Should I adopt an adult GSD if it would be our first dog?

[doggerel]

I've been doing a lot of research about GSDs for the past five months as my husband and I prepare to welcome a dog into our home.

My involvement as a volunteer at our local SPCA has persuaded me that we would like to adopt a dog. My husband is especially fond of the GSD and there are three great GSD rescue agencies in the Virginia area where we live.

However, I have a lot of hesitation about adopting an adult GSD. This would be our first dog together. I work with dogs on a regular basis and serve as a dog walker for the SPCA, but I am not very experienced with GSDs. Naturally, we will do everything in our power to train and nurture whatever dog we adopt. I just wonder if a GSD is a poor choice for a first dog; I know they can have a lot of temperament and health issues, especially if their genetic heritage is unknown.

Would a GSD from an unknown background be too much for first-time dog parents to handle? What are your thoughts on this?

Any advice you have is greatly appreciated! Thanks so much.

Abby

[fuzzybunny]

I don't think it would be too much. The rescues typically thoroughly assess the temperament of the dog so I wouldn't worry about that. The health is an unknown but even dogs from reputable breeders sometimes develop health problems so there's no absolute guarantee. Regardless of what breed you go with, the health will still be unknown. My first dog was a GSD/Husky rescue and she's fabulous. No regrets!

[gsdraven]

IMHO, adopting an adult dog through a reputable rescue is a fantastic way to begin your love affair with the German Shepherd breed.

A good rescue organization will have taken the dog to the vet and spent time evaluating their temperament so there much less unknowns than you think. An adult dog will also be physical and mentally mature so there should be no big surprises in the temperament department if properly evaluated.

I'm so not a puppy person and much prefer young adult GSDs. Usually there's no house breaking, better attention span, no landsharking and ups and downs as they mature. I can't rave about adult rescues enough!

Make sure you take your time and meet several dogs. You'll know when you've found the right one for you.

[gsdraven]

Looks like you got a lot of good advice in the first thread:

Is adopting an adult GSD from a rescue group unwise?

[Stevenzachsmom]

HMM, Not sure where to respond now. I adopted my first GSD from a shelter. She was also my first adult dog. If I had known more about rescues back then, I would probably have gone with a rescue. Even so, I have absolutely no regrets. My dog was 2 years old, when I adopted her. She was completely housebroken and not destructive. She was wonderful with the kids. She never liked other dogs, but that's OK, because I don't have other dogs. She is now 13.5 years old. She has been incredibly healthy. Just started slowing down this past year.

A good rescue will help match the right dog to your life style. You are right, you do have some great rescues in your area.

Best of luck,
Jan

[GSDBESTK9]

Not if you find the right GSD.

[Scarlettsmom]

Our first rescue was a 2 1/2 year old GSD/Husky mix. She was a great dog! I totally agree that going through a rescue group gives you a little more info on the temperment, likes/dislikes/training of a dog before you step into the role as "pack leader". Additionally, most rescue organizations do a thorough check of YOU and your home before they will place a dog with you. You have an opportunity to ask questions, lay out your wants and hopes for a dog, etc. We were totally comfortable with using a rescue organization to find Scarlett.

I also agree that adopting an older (past land shark phase, knows basic commands) dog is great to start with. Scarlett was just shy of 2 when she came to live with us. We have done obedience classes with her and it helped us ALL.

Good Luck. You sound like you will be great pack leaders.

[doggiedad]

adopting is great but if you have the time
i think a puppy would be a blast. don't buy into the myths,
wives tales, tunnel vision views of being a first time GSD
owner. find a reputable breeder and you'll have it made.

[sit,stay]

I think adopting an adult dog from a good rescue is a great option for a first time owner. In fact, when I have people contact me about adopting I steer them in the direction of an adult dog.

Good luck. I think you'll find the experience very rewarding!
Sheilah

[Stevenzachsmom]

I agree with Sheilah. I have nothing against puppies, but seeing how easy it was to have an adult dog, I don't think I will ever get a puppy again. To each his own.