German Shepherd - Should you buy one?

See our available dogs at www.shieldk9.ca

[@peterschmidt7409]

German shepherds do shed just two times a year. From april to september, and than from october to march.... lol

[@1packatak]

As bad as I thought Rotties shed, GSDs are even worse!!! My one GSD outsheds my last two Rotties together!😮😮

[@Nowhere_Man_1953]

I've had four GSD's in my lifetime. All great dogs. None as highly skilled or trained as shown here. Once you have a good GSD you will never want any other type. They are great companions. I just lost my last boy on February 9th.

[@AmandaBussell115]

So sorry for your loss 💔

[@susanwoodman2996]

Sorry for your loss. Lost my fella last September.

[@primalcritters]

I know the pain. So sorry

[@PARoth2011]

Oh I am so sorry for your loss. These dogs are so amazingly special and dedicated, my heart goes out to you.

[@plastikloser]

I wish they could live longer, all dogs. I get mine from rescues, best dogs ever and good health

[@jimmyamico4713]

I have four female German shepherds. I call them my fantastic4… this video is very helpful and informing to a German Shepherd owner past present or future🐕🐕🐕🐕❤️❤️❤️❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@NotFalling4it]

My GSD is the best dog I’ve ever owned. He’s my 4th one and I think it’s that I’m now retired and spend so much time with him. We have an incredible bond, he’s super calm, extremely well socialised and there’s nowhere I can’t and don’t take him. He protects me and the home appropriately and I love him.

[@bravequest8078]

100% best breed ever. Love their loyalty, their soul, alertness, energy, ability... so lovely. Just lost my 14 yr old female and it's left such a void in our family. Our protector and friend, just wonderful with our toddler. Would love to have another one day, when ready..

[@thejindoman7471]

Getting to the CORE of the German Shepherd breed, the way ONLY Haz can. Awesome video👌

[@andyortaaslan80]

My 15 month Czech sable working line is exactly like Chico. Never takes her eyes off of us, always ready to do whatever we ask her to. She is 32 kilos, neutral and suspicious,, on/off, very eager to learn, and a wonderful family dog. Really a great breed, but you need to take them out and stimulate them.

[@christineconstant6149]

Hello where did you get you Czech GS (which breeder?) ? Thank you so much !

[@debm9413]

I’ve had German Shepherds for decades. After becoming knowledgeable about the breed I’ve settled on the working line GSDs and have competed in Schutzhund, IGP as it’s called now. I can’t imagine my life without a working line GSD. Best dogs ever!

[@cherylmillard2067]

I got lucky with my Malinois' on/off switch, she's full of crazy energy during training and a cuddler on the couch when in the house, it took some work but she's got it nailed.

[@reneehouser2925]

Thank you so much!! This helps reinforce everything I've been doing for the past 14 months. Absolutely the most work I've ever put into a dog & worth every painful second 🥰 I would have given up 10 months ago without Haz. So much gratitude for Shield K9!!!

[@ShelbybossV8]

Great informative video Haz... You've answered so many questions I had regarding this wonderful breed 👌

[@dennishines9996]

very informative video, excellent work!

[@olealeksandersjofasting1392]

Worth it? No question about it. One of the best breeds there is. Loved them since I got one as my first dog as a kid

[@devilfish79]

My family just purchased 2 working line GSD's. They're brothers and one is being trained as a mobility service dog for my daughter who has CP. We're also being trained on how to continue with the service dog training and how to properly keep him satisfied. The other boy will get training, too. We're looking forward to owning these fellas. Thank you very much for all the videos and guidance!

[@nimakhoramabadi]

Thank you Haz, It was a wonderful video.

[@GeorgeSki66]

Thanks for all the Info

[@susanwoodman2996]

Spectacular breed...working line from a good knowledgeable breeder.

[@littlewiener5580]

Great content ! Thank You

[@tysdogvlogs6697]

Exciting video to watch, especially since I have a hopper vom brackpetal son coming next month 😁😁

[@BattlebornCaz]

Great video!

