I'm thinking about getting a German Shepherd

[vickster]

He is paying that much because the dog has a long term medical condition. I have just insured my Springer for £8.90 a week.
If I had taken out a life time insurance I think it would have cost me £14 a month till she died....don't quote me on that.

Where do you live though? Big dogs especially pure breed cost more

All I said was Accy needs to have the resources should they be required

 

[SD1]

Lincolnshire. Why would it be more expensive in London? Not saying it isn't but why?

 

[steve50]

You're making the assumption that all GSDs are assertive and protective. They're not necessarily and you might end up with a soft, good-natured one, which would be lovely of course but not much good for 'security'. Anyway, isn't what you're thinking of just the same as the mindset of those who acquire muscly staffies? I seem to remember you don't think much of them, in fact they might be the neighbours you're worrying about.

My dogs are super soft with us and the little ones but I really wouldn't want anyone uninvited in my home or threatening us, I know my dogs and how protective they can be.
My big vicious 7 stone German Shepherd,

 

[raleighnut]

My dogs are super soft with us and the little ones but I really wouldn't want anyone uninvited in my home or threatening us, I know my dogs and how protective they can be.
My big vicious 7 stone German Shepherd,
View attachment 115418

 

[bancrobba]

I think there's more chance of children running up to my 11 pound in weight Jack Russell/Shih Tzu than a scary German Shepherd.

Unfortunately my kids are now terrified of all dogs. My original reply was too harsh, sorry. Bit of a sore point at the moment, a couple of bad experiences with idiotic dog owners.
Cracking looking dog!

 

[Kajjal]

Most dogs if socialised properly, well looked after and given limits are fine, each with their own little quirks. Most problems stem from the owners rather than the dogs.

 

[steve50]

Most dogs if socialised properly, well looked after and given limits are fine, each with their own little quirks. Most problems stem from the owners rather than the dogs.

Bang on the money there, we make our dogs what they are. With a pup you have a blank canvas, we then create the dog.

 

[Renmurew]

You need to consider both the "brains" and "brawn" elements that you're looking for........so really you need a German Shepherd and. Great Dane!

 

[User19783]

I have a GSD X with a brindle Staffie, I believe,
he's ten years old and I am the third or fourth owner,
He is great dog, but he has that Staffie whine, but a GSD bark.
His hind quarter s are in good shape, No problems, but I do keep his weight down to 30kg,
For a ten year old dog, he can still do a 15 mile walk, .

 

[Mrs M]

Looking forward to when we can acquire a wee canine companion.
Not just now as both out at work all day.
I love Staffies, sweet, loving and loyal wee dogs.
Can come with an undeserved, bad reputation because of some inadequate, superned, chav owners .
Mr M's opinion was changed when we got a Staffie to walk from the animal sanctuary in Lanzarote last year.
This wee guy was so happy and friendly and just loved Mr M who was sad to hand him back.
We'll get a doggie one day, not too hung up on breed, just a wee one ho'll fit in and that the cat approves of!

 

[raleighnut]

I have a GSD X with a brindle Staffie, I believe,
he's ten years old and I am the third or fourth owner,
He is great dog, but he has that Staffie whine, but a GSD bark.
His hind quarter s are in good shape, No problems, but I do keep his weight down to 30kg,
For a ten year old dog, he can still do a 15 mile walk, .

View attachment 115493

He's definitely got the ears of a GSD.

 

[Accy cyclist]

Unfortunately my kids are now terrified of all dogs. My original reply was too harsh, sorry. Bit of a sore point at the moment, a couple of bad experiences with idiotic dog owners.
Cracking looking dog!

Your reply didn't offend me, i know how you feel. I've had plenty of bad owner dangerous dog incidents myself!

 

[Accy cyclist]

Looking forward to when we can acquire a wee canine companion.
Not just now as both out at work all day.
I love Staffies, sweet, loving and loyal wee dogs.
Can come with an undeserved, bad reputation because of some inadequate, superned, chav owners .
Mr M's opinion was changed when we got a Staffie to walk from the animal sanctuary in Lanzarote last year.
This wee guy was so happy and friendly and just loved Mr M who was sad to hand him back.
We'll get a doggie one day, not too hung up on breed, just a wee one ho'll fit in and that the cat approves of!

I was talking to a couple the other month. They had a small dog they'd rescued from a bin bag in some Spanish holiday resort. The little dog seemed happy to be alive....thank's to them

 

[Accy cyclist]

Not having a go at you. I just put the point that if you have a dog to protect you from attack, what happens if a couple of kids run up to you and the dog sees if as potentially threatening?
I'm not a dog hater, but hate a lot of dog owners who think having some snarling, dangerous animal intimidating people is OK.

Your reply didn't offend me, i know how you feel. I've had plenty of bad owner dangerous dog incidents myself!

Low and behold i had one last night. There i was walking out a shop with my little dog under my arm when this bulldog type came running over, either wanting to be "friendly" or to try and get at my dog. The owner came out with the usual he's friendly stuff but it then started circling us. I kept on walking and the owner made a half - hearted attempt to put the thing on a lead, but it wasn't having it so i back heeled it.
That was it! She blew her top and started calling me cruel for "kicking her dog".
I tried to explain that her dog was out of control but she wasn't having it. I think the stupid chav was hoping i'd back down and succumb to her dog intimidation tactics.
She then approached me in a menacing way so i pushed her over with my walking pole and went on my way. I'd like to think i was right to defend myself against such lowlifes.

 

[Deafie]

If you don't understand dog behavior don't have a dog.