Is The German Shepherd The Perfect Dog Breed For You?

The German Shepherd is a very popular breed all over the world. Althought they can be easy to train and are a great guard dog, does that make them the right breed for you?
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Here on The Will Atherton Canine Show we make videos about man’s best friend so if this is your first time here don’t forget to subscribe! These videos are made and aimed at adults in a stage of their life to purchase or adopt a dog, we want to help them choose the right breed and become excellent canine leaders to help end the number of dogs that end up in shelters.

[@wwsuen]

best quote "grows very quickly and matures very slowly". Absolutely, despite following Will's course and doing in person training as well, my 13 mo will still let puppy brain takeover on a regular basis .... unfortunately he's been 75 lbs for about 4 months! But, when puppy brain hasn't taken over, he is a sweetest tyke

[@jarvisjourneys]

So true

[@lisamorgan5267]

That got me too 😂 I had a 95lb 15 month old, my description of him was a toddler in an adult body. He was 4 years old before he settled down. He was the best boy I could have ever asked for!

[@mattiadizard7431]

I adopted a 10 yr old German shepherd and omg she is amazing and the best well behaved big dog that I have owned

[@cyberspinosaur1145]

Got a German Shepherd assistant dog. He's my best friend, lifeline and companion, I owe him so much. They really are phenomenal dogs, just be aware of the stigma others have of them

[@ladyhellfire75]

I had a white German shepherd in the house at 4yrs old. She had been bred by my grandparents so no surprise my dad was able to raise a stable one. She was my best friend and was huge (mom has a picture and sitting down and me standing her ears were at least level with the top of my head if not taller) i remember her as basically a sibling. We moved and wouldn't have had the room and gave her to a family member that was up where she had been born so it was thought to be a good match. I don't know what kind of monster children they were raising but this dog that had been so loving with me had to be put down because she became vicious. Had one as an adult and she was just as sweet as I remember Snoopy beind and lived until 14 with no aggression to anyone, though she was quite the troll and made everyone laugh. You need to love them and give boundaries and if you start with that base you will be rewarded with love that knows no bounds and can learn anything.

[@jomoguera2824]

I am 62yrs old. I was born with GSD and God willing will never be without. One thing I can say is I never had a GSD that actually comes from a working line. My Silly Lilly comes from a working line of farm dogs. Shes extremely high IQ and with drive like I never seen. Almost 3 yrs with by before I ever seen her get tired. I did regular hiking,bike rides, I had to train her not herd my kids. I play a game I call flag pole,that she made up at a golf course. She can really swim for a miles, if I let her. Swimming is her favorite. . I would throw tree limbs out at the beach. It became so interesting I counted 361 times she retrieved. 😅😅😅 and she would never tire. I mean really intense physical exercise. Personally if your not interested into putting time into development its not the breed for you. I got Silly Lilly at 8 or 9 weeks old. She will be 13yrs old soon. All of my dogs, I train myself. I can't count the number of times she has protected our home. She leery of strangers and alert AF. To really appreciate a GSD get past the first three years and providing you purchase from a licensed breeder with health records and pedigree you should be fine. Just know GSD will defend and attack without being trained to do so. And if your leadership skills are lacking the dog can get you in trouble.

[@erinhardick4803]

My whole life changed for the better when I adopted a 1yr old GSD mix (I think husky) The first day I went to work after adopting him I came home to check on the house and him at lunch. I do have a 12 year old aussie/GSD mix at that time she was about 10. My house was trashed couch, bookshelf, lamp, bread on the counter, dishes that were in the sink. Much like having a child I removed a lot of those things from the rooms he had access to, he also has complete access to the yard which to his and my other dog's great delight you can see past the neighbors yard to the street to tell all who walk by Hey! This is my yard. A couple of months later I had lost my job and become depressed but his need for exercise as he was then 1 1/2 caused me to start heading to the dog park. A year later and we go every day for 1.5 - 3 hours. I can take him anywhere as he has met hundreds of people and dogs. I did not have him conform to my lazy depressed lifestyle, I changed mine and am better for it.

[@calicooaks8295]

My truck driver son got a GSD puppy and we have been working with her since 9 weeks old. A working lines dog. Very intense. He took her on the road at 4 and a half months and that's when the trouble started. He undid all the work I had done with the dog and she is now with a professional trainer to the tune of $2500 and my savings are gone so we can correct issues that would never have occurred if he had let me put her through puppy obedience classes when she was still small. This dog is wicked smart and learns fast but she is a PUPPY. I told him to crate her while driving and train her while on leash. We absolutely adore this dog, hence the professional training. You are absolutely right in what you said about this breed. I want a full sibling to this dog. Many things would have been done differently if she were my dog. 'Nuff said.