[@HoneyBadger0704]

I’ve had numerous working GSDs over the past 32 years now or so. I was pretty young when I got my first GSD. Wonderful dogs when it’s the right individual from the right breeding. I mainly have European working Dobermans these days. Last German Shepherd (Czech lines) I had was about 3-4 years ago. I’d say the German Shepherd is definitely a better family dog overall. Many Dobermans can integrate fine into a family but they’re more geared to bonding strongly to one individual and not as family oriented (in general) as the GSD. Also Dobermans are more prone to some breed specific health issues. This is all just from my personal experience. As much as I love a good Doberman due to their special qualities when you have the right individual, I still like the German Shepherds and I’m actually currently “shopping” around for a German Shepherd puppy that suits my needs. I’m very picky about quality and like a good “old fashioned” working dog which my lifestyle supports having (no kids, no dog parks etc) The only complaint I have is all the hair from a GSD. They do have a high level of grooming requirements.

[@tesslee100]

Ours may be a bit on the larger side at 110 pounds. Best dog ever and we found him in a local rescue. Such a fantastic breed!

[@voltrondefenderoftheuniver8658]

Sounds to me that you have a King shepherd

[@tesslee100]

@@voltrondefenderoftheuniver8658 He thinks he's the king! lol His DNA test says 100% GSD.

[@voltrondefenderoftheuniver8658]

@@tesslee100 King shepherd is a German shepherd that’s over 100lbs

[@brendanperry6429]

When referencing show lines as a type of the breed; please make sure you point out there are 2 types, American & West 🇩🇪 German 🐕‍🦺. BIG difference between the 2 types. As you know the West German show lines have to do the exact same training as working lines in order to be bred or shown in Germany.

[@yo_drew]

Great vid, do more breeds Haz!

[@PARoth2011]

As a GSD owner, (a well balanced rescue that is my perfect companion, playmate and training partner) I appreciate the honest “pros and cons”. As I watched the dogs in the background I noticed there were no exaggerated, lowered hindquarters. Very nice to see so many beautifully balanced dogs!

[@CatholicDogClub]

Working line GSDs are awesome dogs

[@Armorakc]

Thank you for the analysis. As a GSD owner and a hobby trainer I 100% agree and I request breeders to stop destroying this amazing breed by producing restarted handicapped looking German Shepherd and calling them “Show Line” with crooked backs called slopes ….. I had owned English mastiff, Dogo Argentino type dogs but nothing like a pure high quality working line GSD when matched with your lifestyle and needs by a qualified breeder.

[@jamesm6341]

Awesome dogs just need to find the right one. I had a pet grade gsd it was way too nervous. Next one I am getting a grown up gsd. Very hard to find a good gsd.

[@1packatak]

Find a good breeder with a proven track record. They can guide you and help you find the perfect puppy for what you need. They know their lines. And which pup will be the best for you. Adult dogs can come with “baggage”, especially if you adopt. With a pup you can train and socialize to get the dog you need.

[@chrismarshall7124]

As you work with strictly working line how do you separate a dog appropriate for protection/work vs a family dog? 3:58

[@khalidomar1381]

An absolutely spot on quality video! Love how succinct and balanced you talked about the breed!! This content is ideal for owners of all levels. I have one GSD and she is amazing. Quick question - I have heard of the King Shepherd, is this a variation of the GSD and can they be raised for protection work? Keep up the amazing work and thanks for sharing your amazing knowledge.

[@stevenpringle7813]

Do you find that the dogs within a particular litter who have personalities that are more pet oriented as opposed to high end protection, also in general are the dogs with weaker conformation and body structure? Or is there no relationship at all between the two.

