Did you know that Batman’s trusty sidekick, Ace the Bat-hound, was actually a German Shepherd?
That’s right, these pups are so versatile and amazing, they even have a place in the world of superheroes.
But do you think a loyal and tough GSD would make a good addition to your household?
Well buckle up cause in this blog post, we’ll be giving you the lowdown on the pros and cons of owning a German Shepherd.
So, let’s get started and see if this breed is the right fit for you.
Let’s start with its Pros:
1 – Protectiveness
German Shepherds share a strong bond with their owners, and they’ll stick by your side through thick and thin. These dogs are fiercely loyal to their owners and will do anything to protect their family. Your German Shepherd won’t even hesitate to put themselves in harm’s way for your safety.
They’re also territorial by nature and will immediately alert you if someone’s at the door or if they sense danger. This can give you a peace of mind knowing that your home and family is being protected. In short, if you’re looking for a loyal and devoted companion who will also keep you safe, you can’t go wrong with a German Shepherd.
2 – Trainability
German Shepherds are also known for being incredibly intelligent. They’re one of the smartest dog breeds out there, ranking third on the list of most intelligent breeds according to Stanley Coren, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia. This intelligence of theirs, coupled with their eagerness to please their owners, makes them highly trainable dogs.
They’re quick to learn household rules and routines, and they’ll easily adapt to your lifestyle and schedule. And obviously we’ve all heard of the versatility of the German Shepherd, from working with the police and military to acting as service dogs.
3 – Adaptability
Some breeds are unable to live in cold temperatures while others struggle in hotter regions. Not the German Shepherd though.
In fact, one of the main reasons why these guys are so popular worldwide is their ability to adapt to different situations and handle change. They can easily adapt to different weather conditions and diverse living environments. Sure, GSDs thrive in homes with a large yard, but they can live in an apartment just as long as they get enough exercise.
Plus, you will never have a problem traveling with your German Shepherd as you can take them wherever you want to go.
Also check out: Bulldogs- Pros and Cons.
4 – Long Life Span
For any pet owner, the hardest part of owning a pet is having to say goodbye. Sadly, our furry friends just have to leave before us. However, GSD owners get to spend a little more time with their canine companions.
This pup enjoys a relatively long lifespan compared to other breeds, living on average between 9-13 years. And as long as you provide your German Shepherd with proper care and attention, there’s a chance that they’ll live well into their teens. Just remember to take them to the vet, pay attention to their diet, and make sure that they exercise regularly.
5 – Attractive Appearance
The GSDs are large, strong, and well-muscled with an alert and athletic disposition. Their lush, thick coat is bold and even comes in various color variations. If the typical black and tan look isn’t to your liking, you can find yourself a GSD in colors like gray, sable, and even white! They have a noble and commanding presence that is sure to garner attention wherever they go.
All in all, walking around with such a good-looking dog is no doubt a source of pride for any dog owner.
But as with anything in life, owning a German Shepherd isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
Here are a few cons to owning these shepherds that you should consider before you take the leap.
1 – Shedding
If you’re new to owning a German Shepherd, here’s some advice from the veterans: Invest in a good vacuum cleaner.
You see, German Shepherds have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, especially during the spring and fall when they blow their coat. To minimize your dog’s constant shedding, you’ll have to brush their hair around 3 – 4 times a week. If you don’t have enough time for that, be prepared to find fur all over your clothes and furniture.
And if you have dog allergies, we recommend you look into adopting another breed cause the German Shepherd just won’t be a good choice for you.
2 – High Energy
Grooming isn’t the only thing you’ll be spending a lot of time on as a German Shepherd owner. They are incredibly active and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Including walks and playtime, you’ll have to spend a minimum of 2 hours every day exercising your pup. Failure to fulfill their exercise needs can lead to destructive behavior.
However, if you’re an active person who loves spending time outdoors and engaging in physical activity, a German Shepherd can be a great companion. They’ll happily tag along on your walks, runs, or hikes, making them the perfect adventure buddy.
3 – Prone to Separation Anxiety
German Shepherds are known for their loyalty and attachment to their owners, which is often so strong that they can become stressed and anxious when left alone for long periods of time. These guys thrive on human interaction and will get bored and even depressed otherwise. Separation anxiety can not only lead to destructive behaviors but also cause health issues in your German Shepherd.
So if you spend a lot of time away from home, you better not tame these pups and leave them hurting their emotions.
However, there are some ways to manage and even prevent separation anxiety in dogs using certain training methods. So if you still wish to have a GSD in your home, you might want to look into those methods in some of our other articles.
4 – Need Socialization
German Shepherds tend to be quite aloof and even nervous around strangers. They can become anxious, fearful, and even aggressive towards new people. Smaller animals are at greater risk as they may trigger your GSD’s hunting instincts.
However, early socialization helps overcome that fear by introducing your dog to all kinds of sights and experiences from a young age. This extends to not just people but also other dogs and pets, cause German Shepherds can get territorial. So make sure to socialize with your dog properly when they are still a puppy.
5 – Pricey
Unless you’re adopting a GSD puppy from a shelter, you’ll have to be prepared to fork out some serious cash. Typically, these puppies can cost anywhere between $1500-$5000, depending on the breeder and the pup’s lineage. And that’s just the cost of obtaining a puppy.
From food and toys to vet bills and training classes, the costs can add up really quickly. As a result, owning a German Shepherd can result in further yearly expense of around $1200 – $1500. But it’s important to remember that owning any pet comes with expenses. Plan ahead and budget for these expenses to ensure that you’re able to provide your German Shepherd with the care and attention they need.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading the article!
Here are other articles on the German Shepherd if you’re interested to know more about the breed.
So are you up for the challenge? Will you be adding a GSD to your family? Maybe you already have one of these guys. Leave a comment to let us know!