well. I wouldn't consider Duchess dangerous yet, since she has not bitten anyone, however she is NOT a passive or "cuddly" dog.

Due to my son's financial situation, Duchess is behind on her heartworm preventative and is currently due for shots. She would need to be tested for heartworms before she can be put back on preventative. She is probably not positive for them though. She has NOT been fully shedded out from her winter coat yet, so she is also in need of some maintenance. She is used to a 6' fenced yard and would NOT do well being chained. Currently, she is in a 10' x 10' kennel, but is digging holes out of boredom. She does not typically dig in the proper yard. She knows basic commands like sit, stay, lay down. For the most part, she is house broke as long as attention is paid to when she needs to go out. She is crate trained as well. Duches is very smart and super sweet with my son and his wife. She is an excellent watch dog. She has a lot of potential. The pictures of her aren't very good as she is camera shy. However, she is a gorgeous dog when she is in top form. You must see her in real life to appreciate. She's simply been through a little neglect in the past year.

I am hoping to find her a home with someone who has a good knowledge of working dogs and/or aggressive dogs. It is really her only hope. I do have her on a waiting list to get into a no-kill animal shelter, but we would all rather rehome her ourselves so that we can assure there will be a positive interaction between her and whoever adopts her. She would probably do well at tracking, gaurding or agility of some sort. She requires a 5' to 6' fence as she can clear anything shorter, potentially becoming a liability. We are offering her FREE since she is behind on veterinary care. She has leash, bowls and a crate, etc.

This is far too nice a dog to see her put down. Unfortunately, if we do not find her just the RIGHT home, being put down continues to be a potential threat to her. I have had shepherds for many years in the past, so I definitely can see her positives with the right owner or family. I cannot take her from them as I have chihuahuas now and only a 3' fence. If you think you have what it takes, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss her. Sharon: 804-224-2112

[Deuce]

I wish she were good with small children, I have two and we're looking to add a second Shepherd to the family. My parents live in Pasadena behind High Point Elementary School.