[@uv4439]

Great video, thank you. Raising and training as you mentioned at the end of the video sure is key im some aspect. To have a confident GSD (or any dog) starts with the breader, as early as three weeks old, through for example, ENS (Early Nurological Stimulation), then exposure and training during the sensitive and critical periods of development, before 8 weeks of age, and that's were most breeders fail. Most owners don't get their pups until 8 weeks of age or later, when much of the critical wiring is done and nuroplacisity starts to become less elastic. Breeder's have a lot to answer for, as many have absolutely no scientific understanding of canine development and the impact on future behaviour, or they do but don't follow through as it is labour intensive = costly. Unfortunately, nor do dog owners who then often end up spending thousands on training, counter conditioning and behaviour modification. Chose wisely, ask the right questions and be prepared for ongoing training. Training, Commitment, Re-training, Engagement, Excercise with a GSD never stops!!! It's a privilege to own a loyal GSD, not a right, that requires 150% commitment for the life of the GSD.

[@ankajaksmietanka8248]

I'd love to try one for detection work, however, i see so many poor chests in this breed - super narrow chested with easty-westy legs. Is this any concern for breeders?

[@UmbreonLuv1]

It makes me feel sad though because so many GSD are in shelters/rescues and not getting adopted because of the stigmas surrounding the breed. As much as I want to get a quality breed dog, it's hard to neglect the ones who just had poor circumstances

[@primalcritters]

Yes. They are such a beloved breed that they are incredibly over bred

[@vincentluong7550]

Most dogs in shelters are poor quality dogs and have behavioral issues

[@PARoth2011]

I got an 18month old female GSD who had been in the shelter for 6 months. Yep, she was fearful, not housebroken, didn’t know anything and you couldn’t catch her. She had grown up in an apartment with the dog park as her socializing experiences. She didn’t know what a ball was when I got her but by day 3 she loved her ball so much she was retrieving and bringing it back. After six or so weeks she was fully trained in the basics using ONLY that ball and beginning her training on a leash (with a prong). Socialization has taken time but she’s a pro when we visit my mother with dementia even riding on the elevator. She is mostly polite with the occasional low growl if people approach her too quickly. Within months of adopting her she became the best dog I ever had, my joyful playmate, my stunningly quick learning companion and training partner…and I’m 69 years young. My girl is now three and I totally adore her. Btw, I had her dna done because I was convinced she was part Malinois even though she had papers. I was wrong, she’s 100% GSD and didn’t carry ANY of the 250 bad health issue genetics that Embark checks for. Just do your homework and adopt from a GSD rescue, they have the most insight to find your best match.

[@Ms.OliversLife]

I adopted a GSD and he is a ball of crazy. Super sweet. Super protective. Super smart. But he does not like strangers or kids. I had to really, really learn how to handle him to keep others safe. Tons of play and prey drive. I don’t think I’d get another. He’s really, really high maintenance.

[@primalcritters]

Sounds like you got yourself a very dominant High drive German shepherd. Just curious is he solid black? He could probably be stable but usually black is more associated with dominance. Please know that there are many GSD that are very good around kids but you just have to go to a breeder that breeds dogs that are not as dominant and extreme

[@Ms.OliversLife]

@@primalcritters He’s not all black. He is a long hair tho. Black and tan. I’ve been to a couple trainers and have got him pretty neutral and desensitized. But I don’t let anyone approach and pet. He’s super cuddly looking, but I think the genetics aren’t great, hence the shelter dog lol. But I don’t call him dominant. He’s just fearful and reactive, or he was before training. Way way better now. He’s just a handful!!!

[@primalcritters]

@@Ms.OliversLife oh I see. Okay but there are some dogs that are truly dominant and very difficult to manage but I see fear reactivity. He came from the shelter? I'm glad at least that you are working through it. Don't write off the breed though, a well-bred German Shepherd is different.

[@arewethereyet5329]

I have a boxer lab mix. He is the rhe smatest, intuitive and friendl dog i have had. I know, i am bent to this mix, but... it works for security and family.

[@AItakover]

Not every lab mix will fit your needs...

[@DinFL]

Gage!!! ❤❤❤

[@markashford805]

Yes sir.

[@KidusTW]

can you make a video about how to convince our parents to buy us a dog

[@taramcfadden7076]

Loving this. Dobermans are very similar, minus the shedding, and unfortunately their lifespans aren't as long.

