Before you consider getting a German Shepherd here are a few things to consider first.

This is not to put you off but to let you know what you are getting yourself into.

As with many breeds, popularity has had its drawbacks. Many dogs of poor quality and unsound temperament have been brought into the world by unknowing backyard breeders and puppy mills. Many of these unfortunate puppies are in poor health and have genetic abnormalities and poor temperaments.

So, if you've decided to buy a German Shepherd, it is well worth your while to find a responsible breeder with a broad knowledge of the breed and the ancestors of the dogs they are working with and should have at the very least have mum on the premises.

A responsible breeder will know about the hereditary problems in the breed, such as hip and elbow dysplasia and have a working knowledge of genetics, and we take precautions to minimize the chances that our animals will end-up with a health or temperament problems. We want the puppy you take home to be a welcome and successful addition to the family as much as you do and will make every effort to match the right puppy with you.

Purchasing a fine dog from a responsible breeder costs very little compared with buying a poor quality dog from a pet store or an unknowledgeable person and having to pay veterinary costs for the rest of its life (which is 13 years on average). We care about the puppies we bring into the world and about where they are placed. (Don't be surprised when we ask questions about you, your home, and your plans for care of the dog so we can decide if we want to place a puppy with your family we will also require your shoes size and what you had for breakfast...only kidding,  well about the shoe size and breakfast details!)

Those considering a German Shepherd Dog as a family addition should make sure that this breed is the best fit for the situation. The dogs are strong in body, spirit, and mind. They need much attention, love, and firm guidance as they grow -- which they do quite quickly.

A sound temperament is of the utmost importance in a good companion. Temperament is inherited, and therefore is a direct result of the dog's breeding.

As a gawky, awkward teenager, a GSD may unintentially knock over a small child or a frail elderly person. Their strong, happy tails can clear tables, and their powerful jaws and teeth wreak havoc on furniture.

This is a slowly maturing breed with a long puppy-hood, so the new owner must be prepared to provide kind but firm discipline and a secure environment to help the dog develop into a well- behaved adult. German Shepherds are active dogs. They love to run and explore their surroundings with their excellent noses. They require considerable exercise, especially while growing. This exercise can be provided by an active owner, another dog or two, or a fenced yard or dog run. Tying this dog to a house is totally unacceptable, as it will create frustration, boredom, and a potentially dangerous dog.

This is a natural breed, meaning that it does not require clipping, only occasional baths are needed. German Shepherds are double-coated with a coarse, water-resistant outer coat and a heavy, woolly undercoat. They are heavy shedders, especially in spring, and require regular combing. This is definitely not a dog for those who cannot abide dog hair on the furniture, carpets, clothes, etc.

The German Shepherd Dog has a proud and distinguished heritage. A sound dog, raised well, makes an owner forget that other breeds even exist. If this is the breed for you and your family, you will never have a better friend.

They make excellent family dogs, because, although they pick one person as their special person, they can relate well to all members of the household. If they are raised with children, they will develop an abundance of tolerance to the grabbing and poking of tiny fingers. Raising a puppy with young children takes extra patience and effort for parents. Often the fast-growing puppy will use his teeth in playing with children and their toys, sometimes resulting in scratches. Young children often excite puppies who want to wrestle and chase -- like they did with their littermates.

Children can undo all the work a parent has done in training the puppy because a small child is neither firm nor consistent with the pup. As long as parents realize that they will need an extra dose of patience, the German Shepherd puppy can grow up side by side with the children and be a source of lasting memories for all. The children need to be involved in the training as this will help your child bond with the dog and for the dog to realise their position in the family unit - pack.

For those who have a true need for more serious protection, a sound, balanced dog is still the best choice. Such a dog can be trained in formal personal protection by a competent instructor. An overly aggressive or unsound dog should not be trained in protection, for it will be a danger and cannot be trusted. Anyone planning to acquire a personal protection dog should choose the dog and the trainer carefully, for a poor dog or a poor trainers can court disaster.

If you are still interested after reading all this then drop me an email to register your interest.

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Last modified: 08/12/08