The decision to adopt any dog must be taken very seriously, especially if you are considering a large breed dog such as 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 dog breed is not an easy or low-maintenance pet. Many pros and cons come with owning German Shepherd dogs.
For happy owners of these mighty 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 owner of a large breed has a responsibility to control their dog. When a Yorkshire Terrier barks incessantly at visitors to his home, they would be annoyed, but visitors who get a session of unrestrained barking from a German Shepherd will suddenly feel like they’re in the middle of a civil rights protest. In addition to controlling barking, you need to teach your dog not to jump on people. Being hit 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 be 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 a great 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 stay active and healthy.
Cons: A German Shepherd should not be left alone for long periods of time (more than a few hours). This applies to any dog, but as an original working breed, the German Shepherd is geared for 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 of the utmost importance that you commit to training your dog through adolescence and maintain an exercise routine throughout his life. If this is too much for you or your family then do not adopt this breed.
Pro: As a German Shepherd owner, you will receive countless compliments on your pet’s beauty throughout his life. 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 their first two years. My dog ate my birthday cake when she was two years old. In general, be prepared for the things you love to destroy through chewing, digging, and rough play. Flower beds in a German shepherd’s mind seem like a soft, cool, wet play season. 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 objects. Unfortunately, as far as I know, these strong-willed dogs will never completely stop digging. Your love of landscaping won’t win you any home and garden awards. I have had to make do with 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 will need to learn about care and possible prevention. This breed can also suffer from various allergies. My dog has food and environmental allergies that took me months before I felt any relief. Good parenting can limit the frequency of these conditions, but there are no guarantees.
Thinking about how you will respond to the challenges of owning a dog 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 in the shelter. The joys and challenges of owning a German Shepherd overlap with the needs of most large breeds, but it is essential to recognize that a German Shepherd is not a gentle breed. He is an active dog who will always be looking for fun. Depending on his situation and lifestyle, these traits can be ideal or burdensome.
