What's not to love, right?
They are super smart, sensitive, highly intuitive, and, as a bonus, drop dead gorgeous. They are fiercely loyal to their pack and their people. They are easily one of the most recognizable dog breeds in this country, if not the world.
But.....
There's always a "but," isn't there? As I began this journey into the land GSD rescue and rehabilitation, I was surprised at the number of beautiful, intelligent GSDs who end up in shelters and rescues across the country. Many are picked up as strays. It seemed shocking to me. We all know about the pit bulls, and how a huge percentage of dogs in shelters are pits or pit mixes. Make no mistake, though, there are plenty of other breeds, and GSD's make up a healthy portion of that number.
So what is happening? How do these wonderful animals end up unwanted and discarded?
Before Dutch (the amusing fellow pictured above), I had never owned a GSD. I have always had dogs, but nothing prepared me for what it means to be a GSD owner. Dutch is a wonderful dog. He is all the things I listed above and more. He is also extremely hyper, excitable, has tireless enthusiasm, and does his best to outsmart us at every turn. He is fun and hysterical and exhausting.
He is, in short, a German Shepherd Dog.
People want these dogs, and other powerful breeds, because they are cool. They are badass. We see in them the potential to guard us and our families, and in today's world that is certainly comforting. However, a GSD in the hands of a careless, or worse, ill intentioned owner can be a dangerous weapon.
There is reason that GSDs are used so prominently in police and military work. They have a high working drive. They have lots of energy and lots of intelligence that simply HAS to be put to use. Working breeds are called working breeds for a reason--they are meant to work. They need stimulation and exercise every single day to be healthy and well adjusted.
When you get a GSD, you are making a commitment for the lifetime of that dog. You are promising that you will provide that dog with exercise, training, structure, and mental stimulation. Love is not enough. It is a 24 hour a day job. From the time you bring that GSD puppy home, you have to provide that structure and stimulation. If you don't, that smart little guy or gal will walk all over you. Then, you will end up with a dog that destroys your home, barks incessantly, doesn't obey commands, has no recall, and may even become territorial or aggressive. People become frustrated because their dog jumps up and barks and is basically just impossible to handle. If that is the case, you'd better ask yourself if YOU are the problem (hint--the answer is yes.)
GSDs will make a great dog. It does NOT happen with no effort on your part. Like any great relationship, both parties have to participate. Because of their sensitivity and intelligence, GSDs are easily harmed by mismanagement. We have seen dogs that are literally broken because of the ignorance and cruelty of their previous owners. Once their trust is broken, it is extremely difficult to earn it back. Habits that are let go for a couple months become nearly impossible to break.
So what is my message? It's more straightforward than this post would lead you to believe. If you are willing to put the time and effort required into raising a German Shepherd Dog, you will not be sorry. You will be paid back exponentially. You will have a faithful and loyal companion until the day that baby crosses the rainbow bridge. If, however, you want a dog that is in to being a couch potato, who is good at entertaining himself, then do yourself, and your dog, a favor: do not get a GSD. Do not doom another beautiful dog to a life of confinement or, worse, add another dog to the horrifically overpopulated shelter system in this country.
Show your love for this breed by doing what is best for them, even if that means passing over that fluffy GSD puppy. Think of the dog, and what it needs. Do what's right.
Help us realize our dream world, where no GSD is surrendered to shelters or rescues. Be breed selective!