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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

First time dog owner - thinking of a German Shepherd

268 replies

VanGoSunflowers · 02/03/2025 08:51

Hi all!
I’ve been researching the hell out of this and still undecided. I want to be absolutely certain before I take the plunge!

So, I want a dog that is loyal, doesn’t love absolutely everyone (like a lab) requires a lot of training (the training part interests me the most) I will be planning on going to training classes, as well as training each day. I work from home, so will be around most of the time. I love going for long walks but I want a dog that will be obedient when trained well and be able to walk off lead in the right places.

I prefer larger dogs. I have a garden but plan on doing long walks each day (I love walking)

I have a 7 year old son (the main reason why I deliberating) who lives with me for half of the time

I I keep reading that they do not make great first time dogs but I cannot find any other breed I would prefer. I don’t want to make a huge mistake!

Another point, not to sound crass but money isn’t really an issue either so regular visits to the groomers, dog walkers should I need them, insurance etc etc. I also have a few friends that have and love dogs and would be eager to house sit for e if I was to ever go away without them (although not sure I would)

Any thoughts please?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
11
baffledpuzzledandconfused · 05/03/2025 14:31

Velvian · 02/03/2025 09:06

Even a dog that doesn't require a lot oftraining still takes so much time out of your day.

Greyhounds make very good first dogs and are usually brilliant with children. Most aren't off the lead, but not impossible and they need a fair bit of training in how to become house pets, rather than living in kennels.

Agree re greyhound. I never knew anything about them til I googled and found threads on here.
Mine is a non-racing rescue. She's fine off lead and didn't need a lot of training at all.
I asked for a small quiet female and that's what I got.

She's an excellent first dog, placid and low maintenance.
Feel free to pm

shipShep · 05/03/2025 17:34

Have you thought about Swiss shepherds OP? They look like white GS, but have black noses, straighter backs anc more traditional conformation - truly beautiful dogs. They have been bred to be more chilled than GS, but obviously research any breeder well. My SS is very popular at the pitch side with all the children, has helped get rid of big dog nerves in quite a few children too. Great as a family dog. Two friends have since got SS puppies/one rescue, both first time owners and a few years in are doing well. People are cautious at first sight though as he looks like a GS. Training and socialising are important as with most big dogs.

Original poster
VanGoSunflowers · 05/03/2025 19:54

shipShep · 05/03/2025 17:34

Have you thought about Swiss shepherds OP? They look like white GS, but have black noses, straighter backs anc more traditional conformation - truly beautiful dogs. They have been bred to be more chilled than GS, but obviously research any breeder well. My SS is very popular at the pitch side with all the children, has helped get rid of big dog nerves in quite a few children too. Great as a family dog. Two friends have since got SS puppies/one rescue, both first time owners and a few years in are doing well. People are cautious at first sight though as he looks like a GS. Training and socialising are important as with most big dogs.

Yes so funnily enough, I started looking in to those first and then led on to GS but I’ve been going around in circles so much I can’t remember why I did it. I think I then just wrongly assumed that their breed wouldn’t be too dissimilar to a GSD and stopped looking in to them.
Do you know the best way to find a good breeder? I know the kennel club has some registered and they need to be registered with their local council? And they should let you see the parent dogs and the environment they’ve been raised in etc

OP posts:
shipShep · 06/03/2025 07:53

I’d start with joining a few Swiss shepherd groups on Facebook etc - then when you find a likely litter go and visit and make sure you meet the dad and the mum with the puppies. I’d be looking for confident, engaging, happy dogs which are well socialised but have the breed traits you value. Lots of advice on here about avoiding puppy farms - but I think it is easier with SS as they are a more niche breed.

crouchendtigerr · 08/03/2025 15:33

I have two GSDs, they are pets, but active pets in that I do activities and dog sports with them. They are not my first dogs, although I've never really owned another breed. However I grew up with the breed, learned to take care of them and train them since childhood, plus I think I have a very good understanding of the breed and what they need. They are time consuming, in fact I do very little else. I have had GSDs since my first child was just a baby. The training you do with a GsD is not quite like training any other dog, it's more intense. Just because they're smarter doesn't make it easier, they will pick up and learn things you haven't taught them so you must have control and think about their every waking minute, their intelligence makes them tricker to train.This goes on for the entire lives.
They are also strong and fast, have a lot of stamina, and yes they are aloof. I regularly also get idiotic people who think it's fine to try and stroke my dogs, or even just see how tough they actually are, after all me being a woman - they must be "soft" if I can handle them. So you have to be the type who just doesn't like people coming over. If you are a social type yourself, you'd be better off with a social breed

Crikeyalmighty · 08/03/2025 15:36

If you want a dog that loves training activities , likes a lot of walking and has plenty of energy - get a working spaniel- we have one occasionally from borrow my doggy- she's fantastic at recall and tricks, can walk forever but is very loyal and loveable. She knackered me out to be honest but my H adores her!!

