Let's start off with the fact that the GSD is one of the most intelligent and loyal dogs that exist. They have been used for everything from law enforcement, military working dogs, protection dogs as well as the loyal family pet that is gentle with the family children.

If you are looking for an intelligent dog that loves to learn and is easy to train then the GSD may be for you. They are very easy to train and there just never seems to be any task that is too difficult for them to do.

So what are your plans for your German Shepherd? Is it going to be a working dog, a family pet or will you be doing AKC competition? If you answered AKC what will you be doing confirmation ( the beauty contest ) or obedience?

I ask this question because you need to be aware of what you are purchasing from your breeder. Do they breed for working, confirmation or good easy going family pets. That is an important question so that you can find the type of dog you will want when it matures.

Of course there is always the question do you want domestic blood lines or would you prefer European bloodlines? This can be important when selecting a dog to make sure you have a dog with the drives that you will be looking for later.

I have always chosen German bloodline for their fantastic working drive. However you can also select a European dog that has excellent confirmation lines as well. It just all depends on what you will be doing with the dog.

You will also want to make sure that your breeder always has their breeding stock checked for hip dysplasia. They should be able to furnish you with an OFA certificate for the sire and the dam.

German Shepherds love children and will be very loyal to your family however it is very important to properly socialize your puppy before it is 20 weeks old. That means that it needs to be exposed to a bunch of children, not just yours. It should have a chance to play with other dogs away from your home. It should also be exposed to lots of people both at your home as well as other locations. This must all be done before the pup is 20 weeks of age.

If you fail to socialize properly you will most likely end up with a dog that starts showing fear or aggression sometime between 12 and 24 months of age. So spend the time to socialize early before it is too late.

The German Shepherd comes in a bunch of different colors so pick a dog, a color and a type of breeding that works for you and your family and then get out there and train and enjoy your dog.