New German Shepard

Caoimhín

Hi Folks.

I am planning on getting a German Shepherd and i have a few questions, soo i might just throw them out there and see what i get.

Okay, I would love a long-haired one, is there a difference? or is a short haired one actually an "Alsatian"
It is going to be out on the woods, forests and hills where I work (im a Forester) but some time may be spent in the van, (no more than an hour ady)?0
How are they indoors (around electrical cables etc)?
Now she/he will get LOTS of exercise during the day on some very rare occasions, like once a year, are they well behaved even as pups.

What are they like around other people/animals etc. We had a Rothweiller about 20 years ago and since there were lots of kids about, my father was reluctant to let him out and about. Naturally, when he did get out he was off like again like a shot. I loved him all the same:o

Last question... sorry for rambling on, but i have one more question, if you dont mind? ; What is the difference/if any between a German Shepard an Alsatian?

Thanks in advance (if anyone has bothered to read the nonsense coming from my "too early" brain)

Branoic

We've got a 9 month old german shepherd, had her since she was 8 weeks, and she's a fantastic dog.

There's no difference between a gsd and an alsatian - it's the same breed. They were german shepherds before world war 1 but were renamed alsatians in the war because people didn't like the "german" bit so much anymore. They were only renamed back to german shepherds in the 70s, so that's their correct name.

Regarding behaviour, I don't think it's possible to have any pup "well behaved", there will always be some mischief - that's the nature of being a puppy! With ours she's adorable, very loving, very playful, but an unholy terror sometimes! Funnily enough she hasn't chewed cables, but has chewed almost everything else at some stage, including chairs, brick walls, and my DVD collection.

Ours is great with people and loves other dogs - hasn't met one she didn't get on with.

So all in all I'd say go for it. They're a fantastic breed but just remeber that they're highly intelligent (3rd most intelligent breed) so need a lot of mental as well as physical stimulation to keep them happy.

Moorsy22

I was thinking of getting one myself but am concerned about how much exercise it would need. I'm unemployed at the moment so will have plenty of time to walk it but hope to start working again in January, would 60 - 90 minutes in the evenings be enough walking ? I live in the sticks and 5 minute walk from the beach so plenty of great places to walk it. Any advice/opinions ?

I'd hate to get one and have to give it up because I couldn't give it what it needs.

estreet girl

They are gorgeous dogs,my favourite in fact,even though we have a lovely lab.My next dog will deffo be a German Shepherd.My parents had one for years and he was a gentle diet.
They do,like all big dogs need a fair bit of exercise and being so close to the beach is doggy paradise:)
Good luck

YOURFACE!

German Shepherds are the best! I have a 6 month old long haired girl. When they are puppies be careful with how much exercise you give them as they are big dogs you don't want to damage their bones. I walk my girl for about 25/30 mins a day and loads of play too. This will increase the older she gets obviously.

With regards to behaviour, my girl is a big clown but does get herself into trouble eg: chewing through internet cables, digging up plants, stealing socks etc but I guess you get that with all puppies. So make sure you puppy proof the house! One thing I would strongly advise is puppy socialisation classes, I found them great! She loves all dogs and people and is really gentle with kids! They are so smart so training is a breeze! I want another one but himself will kill me!!

Awww... You're going to have so much fun together! Good luck with it all!!

helimachoptor

Honestly OP I don't think you can get a better dog! Yes they really like their exercise and if you have them out with you everyday they'll love that.

Travelling won't be a problem aslong as you get them used to it. I didn't have a car til my guy was about 2 and it took him a long time to get used to it.

My guy was always well behaved even as a puppy, never chewed anything he wasn't supposed to or humped anyone. Very friendly and just a really cuddle bear!

Socialisation classes are great. I took my guy to them for about 2 months and he was never angry with another dog unless attached (which happened a couple of times) It also gets him used to being around people as generally the other owners always want to talk/pet your dog.

good luck!

Caoimhín

So anyone got one.

And not one of those ones that have been breed to look "nice" at show dog contests?

I want a big boned dog that likes exercise?

I can/try to housebreak him myself?

Kev..

Morganna

Morganna

this is the type that i breed

Morganna

this is the type i breed

liah

Love Sheps. Had them all my life.. silver one growing up, a white one when I was younger, and a black one waiting for me back home.

Honestly can't recommend a better breed tbh. They're easy as pie.

Morganna

They are so loyal so faithful so intelligent and so wronged by bad publicity

Tomebagel

Lovely dogs morganna,

Morganna

Thank you they are my life .

cloudy day

Morganna wrote: »

Thank you they are my life .

Whatever you do, do not buy one from " show" breeders, if they are the frog legged type, they are abominations.

mymo

We went to a show in Kilkenny few weeks back for a look and it was sad to see those gsd's, a couple looked like they could barely walk and looked very awkward. I was surprised that they are still encouraging this type.
The ones I remember are the type Morgana has(gorgeous by the way), I grew up in UK and used to see the police displays with dogs leaping 6ft fences and the like, doubt one of those show dogs could do that.