[@jmax9782]

By far the best breed for us. Our second GSD is currently 10 months and just like her predecessor, is a joy to train and work with. They require a leader who gives orders: once they know you're the boss they will follow you around 24/7 (mine even sleeps with me). They are so smart and mature even as puppies. They want a job to do and then they want lots of praise for doing it. They have big minds, big egos, and powerful jaws- an impressive collection of character traits. BUT- make sure you get one with a horizontal back as this breed has been greatly compromised physically by the idiotic show dog standards that promote the weak-hipped 'roach back' conformation.

[@tihnsorfjw]

Thank you for sharing your perspective. It's important to remember that the German Shepherd breed, like many others, comes in various lines, each with its unique traits and purposes. While you may have reservations about show-line German Shepherds, it's crucial to recognize that both show and working lines have their strengths. Show-line dogs are bred with a focus on conformation to breed standards and stable temperaments. They often make excellent family pets and companions. Working-line dogs, on the other hand, excel in specific tasks like herding and protection work. Their skills are invaluable in various professional roles. It's unproductive to label one line as 'weak' or 'ridiculous.' Both lines can produce healthy, well-tempered dogs when bred responsibly. Rather than making sweeping judgments, let's celebrate the diversity within the breed and respect the choices of those who prefer one line over the other. Responsible breeding and individual health and temperament should be the focus. If you have specific concerns about hip health, remember that responsible breeders from all lines prioritize health screenings and the well-being of their dogs. Let's promote understanding and responsible dog ownership to ensure that all German Shepherds, regardless of their line, lead happy and healthy lives. it's crucial to differentiate between the aesthetics of show-line German Shepherds and the actual health of their hips. Both show-line and working-line German Shepherds can be bred responsibly to produce dogs with excellent health and temperament. To make informed judgments, it's best to consider individual health evaluations rather than relying solely on generalizations.

[@alittleheavenonearth]

kzbin.infoYlIGZn7YQXQ?si=g0f47JD4qVK1V-LI I must say I was 😮

[@kristinschofield5523]

The GSD is my dog of choice, and have always had them. All very different than each other. Some more easily trainable. One would have made a great service dog. I miss them all terribly 😢. They are so noble, steadfast, and loyal. The one I have now is a great challenge, but we are beating the odds of a covid shutdown pup.❤😮

[@chaoscapricorn13]

My gsd just passes away on the 1st, she was the best, 14 years of loyalty and love, didnt bark unless necessary, not needlessly aggressive, friendly, sociable, sassy and happy... i will not get another dog right away, but i will for sure get another shepherd and she has big shoes to fill

[@mayamartin7359]

I am so sorry for your loss. 🥺 I also lost my puppy this month. But I’ve had a dog from puppy to old age before. So I know that heartbreak too.

[@user-ro2ci6yv5h]

Have had 2 they are my heart and soul

[@khalidomar1381]

Great work Will, as you have succinctly covered the breed in your own great Canine knowledge way! They are truly an amazing breed but its important people also know the challenges that come with such an amazing breed. I have had mine for 3 years and she is both amazing and a clown in one, but always the best personal protector!

[@karenrosenberger1321]

German Shepherds are my absolute favorite breed!!! 😊❤

[@Rigbycat123]

My Shepherd was named after a hit man, Chilli Palmer lol Biggest sook on 4 legs. Under 10’s football club unofficial mascot. He loved the boys, they loved him. Lots of pats and chasing the ball. Coach laughing. Best manners. Never engaged with dogs charging gates or fences barking. Ran happily beside my horse. Didn’t bark at anything. Never charged barked or threatened any dog going past. Even if that dog went nuts. Growled once. Pitch black, my friend (female) & I fishing, yapping. Chilli stood up, low growl. We turned to find a man standing about 15ft from us. He didn’t see the dog but the dog saw him. Bloke soon left. Phew!

[@StaubZuStaub]

GS's are amazing, I just can't deal with the shedding but I adore my neighbour's GS he's a polite delight 🥰

[@ShieldMaiden95]

It's the price you pay for the best dog ever. 🐾🥰

[@xjxnqle8612]

Been researching the breed and requirements for three years, will finally adopt one in the upcoming weeks ❤

[@mr.bluesman9879]

did you get it?