RunningJo · 08/03/2025 15:56

I know you didn’t want a Labrador but as it’s the training you like, perhaps look at a working Labrador, rather than pet. Working dog / gun dog breeds are a big commitment so please look into the type of commitment you can offer if they get added to your ‘maybe’ list.
It’s not so much the exercise (although they need a lot) , its the commitment to training them. They need a job to do (scent work, gun dog training is beneficial - you don’t have to actually take them shooting etc) and they won’t ever be tired from just a walk.

My gun dog is amazing, but he’s a Velcro dog who is hugely sensitive, and not been the easiest dog I’ve ever owned. He’s very clever and stubborn and if I ran 100 miles with him, he’d do 100 more after a quick stop 🤣. We do training with him a lot so he doesn’t get bored.

Take a look on champdogs website, lots of breeds on there with info on each. You can also contact breeders and owners to ask question and get advice.

good luck with your search

crouchendtigerr · 08/03/2025 16:35

This one of mine now, "relaxing" while I have a coffee. She is actually watching me, waiting for me to do something with her, possibly hoping it involves a ball she can work for. She is a beautiful dog, lovely temperament and never gets up to mischief, but it has taken a lot of work

First time dog owner - thinking of a German Shepherd
crouchendtigerr · 08/03/2025 16:35

Ah. Pictures won't load

OnlyHerefortheBiscuits · 08/03/2025 18:08

If you want a large dog that is a bit aloof with strangers, independent and not a needy neurotic bag of nerves then I think you're looking at a Standard Poodle.

Also - they're absolutely stunning at that size!

Original poster
VanGoSunflowers · 11/03/2025 11:39

Bit of an update

I may be doing a 180 after all the wonderful advice on this thread. I have registered with the Dog’s trust but I am starting to look at getting a Labrador now?!
Perhaps from a puppy so I can ‘cut my teeth’ on the puppy stage and maybe look at a GSD when DS is much older and I have a little more experience.

Any tips?? I’m happy to meet their exercise needs and train etc

OP posts:
RunningJo · 11/03/2025 11:49

VanGoSunflowers · 11/03/2025 11:39

Bit of an update

I may be doing a 180 after all the wonderful advice on this thread. I have registered with the Dog’s trust but I am starting to look at getting a Labrador now?!
Perhaps from a puppy so I can ‘cut my teeth’ on the puppy stage and maybe look at a GSD when DS is much older and I have a little more experience.

Any tips?? I’m happy to meet their exercise needs and train etc

my advice would be to find a positive reinforcement gun dog trainer and book some lessons with them. I found them absolutely invaluable.

Original poster
VanGoSunflowers · 11/03/2025 11:50

RunningJo · 11/03/2025 11:49

my advice would be to find a positive reinforcement gun dog trainer and book some lessons with them. I found them absolutely invaluable.

Show quote history

Oh yes, I am very interested in working with a professional trainer!

OP posts:
RunningJo · 11/03/2025 11:59

It is so rewarding to train a dog, I’m sure you’ll love it, and they enjoy it too. Also trainers offer advice for all stages of puppyhood onwards.

Just make sure they are positive trainers as unfortunately there are still some that believe in harsher methods. Training should be enjoyable for the dog, not something they fear.

Enjoy your pup

Original poster
VanGoSunflowers · 11/03/2025 16:40

RunningJo · 11/03/2025 11:59

It is so rewarding to train a dog, I’m sure you’ll love it, and they enjoy it too. Also trainers offer advice for all stages of puppyhood onwards.

Just make sure they are positive trainers as unfortunately there are still some that believe in harsher methods. Training should be enjoyable for the dog, not something they fear.

