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Original poster

Is a German shepherd puppy a bad idea?

103 replies

Dannexe · 22/10/2023 23:14

Dh is desperate for a dog. Our wonderful rough collie died unexpectedly last year and we’ve all taken a long time to get over it but I think we might be ready now to have another dog. I’m actually a little nervous around dogs that I don’t know very well so we would have another puppy.

Locally there is a litter of german shepherds. Dh doesn’t want a small dog. Are German shepherds very difficult dogs. We have two cats and also chickens (although they are in a large walk in coop).

OP posts:
Original poster
Dannexe · 24/10/2023 09:19

We are late forties/early fifties, house is large and lots of land. We have a boot room where the animals sleep and it has a dog door so the dog can freely access a small enclosed garden area right next to the back of the house. Main garden is enclosed. Two elderly cats who are used to having a dog around, chickens but they are in a large walk in coop. We both work from home with lots of flexibility and DH is quite active (runs most days). One teen just gone to university and the other is lower sixth. Nearest neighbours are far enough away that they wouldn’t hear noise from our property. I pootle about going into the village most days so socialisation isn’t an issue.

We adored our rough collie. He loved being outside and spent most of his time sitting under an oak tree at the top of the garden looking down the hill and chasing off any deer who wandered in or being bullied by the chickens (who then free ranged). He was very chilled and laid back, a real softie. His coat was a PITA though and he had constant stomach issues. He died very suddenly when he was only four. It broke our hearts so I’m not even really sure that I’m ready yet but DH is desperate. I was rather enjoying the clean, nice smelling house and the fact that I don’t have to hoover twice a day.. DH doesn’t really like small dogs. I think our rough collie was the perfect size tbh. He’d go larger.

I know a golden retriever sounds ideal for us.

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efp198 · 24/10/2023 10:24

It has been mentioned above, but do think about a Swiss White shepherd (a real one, not a white gsd) - the one I have is super relaxed, but very smart, and looks amazing. Great with children and other dogs (he has been well socialised) and loves scent training. I was put off the pure gsd lines by similar info to what has been seen above - poor confirmation, hereditary diseases etc, reactivity. A few of my friends, who are more lab/spaniel types and were very nervous about a gsd-like dog initially, are now making noises about getting a Swiss shepherd next. He is a bit of a superstar in terms of ease of training, athleticism, ability to chill out when needed and charm. There are a few available at the moment, Kc registered, with good European lines. I always like a slightly older puppy too btw: I think if they are brought up in a lovely home environment with good socialisation too, spending a few extra weeks with their mum is beneficial.

Original poster
Dannexe · 24/10/2023 10:32

A Swiss shepherd sounds like a good option. Are they genuinely much easier than German shepherds?

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efp198 · 24/10/2023 10:37

i think gsds are probably easy to train for the right people, but white Swiss shepherds are just chilled versions of them, with fewer problems typically associated with gsd. I am sure WSS wouldn’t do as well in the police as they don’t have the same drive. Mine has been pretty darn easy (after prior labradors etc), and lots of people say the same thing about them in terms of general character and trainability. They do look great too, very majestic.

Bandolina · 24/10/2023 11:58

Do you definitely want a puppy?
Would you not consider rescuing a dog?
It just sounds like you have a lovely set up and dog and experience so would be able to give a great home to a rescue dog.
We have a great big fluffy rescue mutt who is very healthy, cuddly and loves a good long walk and he was free from a reputable rescue charity.

Pipsquiggle · 24/10/2023 12:24

I was thinking a rescue as well.

If you want a hypo allergenic / shed-less breed how about an Airedale terrier - they used to be used by the police not that long ago so intelligent and trainable.

I met a lady who got a rescue Airedale from an Airedale dog charity - the dog was gorgeous, so calm and placid.

Other shed-less big breeds - schnauzers, wheaten terriers, standard poodles.

We went for an Australian Labradoodle - various sizes that go up to 30kg. We got her for temperament, we have young DC, they were bred to be therapy dogs. She's gorgeous.

Bandolina · 24/10/2023 16:39

I know you said it would have to be a puppy because of being nervous with dogs you don't know but within a very short time you do know them and they are 'your dog'
Mine was only 6 months when we had him so generally any faults he has are ones we are to blame for! There are a lot of dogs under 2 needing a good home all different kinds and sizes and since you seem quite open as to what kind of dog to have maybe it would actually suit you to choose one who is more of a known quantity than a pup?
On the plus side of getting a slightly older dog we never had to do any toilet training or sleeping on the sofa as he was already trained and sleeping through the night He was also past the worst of the puppy nipping and mouthing although not beyond chewing stuff up unfortunately.