[@spike2111982]

just wondering your thoughts on trainability and how good they work in gsd both male and female intact verses neutered thanks love your vids

[@jaceburge7009]

I love my malinios but the lack of a off switch is definitely making me lean more to German shepherds

[@user-de7ut8bg8c]

I have read that saarlos wolfdog are very loyal good companions and intelligent too

[@johndavis8724]

What about pitbulls, dobermans, and Rottweilers?

[@22Mali]

I know someone with a german shepherd the size of hulk hogan.😮 dudes size is insane

[@tarik6507]

Great dogs unfortunately too many health issues. Lost my 2 boys in the past 6 years.

[@k9cfc]

Quality working line gsds kept lean, super fit, fed a raw diet and kept away from vets will live a long healthy life. Not a dog that has health issues

[@surfrby8876]

@@k9cfcgreat advice , I agree 100%

[@user-ty5di3ku6o]

​@k9cfc several generations of hip testing is a big bonus to European lines, especially working lines.

[@douggarrett5288]

@@k9cfc "kept away from vets" 100%

[@primalcritters]

That's why you need to stay away from the show line or backyard bread and focus on working lines from Health tested parents. Because they are such an incredibly popular breed, there are so many people breeding them and not breeding them correctly. You have to be very careful when going to a breeder

[@fannyw7203]

"Recreational aplications" for a dog...?

[@ta5351]

Help: how can I tell if a GS. Is a working breed from a show breed. Is there any signs from looking at the pups?

[@louisasmiles]

Is the back sloping a clue? Parents ought to have straight backs?

[@vincentluong7550]

Biggest sign is the pedigree. Look and research the dogs pedigree. Chances are if the parents and grandparents don't have any working titles and don't come from lines that are known to breed working dogs. A lot well known working kennels will also have their own lines. Think of it like a last name. If the dogs don't have the last name that shows they come from a family of working dogs. Try to see videos of the parents working. Lastly if they breed legitimate working dogs and it comes from a reputable breeder then usually the breeder will know what's dog is best for the owner. But a red flag would be if the puppies are uncomfident and fearful and how quickly they adapt to change if they are little spooked

[@vincentluong7550]

Additionally not always the case but the Europeans tend to breed for darker pigmentation while as the Americans can be lighter pigmentation. Additionally try to get dogs that are have high work titles in their pedigree. If you see a bunch of igp1 titles and nothing else they might be european showline as you need igp1 as bare minimum to breed in certain countries

[@vincentluong7550]

So aim for igp2 and above in the dog pedigree, or a mondioring title, or a higher working title in other protection sports

[@bjbumblebee5324]

GSD my only choice

[@MissChris6375]

So what/who do you suggest to ppl looking for a pet quality GSD?

[@primalcritters]

You can go to a working line breeder but specifically say you are not looking for a high drive dog and do you breed dogs that will have lower medium drive better for family. A good breeder will be honest with you and match you with the right puppy

[@primalcritters]

I agree with everything that you said but there ARE German Shepherds that are 85 lbs are more. Some breeders breed for larger dogs, thicker bone, and they will be lean and large

[@vincentluong7550]

Get a good quality european showline. Meet the parents and make sure the puppies aren't fearful

[@k9handler]

@@primalcritters breeding for larger dogs should not be a priority in breeding. The priority needs to be working ability and strong nerves. Sometimes larger dogs or bones come secondary to temperament; but this should not be the focus and if it is then the breeder is clueless.

[@k9handler]

@MissChris6375. Look for a dog with solid nerves or a working line breeder producing strong nerves.

[@Matt-km3po]

I’m in America. How many lbs do they weigh? I mean come on!

[@streetrossi937]

She'll k k9 Can you do a video on?How did you get to the point to be able to sell dogs to the police department

[@MissChris6375]

Have you seen his videos?!? I’d be STOKED if I knew my local police department had a ShieldK9 trained police dog! I’d feel very secure that the dog was well trained & trustworthy because his #1 quality he looks for in dogs is a calm, even temperament before starting any advanced training.