[@PolyMathWannaBe62]

Good haircut. Good informative video.

[@logun24x7]

GSD,s are one of the most versatile breeds on the planet. Understanding these guys have distinct lines with very different temperaments is key to finding one that fits you and your lifestyle. My girl as an example is from Czech and is a super independent and quiet dog but quick to aleart and a beast on the sports field. If you want a companion dog that will cuddle with you all night look at the American show lines they tend to be more of a family friendly dog you can take anywhere

[@janemann2756]

I love the breed. I've had two and I'm hooked.

[@soojincho2829]

My boy is definition of slow maturity haha hes almost three and hes finally starting to use those braincells and not act impulsively as much in high stimulation situations 😅

[@charlesncharge6298]

My German Shepherd was actually pretty easy to train. She had a problem with chewing and shredding, but she was completely done with it by two.

[@alittleheavenonearth]

kzbin.infoYlIGZn7YQXQ?si=g0f47JD4qVK1V-LI

[@TheTha411]

Good to hear lol. My German is a 6 month old male..He does both of them too. We were worried he would dig holes but mainly he just shreds the grass and the chewing is getting better now that his teeth came in but he still does it.. It's a full time job watching him for both those things at times.

[@r.amadobeltrecastillo1684]

Hi! Big fan of your work over here! I have a question. I have a 4 year old German Sheperd, and ive been working with him since he was two months of energy and agression, and im quite proud of the results in a great, gentle but yet intimidating dog, but now that i have a little kid at home, i want my GSD to be with him, to bark if somebody gets near my son, to show his teeth and even react if necessary (hope not), but even if a leave the kid alone in my big house and comando the dog to be with him, he follows me everywhere, and also is extremely friendly with extrangers, maybe he will lick a thieve before thinking of attacking him. So my question is if you think its too late to train my GSD to protect or if its still possible at 4 years old to train him for that. Of course any tip would be awesome😂. Thank you so much in avance!

[@kaitlin8833]

Bringing up Sam in I am Legend 😭 We have a show line GSD and she is still “work”. Don’t get this dog and leave it locked in your small apartment for 23 hours a day without any mental/physical stimulation. Great video!

[@peggiesparks2762]

Yes they are! Periodt!❤😊

[@cadenselvereo7773]

Love German shepherds

[@sharttank5999]

I got a german shepherd, he's confused and talks giberish and insists for me to let him out of the basment. Also he loves david Hasselhoff and takes care of my goats i call him jack but he says his name is hanz and he worked at a car manufacturer

[@thefirstkingdogo1126]

LoL

[@warpdriveby]

My 3 year old wants you to know there are Malinois in the clips. I'd say any other dog was masquerading trying to slip in except they're just as amazing at their slightly different set of abilities.

[@whitneyw.7919]

I absolutely love German shepherds, they are the most wonderful dogs in the world and good family dogs too But here’s a thing potential owners need to know 1. You should be an active family. This is not the dog breed to get if you want to regularly skip walks twice a day. 2. You need to prepare to invest in professional dog training unless you are very skilled in dog training dog training in these inflated times usually will run around $2500-$3000 which includes an E collar usually

[@malinoisamericanakita2022]

They are very cute 😊

[@almightybryce4988]

Just the into alone make me wanna buy the dog

[@zahidnaqvi9260]

I have 2 gsd one is belgium black in color 8 months and other 15 months Tan color, looking for another gsd pup

[@nikolaitv6204]

I have Germany Shepherd 11 months i received she have 8 months i like to teach her good. Germany Shepherd Save my father life 1960. Thank you for oll information well done 👏 Supper.

[@melrichardson2392]

Love your show always ,have watched dogs in the Indian army they use shepherds extensively some have very short coats ,boxer like ,wonder if you knew about this type ,they look like purebreds.

[@victorygarden556]

Probably malinois

[@shaunbrown3804]

I grew up with 3, I know them well . I’m at home all day, I can devote time to their training and socialisation. But I still don’t feel confident having one . We have a Shetland Sheepdog & a Keeshond.

[@elinkaaaven]

Can you please do one video about East European Shepherd?

[@zombieatdt1230]

The first GSD Movie Star was Strongheart not Rin Tin Tin. Well they were both active hundred years ago and both of them have their Star at Hollywood.

[@lifewithmike1205]

What about the king shepherd? I’d love to hear your perfessional opinion on this dog.

