YES if…

• you realize and appreciate the fact that GSDs are BIG dogs. Not a pocket dog. A big dog.

• you can commit to daily exercise and mental enrichment/stimulation for your dog for the entirety of his life.

• you understand that your dog may never “slow down”. She might. She might not.  The German shepherd you see in pictures, sitting quietly in the moonlight next to her human? She’s 10. These are working dogs.

• you am committed to and understand that training is lifelong with a GSD. There is no “fully trained” dog.

• you want a loyal and protective companion that follows me everywhere. And we do mean everywhere.

• you have the time to include your shepherd as a full family member and will not exclude him or leave him in the backyard.

• you are prepared for long-term medical and financial care. The bigger the dog, the more things cost. GSDs can also be prone to certain medical issues like hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, allergies.

• you love dog hair! And you understand and am ok with the fact that German shedders, (oops, we meant Shepherds), shed. A LOT. All year. They may not require professional grooming but they do require regular brushing and care.

• you have a stable living situation that allows for large breed dogs.

NO, if…

• you want a couch potato or a low energy dog.

• you want a small dog that is easy to take everywhere.

• you don’t have time for consistent, daily training and mental enrichment.

• you will be away from home and leave your dog alone for long periods of time.

• you live in housing that has pet/breed restrictions. (Please know this before applying.)

• you are sensitive to dander, fur, shedding, barking, whining (GSDs are unapologetically VOCAL) or dog-related messes from chewing or just being a dog.

• You want a happy go lucky dog that is instant friends with everyone he meets. He might. He might be more aloof and reserved.

• you are not ready for a 10+ year commitment.

• you are unable to appreciate, work with, and manage breed specific behaviors. These are dogs bred for a purpose.

• you are looking for a status symbol that will make you look cool. Please walk on by.

Obviously, we think German Shepherd Dogs are the best companions! But with that comes a whole lot of responsibility. GSDs require humans that are committed to meeting their ongoing physical and mental needs.