Why did you choose to own a GSD?

[Gwenhwyfair]

Love the stories!

[mysweetkaos]

Growing up in rural Nebraska/Wyoming I had been exposed to Shepherds growing up, lots of farm dogs. My grandfather was military (MP) and when he retired was in the police force, I always saw pics of his Shepherds and was captivated by their regal yet imposing looks. When my husband and I started thinking about dogs, I had been in an abusive relationship after high school that still left me with some fear, and my husband travelled a lot. So I wanted a dog that to onlookers looked menacing, but behind closed doors was loving, loyal, gentle and intelligient. We got everything we wanted On a side note, my husband wanted a lab, I just didn't feel that safe with some goofy looking dog sitting in the window appearing to be smiling at everyone!!

[Mrs.K]

I had no choice, ever...

[WendyDsMom]

I have always had at least one GSD in residence since I was three.

My parents loved the breed - as a working farm dog - and brought two to their home in CA from the farm in Mexico. My Godfather worked with LAPD and the K9's there - so I got drop outs.

I had other dogs, labs, pitts, or mutts mixed in briefly - but we always kept at least one Shepherd on duty. The other dogs were mostly older dogs that my dad found as strays and decided to keep.

When I left for the military - I left Woopher (125lb male) with my parents. I ended up married and with a Lab puppy/dog for 13 years, dog passed - divorced the hubby. Got a Shepherd!

My kids first choice for a dog: Shepherd - of course!

[Ikons dad]

Sometimes I think my wife would divorce me for another GSD and think it was a good deal...... She might be right!

[jenzeke]

Our shepherd is 7. We had him since a pup, and he is not only a protector, but very good with our 5-year old. Only issues were when young, he didn't understand catch and release. He would snap toys from her hand. But because he's incredibly smart, he only did it once. Now he will NEVER take anything from her hand at all. She can grab him, hug him, 110% safe. He is large so sometimes knocks her over, but thats it. We got him from a breeder who is know for breeding police dogs. He was raised with love and no abuse, and we couldn't ask for a better dog. I will never own another breed. We don't need an alarm for our home. When people visit, he remembers them. If he senses something off, he lets you know. We have a large fenced yard and he's typically territorial. His biggest threat would be to other dogs. And squirrels.

[vhowell7]

Best Dog I ever had(before my present dog) was a shepherd/husky mix. Man that dog was smart. He was a city dog then we moved to a farm. He adapted really well, was good with the animals and an excellent watchdog. He wouldn't bark unless there was a GOOD reason to bark - either a critter or a trespasser ( usually city people during deer season. They would come in our woods until we would chase them off).

We couldn't have animals inside the house ( my step-dad's rule) so my dog would just wait on the back porch until someone came out. Used to ride my horse and he would trot alongside. Great companion, gentle and loving. Gave so much and expected so little.

Finally got to the point where my hubby would let me get a dog and I KNEW it HAD to be a shepherd. We went full blooded this time, no mix. Shadow is almost 9 months old now and is just the most awesome dog. She plays with the kids, is gentle with the cats, and basically has to be right with me where ever I am in the house. The best part of my day is letting her out of the crate in the morning; she does her little "happy dance", so glad to see me. I want ANOTHER one, but my spouse is sooo not ready for a multiple dog household yet. We'll get there....

[danbibby]

We got a GSD because of their intelect, ease of training and loyalty to family. I've used my military background to teach Karma to search for people, bombs, intruders, not just for the security asspect but just because these activities provide the challanges and excitement a family dog needs otherwise we get a board out his skull GSD and torn furnishings.

[gmcwife1]

Originally Posted by amaris

To be honest, my favorite dog till recent mths was the Golden Ret. but i realized that having a dog that will give a guided tour to a burglar and welcome would-be muggers with a tail wag and a lick isn't exactly the type of dog i'd feel safe around. Plus, my dad said if i was gonna bring a dog home, it'd better be a GSD (he loves 'em).

But my love for big dogs has always been around for as long as i can remember thanks to the MANY large mutts my granma kept while i was growing up...small dogs have never been attractive to me (although i can see why ppl would like them )

This is me too

Except change the dog breed to Samoyed which is exactly like the golden when it comes to strangers

And change your dad to my husband

Our daughter has been in 4-H for 4 yrs and has done as much as she can with her Samoyed. Her dad said the only way she could get a new dog was if it was the type of dog that he wanted, which was the GSD

[ShepStyle]

I didn't really choose a GSD, mine (Ellie) kind of just landed in my lap. My brother got a GSD puppy about 5 years ago and he got hurt right after so he couldn't take care of her. He brought her home to our mom and I until he got better.
We sent her back when he healed up and she lived with him for the next year or so. Then Ellie was hit by a car and broke her hip so she came back to live with us since my brother couldn't be at home to take care of a dog with a broken hip with his work schedule.
When Ellie was healed up, we sent her home with my brother again and a few months or so later, my brother gave Ellie to me. Ellie and I had gotten really attached to each other and my brother saw that so he finally said that she could come home and live with me. And she's been here ever since!