[@lp9476]

Very difficult to give much word on Kings because they’re so rare and new. Because they’re not recognised and therefore not standardised by any large governing bodies, most large GSDs get called Kings, as do various other hybrids, meaning that making a call on that actual dog is nearly impossible - because you can’t know if what you have in front of you is a King or not.

[@Calvinmob6886]

I'm an intimidating person. I'm big, muscular, and tattooed. I also teach Mixed Martial Arts but I love my working line German Shepherd so much. It's so hard to describe but there's so many reasons. I'm my family's protector but to my dog he's the family's protector. If there is an issue It's me and him, side by side making sure everyone is okay. He's also so playful with the children. He'll lay down next to them while they're playing and even bite a predator while my niece was over home alone.

[@user-nu9ve5tb1h]

Sholuld i adapt a thrre week old GSD

[@animeeverything585]

I want German shepherd

[@juliehackett1025]

My last Gs passed 6 years ago i still miss her. I have chosen to have a Neopolitan now he's as loyal and smart as my girl was just alot lazyer

[@ZEUStheKingGermanShepherd]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@screenapple1660]

Once you get the dog. Always train it. GSD is very smart dog. very intelligent.

[@Hynotama]

Interesting. I never thought about a dog as being my guardian. I always assumed I would protect the dog, not the other way around. I guess that’s how you know I’m a cat person. But I’ve been entertaining the idea of getting a dog companion for a few years now. Pugs have breathing problems, golden retrievers have weak bones… maybe the German shepherd doesn’t have too many health issues? I assume that’s part of the reason why they’re so widely used, even by police precincts.

[@Nuadin]

They can often have hip problems because of the way many of them were bread to give that "frog-like" look, but I don't think they have as bad as health problems as a pug. I think most dogs you find will have health problems in their genetics somewhere. One of the healthiest dogs is the Australian Cattle Dog. Just do a bunch of research on their health issues and understand that either way the dog will need a medical investment.

[@tomkingston1468]

Any GSD is the breed for me. Love my woofs. I am armed with dozens of tennis balls and band-aids.

[@user-jt8xw6fd1v]

🤎🖤🤍

[@warpdriveby]

Female show dogs seem much more docile and good for a home and family dog. The working dogs especially males can be quite a handful, and need strong direction or they can misdirect their protective drive onto innocent people or animals it sees as a possible threat.

[@alexthai2456]

why they don't create new dog breeds and eliminate the useless breeds???

[@thefirstkingdogo1126]

Some people want those old dogs. Like those lap demons But German shepherds are just great

[@logun24x7]

The biggest downside to large breed dogs is when behavioral issues happen many young owners lack the knowledge and conviction and seek out the wrong advice on how to correct the issue, with a GSD sorry your not fixing issues with a cookie.

[@TheBFN]

I got my 1rst shepherd 2 years ago... After having pitbulls my whole life.. My shepherd is very sweet and intelligent..but a big ol sissy..a good companion but ive never had a sissy pit...and honestly im not impressed with the shepherd breed.. They lack what comes natural to a pitbull.. The shepherd has to be trained to do what in my opinion.comes naturally to a pit

[@andyhudson9132]

Conplete and utter whaffle 😂😂

[@alialkazemi7356]

Is this a fucking poem or video guide?!?

[@jaivora423]

Did not appreciate you jerking the dog when you wanted the dog to turn direction while walking - This is shown right at the start n What a turn off ! There are much better ways to teach a dog to heel n stay with the walker than what you demonstrated.

[@zombieatdt1230]

It looked good training to me. Naturally I have no clue what kind of dogs you train and what it is the level you demand from the dogs that you train. I have trained GSDs to the official obedience level (military). I have not really trained other breeds, but it definitely was not bad training..and not really jerking. If you happen to have though GSD expect to use way harder methods than that with him, at some point. Pretty much every word of this video is 100 % true (except the 1st GSD Movie Star). "Obedience training that has 0 room for doubt and delay". that is very well said. Can you throw your dogs favorite toy far and get him back to your side with one command from full speed before he has reached the toy? That is the pretty much the ultimate test :). But sure there may be different ways to get to the same goal - the actual method really is not an issue after all it all comes down to timing! Get the timing right and training becomes easy.

[@Carl-yx1ww]

Dude....I thought u was the akita man only I'm shocked

[@bjbumblebee5324]

My gsd, Sherman, is the epitome of the perfect dog. Yes, I have to work, train, play, and recognize his language and needs. I love every minute of it. He is the perfect service dog.

[@raphaelaegis8305]

They are the best dogs by far in my opinion.