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Author:
C. Covington

There are a number of factors which could illustrate that a German Shepherd might not be the best type of dog for you.  First and foremost, if you or your family do not have the time, or might not be inclined, to give your new pet a large amount of attention, and make him a consistent part of your everyday lives, a German Shepherd may not be the best choice.  This breed needs to feel included, and to feel useful.  Although the German Shepherd can do well living in an apartment, he needs a significant amount of exercise, with walking, running, and playtime.  This breed also does not like being left alone, so this also should be taken into consideration if you are thinking about adopting a German Shepherd.

Training a German Shepherd should take place when he is young;  otherwise he will have a tendency to become either timid or aggressive.  Part of his training should include exposure to other people, or he will have difficulty ascertaining the difference between who he can trust and who poses a threat or danger, and his behavior may reflect this.  If not properly socialized at a young age, a German Shepherd may also become aggressive toward other animals;  and considering the size, weight, and strength of this breed, that can be dangerous, even deadly. 

Another negative characteristics of this breed is that they shed constantly.  If you have a distaste for dog hair covering essentially every part of your home, and do not wish to vacuum on a constant basis, a German Shepherd may not be the type of dog you are looking for. 

German Shepherds are one of the riskiest breeds in terms of health problems.  In addition to hip and elbow problems, they frequently have problems with skin diseases, stomach disorders, bone diseases, and cancer.  These types of problems may lead to significant veterinarian visits and bills, as well as have the potential of shortening the lifespan of your new dog.  As with most breeds, purebreds have a much greater tendency to develop hip dysplasia than non-purebreds. 

In legal terms, a purebred German Shepherd poses more risk of liability than many other breeds, primarily due to them appearing more intimidating.  Assessing the possible reactions of people with whom he will come in contact would be a good idea, as many tend to be wary of breeds which are frequently guard-dogs. 

Unscrupulous breeders can also be a problem.  When they advertise “oversized” or “giant” German Shepherds, this is a sign that they have not been properly bred, for a healthy, correctly bred German Shepherd is meant to be a medium-sized dog. 

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