Enjoy your pup

Thank you Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
VanGoSunflowers · 12/03/2025 18:31

UPDATE

I have found a local Labrador breeder who has some pups available from June (so ties in nicely for after my booked holidays)
I have spoken to her on the phone today. She’s a registered breeder. Was a vet nurse and has trained guide dogs. This is her bitch’s second litter of pups. She has invited me and my son to come and visit the mum and gave me background on dad!
Any suggestions for questions I should ask when we go to visit would be much appreciated Smile

OP posts:
LandSharksAnonymous · 12/03/2025 19:03

I'd want to see evidence of the following health tests for both parents and the below scores:

Elbows (0/0 - absolutely nothing above this)
Hips (Under 7, but I would accept under 10)
BVA/KC/ISDS - Unaffected
CNM tests (on both parents - it tests for possible muscle disorders and you do not want a pup who is affected by this). Should show as clear.
Also relevant eye tests etc.

Basically, I would want both parents fully health tested. Lots of breeders do not test for CNM, PRA or MCD - these are DNA tests which a lot of people are not bothered about. But if your pup is affected with the relevant genes, it can cause enormous difficulty - particularly for active dogs like labs.

Inbreeding coefficient (you can see this on the KC website) below the breed average. With dogs like labs, there is rarely an excuse to have a IC above the breed average.

I'd want to know why she chose the sire she did, what happens to the bitch when she can't have anymore pups, how many other dogs she has, how many litters she breeds a year, whether she 'matches' a pup to you (or lets you chose), how many litters the bitch will have (personally, I think more than two is far too many) etc. etc.

What I would caution about is moving too quickly. It's great you've found a breeder, but deciding which breed is right for you should take months to decide. Being a former vet nurse means nothing tbh - I know some Golden breeders that are vets, and I wouldn't buy a puppy from them for all the nukes in North Korea - and being registered means nothing (either KC or Council) because puppy farmers can be registered with both.

I'd also want to be thoroughly vetted by her because I'd want to know that she cared where her puppies were going - and wasn't selling them to the first person who made an offer.

Ultimately, picking a breeder and a puppy is about critical thinking and using your gut - don't take things at face value and assume because someone has X background, they're a good breeder 😊

Original poster
VanGoSunflowers · 12/03/2025 19:14

LandSharksAnonymous · 12/03/2025 19:03

I'd want to see evidence of the following health tests for both parents and the below scores:

Elbows (0/0 - absolutely nothing above this)
Hips (Under 7, but I would accept under 10)
BVA/KC/ISDS - Unaffected
CNM tests (on both parents - it tests for possible muscle disorders and you do not want a pup who is affected by this). Should show as clear.
Also relevant eye tests etc.

Basically, I would want both parents fully health tested. Lots of breeders do not test for CNM, PRA or MCD - these are DNA tests which a lot of people are not bothered about. But if your pup is affected with the relevant genes, it can cause enormous difficulty - particularly for active dogs like labs.

Inbreeding coefficient (you can see this on the KC website) below the breed average. With dogs like labs, there is rarely an excuse to have a IC above the breed average.

I'd want to know why she chose the sire she did, what happens to the bitch when she can't have anymore pups, how many other dogs she has, how many litters she breeds a year, whether she 'matches' a pup to you (or lets you chose), how many litters the bitch will have (personally, I think more than two is far too many) etc. etc.

What I would caution about is moving too quickly. It's great you've found a breeder, but deciding which breed is right for you should take months to decide. Being a former vet nurse means nothing tbh - I know some Golden breeders that are vets, and I wouldn't buy a puppy from them for all the nukes in North Korea - and being registered means nothing (either KC or Council) because puppy farmers can be registered with both.

I'd also want to be thoroughly vetted by her because I'd want to know that she cared where her puppies were going - and wasn't selling them to the first person who made an offer.

Ultimately, picking a breeder and a puppy is about critical thinking and using your gut - don't take things at face value and assume because someone has X background, they're a good breeder 😊

Thank you for taking the time to post this. This is very helpful!

OP posts:
abracadabra1980 · 12/03/2025 19:48

Oh she sounds like she has positive credentials OP! And a sensible breed choice. Get yourself up to date with the health issues that Labradors are prone to, and make sure you ask to see the dam and sire's health testing results for these conditions.