[@cherylmillard2067]

Please make sure your GSD puppy or dog's parents have been tested for Degenerative Myelopathy, it's the K9 version of ALS, the same mutated genes SOD1 are involved. Once symptoms appear at around 7 to 9 years old, you'll have up to two years or less before it's time to say goodbye. It is heartbreaking and the anticipatory grief can break a person. MD is assumptive disease meaning only upon death will a postmortem reveal the cause. I have been through this with a mixed breed boxer/lab, this is why I speak on this issue. Haz is very adamant about health testing and not breeding two carriers of this disease. I call DM the 'long goodbye.'

[@justchilling7594]

My shepherd had to be put to sleep because of this. It was indeed a slow heartbreaking year and a half to go through. She was loved by everyone she came into contact with and it enrages me that the breeder didn't do her due diligence when it came to genetic testing.

[@cherylmillard2067]

@@justchilling7594 I am so sorry you had to go through this. ❤‍🩹

[@wrestlingterrier8366]

I was told that there is a distiction between the European GS and its American version, with the former being smaller in size but with more "Guardian" traits than its American counterpart. Not sure if that's true but I'm sure there must be some differences....

[@k9handler]

Sounds like you're talking about West German Showlines versus American Showlines; generally speaking, both those lines are CRAP - nothing but watered down genetics that are not representative of true German Shepherd. Working lines are what you want, but even amongst those breeders there are plenty of ignoramuses breeding crap.

[@ZephyrSix]

Thanks for the informative video. My show line male (imported from Europe) is combative with other dogs, but overly sociable with humans. He will jump up in the Amazon Truck to lick the driver to death, or make instant friends with strangers. We don't want him to do this, and we hoped he would exhibit the famous aloof behavior that the breed is known for. Otherwise, he is the best dog we've ever had. Any suggestions as to how to correct this overly friendly behavior is appreciated

[@k9handler]

Generally speaking, showlines are crap! Ignorant breeders, breeding for color and ignoring working ability.

[@theboutiquegrower4617]

Bro. 40kilos? Well the Americans just don’t understand how to keep dogs at a good weight that’s for sure. I’ve had cops tell me mine look “hungry”. Better lean than thick especially early. Let those joints firm up before they put on their adult weight. And even then every true worming dog I’ve seen is on the leaner side. Oh and do not get a Dutchie cuz it’s got Shepherd in the name if you’re looking for a family dog. I’ve had western show lines, Dutchies and Mals and been around DDRs a decent amount. The German Shepherds can and do transition to family mode and the Dutchies and Mals do not. They will hurt your family just because they’re high strung and push the boundaries of your pack. They don’t just “fit in”. They constantly try to upgrade their positions as just part of their DNA. You channel and manage it but you don’t “shut it off”. Get a GSD for family. Listen to Haz.

[@louisasmiles]

I have a Mali x German shepherd. You're right. She's lots of work. I don't recommend them at all

[@vincentluong7550]

The akc standard is max 90lbs so it's about the same. There are just poor backyard breeders breeding for size and bad owners

[@primalcritters]

@@louisasmiles you'd be surprised most people that have Malinois these days also have German Shepherd or working German Shepherd in their dog. Malinois are very fine-boned and petite and to create Malinois that are more impressive looking they outcross with German shepherd. Personally though I like a working line German Shepherd without crazy high drive because it's just too much for the average person, or a Malinois GSD cross with the same temperament. Difficult to find the with a good off switch because of the Malinois. Although working line German Shepherds are a lot for most people as it is

[@JZ-xu3vg]

found the best working shepherd i could find. studded him out to a poodle. Best puppies i've ever seen.

[@primalcritters]

You are trolling.

[@brendad7559]

Why is Chico's tongue so purple & pale?

[@flyingpuma9729]

Male GSDs regularly weigh up to 45kg. That 30-40kg doesnt live up to the reality.

[@vincentluong7550]

Nah the akc says max 90lbs and fci says standard is 40kgs. Dogs above that are over the standard. And dogs that are that size are the exception. Additionally most of the time german shepherds aren't suppose to be a big dog. They are suppose to be a slightly bigger more stable malinois. There's no real advantage to my knowledge of having a bigger gsd for working purposes