LovelyDaaling · 25/10/2023 07:49

I was brought up with German Shepherds from the age of five. Lovely dogs but ... the dog hair was terrible. Constantly shedding their coat all year round.

Tygertiger · 25/10/2023 09:28

Go big or go home. You need a Great Dane.

They’re gorgeous and wonderful family pets. Downside is they only live 8-9 years and you have to watch for bloat and make sure you select a very good breeder who’s done all the health tests, plus insurance is expensive for giant breeds. But you’ve got the space for one, they have fabulous temperaments, low grooming needs and if DH wants a BIG dog….

Pipsquiggle · 25/10/2023 10:01

TBH unless you have young DC (under 10) or GC, I would always advocate to get a rescue dog

UnusedUsername · 25/10/2023 10:17

If you want something with the temperament of a Rough Collie that isn't a Rough Collie, maybe have a look at Smooth Collies. They're a vulnerable native breed so not so many around, but worth waiting for.

Original poster
Dannexe · 25/10/2023 17:24

Considering all options and I’m enjoying googling the various breeds suggested.

I don’t think a rescue is for us though unfortunately. The cats are elderly and I suspect would struggle with an adult dog and I think I’m too worried about getting a dog that might end up having issues. As well as me being a bit nervous, DSil has a dog adopted from overseas and it’s had such a massive negative impact on her family that it’s really made me view rehoming differently I’m afraid. I do appreciate that overseas rescues are more likely to have issues. And I do feel incredibly mean for feeling this way.

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Original poster
Dannexe · 27/10/2023 08:15

So things have progressed a little and we are potentially looking at a Tofty puppy…

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Lougle · 27/10/2023 08:40

@Dannexe lovely dogs, by the sound of it. Are you planning to do anything that will use the dog's brain? You mention your DH runs but and you pootle in town, but with that combination alone you might end up with a very fit, very bored, dog that makes its own fun.

margotrose · 27/10/2023 08:52

Be aware that a working collie mix like a Tofty will need lots of mental stimulation as well as physical exercise or it will learn to entertain itself - probably by eating your house or destroying your garden.

Original poster
Dannexe · 27/10/2023 09:13

We have had dogs before and previously had a rough collie so I suspect we will be fine in terms of being able to provide mental stimulation. I mentioned pootling around the village because I realised that it sounded like we were isolated and a puppy might not get socialisation opportunities.

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Original poster
Dannexe · 27/10/2023 10:00

That isn’t to say I’m not welcoming all comments. We need to make sure we get the right dog for us so all comments and thoughts are appreciated

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sangriapeople · 27/10/2023 10:08

They're really smelly and IMO scary!

I always remember how temperamental my friends was as a child, it bit me once when we were playing tig.

Original poster
Dannexe · 27/10/2023 10:16

Toftys?

we’ve moved on from German shepherds

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sangriapeople · 27/10/2023 10:18

Dannexe · 27/10/2023 10:16

Toftys?

we’ve moved on from German shepherds

Ahh sorry, missed that bit. No experience with those.

Good luck x

itsmyp4rty · 27/10/2023 10:18

What about a greyhound? Big but got to be so much easier and more chilled than any sort of GSD or collie.

Robotalkingrubbish · 27/10/2023 10:19

What about a Golden Retriever? They are amazing dogs, beautiful, intelligent, easy to train and as soppy as anything.

margotrose · 27/10/2023 10:43

Personally I wouldn't want any kind of working collie/collie cross as a pet unless I had lots (and lots) of patience and time to spend on training.

They're lovely dogs but they are incredibly intelligent and if you're not on the ball with training and exercise they will quickly find their own entertainment.

I think rough collies are different as they're more show dogs and pets these days.

Sarvanga38 · 27/10/2023 15:33

@Dannexe, Angela who created the Tofties is an extremely knowledgeable woman - be upfront about what you can offer a dog, and I’m sure she’ll be equally straight with you as to whether one will suit your lifestyle.

Leonberger · 27/10/2023 17:19

@sangriapeople not sure what German shepherds you’ve been sniffing but mine certainly isn’t smelly. She keeps herself immaculate at all times. My kids probably smell worse!