Here you go -

https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/gundog/retriever-labrador/

As a vet nurse, she should really appreciate you asking about these aspects of Labrador ownership. Make sure you know the difference between WORKING line Labradors and SHOW line Labradors. It can be HUGE and working lines can be extremely challenging should you not realise what you are dealing with. (currently seeing a TINY pinnacle of progress with my 11 month old working line pup, and her excitement levels being off the richter). Having said that, I've owned many breeds, mainly lower energy dogs, and the entertainment and joy (not to mention the exercise) she has brought me, is insurmountable. She herself only has one friend. Other dogs really can't stand her as she's SO full on in her approach to play. I know from experience that this is an age thing, but also an individual personality thing. This we are working on it daily! Perhaps for ever 🙈 She makes me laugh every day, she is SO sweet, challenges me to think out of the box in order to 'entertain' her, has introduced me to scentwork and mantrailing which is like playing hide and seek for adults. I was utterly blown away at her finding two strangers, using her nose, hiding in the dark at 6 months old - I swear it almost brought a tear to my eye 😆 And the best bit - is right now, having my wonderful, loyal, sometimes silly, companion, lying upside down with her legs in the air, sharing my heated throw, having completed another thrilling day on this planet.. Please keep us up to date with how it goes!

First time dog owner - thinking of a German Shepherd
abracadabra1980 · 12/03/2025 19:49

Sorry I got interrupted writing my post and see you've been answered re health testing just prior to this.

Original poster
VanGoSunflowers · 12/03/2025 19:57

abracadabra1980 · 12/03/2025 19:48

Oh she sounds like she has positive credentials OP! And a sensible breed choice. Get yourself up to date with the health issues that Labradors are prone to, and make sure you ask to see the dam and sire's health testing results for these conditions.

Here you go -

https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/gundog/retriever-labrador/

As a vet nurse, she should really appreciate you asking about these aspects of Labrador ownership. Make sure you know the difference between WORKING line Labradors and SHOW line Labradors. It can be HUGE and working lines can be extremely challenging should you not realise what you are dealing with. (currently seeing a TINY pinnacle of progress with my 11 month old working line pup, and her excitement levels being off the richter). Having said that, I've owned many breeds, mainly lower energy dogs, and the entertainment and joy (not to mention the exercise) she has brought me, is insurmountable. She herself only has one friend. Other dogs really can't stand her as she's SO full on in her approach to play. I know from experience that this is an age thing, but also an individual personality thing. This we are working on it daily! Perhaps for ever 🙈 She makes me laugh every day, she is SO sweet, challenges me to think out of the box in order to 'entertain' her, has introduced me to scentwork and mantrailing which is like playing hide and seek for adults. I was utterly blown away at her finding two strangers, using her nose, hiding in the dark at 6 months old - I swear it almost brought a tear to my eye 😆 And the best bit - is right now, having my wonderful, loyal, sometimes silly, companion, lying upside down with her legs in the air, sharing my heated throw, having completed another thrilling day on this planet.. Please keep us up to date with how it goes!

Edited

Oh wow! What a beautiful and helpful post, thank you so much. You’ve made me so very excited and your girl is beautiful 😍

OP posts:
GRCP · 12/03/2025 20:10

Border Collie?

HappiestSleeping · 13/03/2025 08:51

VanGoSunflowers · 12/03/2025 19:57

Oh wow! What a beautiful and helpful post, thank you so much. You’ve made me so very excited and your girl is beautiful 😍

Show quote history

Plus 1 for checking out the line. I have a working lab, he was a rescue and was off the charts when we got him. He was a covid puppy, and had had no training whatsoever. It took many months to make significant progress. He is a lovely boy now though.

Original poster
VanGoSunflowers · 13/03/2025 09:06

HappiestSleeping · 13/03/2025 08:51

Plus 1 for checking out the line. I have a working lab, he was a rescue and was off the charts when we got him. He was a covid puppy, and had had no training whatsoever. It took many months to make significant progress. He is a lovely boy now though.

Show quote history

Thank you. I am in touch with the breeder via WhatsApp so I will ask. Also will have a list of questions ready for when I go and visit the dam!

OP posts:
3smallpups · 20/03/2025 22:19

Very excited for you
it’s so lovely that you came here for advice , listened and took everything on board and have now got a fabulous new addition to your family on the way . Hope it all goes to plan for you .