What is a german shepherd like?
Well-bred GSDs have powerful jaws and
strong teeth, can develop a strong
sense of loyalty and obedience, and can
be trained to attack and release on
command. Poorly bred GSDs such as those
from puppy mills can be fearful, overly
aggressive, or both.
Dangerous?
GSDs (like Pit
Bulls, Rottweilers and Dobermanns), are
often perceived as inherently
dangerous, and are the target of Breed
Specific Legislation in several
countries.
If a GSD is violent or aggressive, it
is often due to the combination of poor
breeding (bad nerves) and the owner's
lack of control or training. GSDs are
often used as guard, attack and police
dogs, which further contributes to the
perception of being a dangerous breed.
However, many GSDs function perfectly
well as search dogs and family pets,
roles where aggressive behavior is
unsuitable.
Loyalty
GSDs' sense of loyalty
and emotional bond with their owners is
almost impossible to overstate.
Separation trauma is one reason they
are now used less often in guide dog
roles, since guide dogs are typically
trained from puppyhood by one owner
prior to final placement with their
employer.
GSDs can make loyal and obedient pets.
Temperament differences among
lines
The different types or lines
of GSD display differences not only in
appearance but also in ability and
temperament.
Dogs from working lines have very high
energy, and have been bred to have a
natural drive for protection, tracking,
and obedience. They are bred primarily
for consistent temperament, working
drive, and intelligence. These dogs can
be used as pets, but will be unhappy if
not exercised daily or trained to do a
job of some sort.
Many of these dogs populate dog pounds
in North America due to their
destructive tendencies when not
properly trained.
German and Eastern European lines tend
to be stockier, with shorter snouts and
more muscular chests, and typify the
working lines.
North American lines have a tendency
towards a longer croup, longer back,
higher wither and temperament ideal for
companionship. They do not require
constant stimulation to keep them from
becoming bored and possibly
demonstrating destructive
behaviors.
These dogs can make excellent pets,
provided that a responsible breeder has
not sacrificed consistent temperament
or health in the quest for popular
standards for good looks.
Intelligence
GSHs are highly
intelligent and learn new commands very
quickly. A study placed German
Shepherds as the 3rd most intelligent
breed of dogs. This study used a survey
of dog trainers who were asked which
breeds responded most often to commands
and which breeds learned new commands
fastest. GSDs placed only behind Border
Collies and Poodles.