Joined
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374 Posts
Hi all,
First: Can't believe I've been a member here since 2004; I graduated high school that year! And now I'm married? And starting a career? Man. All I can say is, I shudder to think of what-all posts I must have made almost a decade ago - ugh, teenagers. Glad that’s over.
So, my husband and I are looking to add a GSD pup in the next 2-3 years. We currently live in Houston, but will be returning to the Northeast in ~3-years time and are looking for a breeder from VA up. Like, all the way up. Maine would be totally fine.
Number-one criterion is physical health and fitness. I'm a hiker and need a dog who can handle a three-day trek through The Whites, scrambles and all, while carrying some of their own food/water. I have doubts about finding a GSD that can do this and not break down - please prove me wrong. And it’s why I’m wondering about SAR lines? Over-long or heavy dogs need not apply.
I also lost my last Shepherd to cancer at 5; I'd like to stack the odds against that repeating.
My number-two criterion is temperament. While future GSD will need to learn house obedience and trail rules, I will not be doing Schutzhund. Agility is possible, but don't bank on it. There will however be lots of games, silly dog tricks, good manners, and general involvement in the day-to-day. Plus aforementioned backpacking.
Also, not sure this needs to be said: solid nerve is paramount. Last Shepherd would bark for several minutes non-stop when people came to the door, even after they entered the house. It might have looked "protective," but it wasn't. It was just noise.
Settling indoors is important. There are days when our dogs do not get walks, and have to suffice with some obedience and mind games after work. We try to make up for this on weekends, but husband and I both work full-time and realistically cannot devote 1-2 hours a day to providing physical activity. Being honest here. This is speaking about an adult dog as well - I understand that youngsters don't come with a "settle" button.
For some more nuanced criteria: I like a thinking dog who considers before reacting. My first Shepherd was the opposite, and it took a ton of work to get him to start using his noggin before taking action (was still never 100%). Similarly, I'd like a dog who's interested in working with me - who wants to figure out what I'm thinking without too much cajoling. Earning respect? Sure. Having to go through acrobatics flinging a toy around, or constantly popping a prong? Not so much.
Protective instinct is swell, but again - thinking is key. I prefer judgement over reactivity.
Boiled down: physical health, solid temperament, handler involved, the grit to go 14 miles in one day, with an off switch. Am I asking too much?
Many thanks to anyone who takes the time to write suggestions. We are very dedicated to finding the right Shepherd for our situation, and if we can’t, that’s okay too. I’m not out to do anyone/dog a disservice. Raw truth welcomed.
First: Can't believe I've been a member here since 2004; I graduated high school that year! And now I'm married? And starting a career? Man. All I can say is, I shudder to think of what-all posts I must have made almost a decade ago - ugh, teenagers. Glad that’s over.
So, my husband and I are looking to add a GSD pup in the next 2-3 years. We currently live in Houston, but will be returning to the Northeast in ~3-years time and are looking for a breeder from VA up. Like, all the way up. Maine would be totally fine.
Number-one criterion is physical health and fitness. I'm a hiker and need a dog who can handle a three-day trek through The Whites, scrambles and all, while carrying some of their own food/water. I have doubts about finding a GSD that can do this and not break down - please prove me wrong. And it’s why I’m wondering about SAR lines? Over-long or heavy dogs need not apply.
I also lost my last Shepherd to cancer at 5; I'd like to stack the odds against that repeating.
My number-two criterion is temperament. While future GSD will need to learn house obedience and trail rules, I will not be doing Schutzhund. Agility is possible, but don't bank on it. There will however be lots of games, silly dog tricks, good manners, and general involvement in the day-to-day. Plus aforementioned backpacking.
Also, not sure this needs to be said: solid nerve is paramount. Last Shepherd would bark for several minutes non-stop when people came to the door, even after they entered the house. It might have looked "protective," but it wasn't. It was just noise.
Settling indoors is important. There are days when our dogs do not get walks, and have to suffice with some obedience and mind games after work. We try to make up for this on weekends, but husband and I both work full-time and realistically cannot devote 1-2 hours a day to providing physical activity. Being honest here. This is speaking about an adult dog as well - I understand that youngsters don't come with a "settle" button.
For some more nuanced criteria: I like a thinking dog who considers before reacting. My first Shepherd was the opposite, and it took a ton of work to get him to start using his noggin before taking action (was still never 100%). Similarly, I'd like a dog who's interested in working with me - who wants to figure out what I'm thinking without too much cajoling. Earning respect? Sure. Having to go through acrobatics flinging a toy around, or constantly popping a prong? Not so much.
Protective instinct is swell, but again - thinking is key. I prefer judgement over reactivity.
Boiled down: physical health, solid temperament, handler involved, the grit to go 14 miles in one day, with an off switch. Am I asking too much?
Many thanks to anyone who takes the time to write suggestions. We are very dedicated to finding the right Shepherd for our situation, and if we can’t, that’s okay too. I’m not out to do anyone/dog a disservice. Raw truth welcomed.
I have pictures of our girl Breeze... check her out when you get a minute... and check out Amari and Alkarah, you won't be disappointed. 
