The decision to adopt any dog must be taken very seriously, especially if you are thinking of a large breed dog like the German shepherd. As the third most popular dog breed in the United States for the past 10 years according to the American Kennel Club, the German Shepherd attracts attention for its good looks, intelligence, and strong personality. However, this classic and lovable breed of dog is not an easy or low-maintenance pet. Many pros and cons come with owning German Shepherd dogs.
For the happy owners of these powerful dogs, the cons become part of an interesting routine, but for other would-be pet owners, the challenges of a large breed can be prohibitive. As a German Shepherd dog owner for the past six years, I can credibly share my experience with this remarkable breed.
Pro: As a large breed dog, a German Shepherd presents a robust animal full of energy that allows its owner to make a bold statement with their pet and enjoy the company of a dog that adds security to the home.
Cons: This breed can easily be too canine for some people. They are strong and often strong-willed, and any large breed owner has a responsibility to control his dog. When a Yorkshire Terrier barks incessantly at visitors to his house, they’d be annoyed, but visitors given a session of unrestrained barking by a German Shepherd will suddenly feel like they’re in the middle of a civil rights protest. In addition to controlling barking, you should teach your dog not to jump on people. Being struck in the chest by a 70 to 90 pound animal with large claws is painful.
Pro: A German Shepherd is an intelligent, even mischievous animal that will respond well to training and fun to play with. He will enjoy the interaction with his dog during formal training and will be proud of the learning progress his pet shows. German Shepherds require mental and physical stimulation, making them an excellent choice for an individual or family looking to integrate a pet into a fun and active lifestyle. A German Shepherd is an excellent motivator to keep you active and healthy.
Cons: A German Shepherd should not be left alone for long periods of time (more than a few hours). This goes for any dog, but as an original working breed, the German Shepherd is geared towards high levels of activity herding animals, assisting in search and rescue, and as law enforcement dogs. You must commit to exercising and stimulating your dog every day. In a German Shepherd Reference by D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D., the author reported that this breed was bred to move for hours across large territories. Daily walks and play sessions along with several hours of attention are essential. It is extremely important that you commit to training your dog during adolescence and maintain an exercise routine throughout his life. If this is too much for you or your family, then don’t adopt this breed.
Pro: As a German Shepherd owner, you will receive countless compliments on your pet’s beauty during his lifetime. They are beautiful animals and you will be proud of your dog, especially if you train him properly. You will admire and love your pet for its many abilities and charms.
Cons: German Shepherds will be mischievous, particularly during the first two years. My dog ate my birthday cake when she was two. In general, be prepared to have the things you love destroyed by chewing, digging, and rough play. Flower beds in the mind of a German Shepherd look like a soft, cool and wet play station. Packages delivered to the front porch turn into chewy cardboard balls. All kinds of possessions, such as clothes, remote controls, books, walls, doors, and garden tools, will be crushed between powerful jaws.
Pro: Being a highly intelligent breed, the German Shepherd can avoid inappropriate behavior. Have plenty of toys and chews available at all times. When your dog chews on the wrong things, give him a teether or toy and positively reinforce chewing on the correct items. Unfortunately, as far as I know, these strong-willed dogs will never completely stop digging. Your penchant for landscaping won’t win you any home and garden awards. I have had to settle for a trained dog so as not to dig up the garden.
Cons: German Shepherds in general are susceptible to genetic conditions that can be problematic or even debilitating. Hip dysplasia, panosteitis, and degenerative myelopathy commonly develop in this breed, and you’ll need to learn about care and possible prevention. This breed can also suffer from various allergies. My dog has food and environmental allergies which took me months before I felt relief. Good breeding can limit the frequency of these conditions, but there are no guarantees.
Thinking about how you will respond to the challenges of dog ownership before you adopt will go a long way in helping you enjoy your pet. Dogs, especially German Shepherds, need your attention, formal training, and constant exercise. Ignoring these needs will lead to a negative experience and an unhappy dog that could end up at the shelter. The joys and challenges of owning a German Shepherd overlap with the needs of most large breeds, but it’s essential to recognize that a German Shepherd is not a gentle breed. He is an active dog that will always be looking for fun. Depending on his situation and lifestyle, these traits can be ideal or a burden.