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Originally Posted by gracielove  I would ask for references from the breeder. You need to know what kind of temperament these dogs have a history of developing. GSD's are very beautiful and intelligent dogs when bred properly but bad breeding can cause the pups to have temperament issues. There are also some health issues that have been found in the GSD. Being on the AKC website does not guarantee you anything. They have a classified section that anyone who breeds AKC pups can use. If you are going to bring a pup that will grow to that size into your home you need to get as much information as you can about the background. You are going to need to do some intense obedience training as well.
You have your work cut out for you. Maybe start out by buying some well made, very tall metal gates to gate your GSD pup away from your Yorkie. GSD pups grow fast. They are energetic just like any other pup but their size can cause a serious accidental injury to your little dog. |
I agree.
My uncle got a GSD from an Amish farm in PA. She is a great dog, but does have a few issues. When I first met her, as a 4 month old pup, I was very scared. Had never seen a puppy with such aggression towards another dog. He wanted a 'cheap dog' tho... he ended up paying in vet bills more than he would've for just going to a good breeder, but of course he loves his girl.
Jackson is very good with other dogs, and helping to teach them. When I was dogsitting, he helped me 'raise' quite a few large breed pups. I had never seen a dog this young, who was so aggressively barking/lunging at Jackson. Hackles up, not really in a fearful manner either. I helped my uncle out a lot, by bringing Jackson over (on leash, they were never off leash) to start socializing her. After a few visits, she improved a LOT... but it's still an issue he deals with. She can be dog-selective (not so much dog aggressive) and reactive on leash. And when you have a dog that big doing that... it's difficult.
Also, with a Yorkie, sometimes they have that 'attitude'. Jackson is fantastic with other dogs, who are respectful of him but he went AFTER my uncles GSD one time when, out of excitement, she pounced and her paw hit him hard. Well, he literally lunged at her and totally went apesh*t like I had never seen him do, and I had to lift him away by his harness. Thank God she did not do anything back. That could've been deadly. But small dogs don't have any other way to defend themselves and sometimes that will happen. They are also terriers afterall.
I grew up with a GSD from a BYB who got put to sleep at 4 years old after attacking a worker who came into our yard. Looking back, we could've done a lot of things differently, however I believe she was just wired that way. She HATED strangers. By 2 years old, we couldn't have anyone over without locking her up. She was very protective of me. She was my baby. Got her when I was 10 and she died when I was 14. I was devastated. She taught me a lot about dogs and is a reason I love them so much today. But she was ALOT of work.
GSDs CAN be GREAT dogs. I love them! But you have REALLY got to be careful these days. I see WAY more GSDs with shaky temperaments than the other way around. They're not the 'good ole dogs' like they seem they used to be... I wish Shepherds of the 50s and 60s would come back. They really are such an amazing breed. I would possibly like one again someday. You can see how they've changed over the yrs:
http://www.asuperiorgsd.com/p2p.html
There are many different lines as well. Here are the different types:
German Shepherd types and bloodlines with pictures | German Shepherd types | German Shepherd dog | German Shepherds
They are large, powerful, smart animals (#2 smartest dog breed). They shed, a LOT. They need a lot of exercise and a lot of mental work to be kept out of trouble.