Prime Age - Page 1

What age do you consider to be a GSD's prime? Same for male or female? Do you notice changes in the temperament now, that fulfill the standard but were not seen in the younger dog? 

I know this is a loaded question, but if you have a thought on this, please play along with me. 

OK, I'll play with you Bee. :D

I think between 2 and 3.  Young, but physically developed, no graying yet and any ligaments that needed tightening have, if they were ever going to.  Over the chewing/destroying everything stage, which makes it prime for me, but a dog looks and feels its best then too, IMO.
I've never noticed any difference in temperament, although as they mature they settle a bit, and obviously are better behaved as they've had that much more training. 

I think the prime age for GSDs both male and female is between 3-5 years provided that female is not bred and no litters. At around 3 years all is set in the dog in regards to temperament and character, no more changes in this respect.

Ibrahim

Yep, 3-5 I have to agree with.  BUT, it depends on if you are talking emotionally or physically or both.  That can differ.  Nan

Definately I am talking about both. Well, actually, more so, emotionally is where I was headed, but I don't mind if both are discussed, lol

I've noticed that even the people friendly pup will become territorial at around eighteen months, give or take a couple months. I like to start protection training when they start showing natural territoriality. Certainly not the prime of life but a change from puppy- hood. Three years old is when I think most dogs peak physically. However, six to seven is when I think a lot of dogs really settle.

Beetree, this is a good thread-- it makes one reflect on a very important aspect of a dog's life.

I say 6 for a working dog or sport dog, if free of injuries.  Settled into it's work, experienced and mature. 

Thanks for playing, lol. 

I pretty much think my dog at 5 1/2 has matured emotionally and physically into his prime. What I have noticed is the transition from friendly puppy, to the rebellious teenager, into a confident and watchful protector. He keeps watch on his boundaries, and is not always appearing friendly to certain people or their dogs who go by his turf. He can't wait to make his presence known, tail raised and bristling. He doesn't charge, however, just wants to make sure some people keep on walking, I think, lol Where before I would have said, he'd never bite anyone or anything, I don't think that anymore.

He knows what his "jobs" are and insists on performing them, mundane as they may be, lol  

Really, I was thinking about this because we always get the posts about, my pup is too friendly, or the surprise of being challenged by the 18 month old, and we did go through all that. But now, he has settled I think into being what a GSD is meant to be, he has no idea he is a SL, lol.

If the dog is healthy and sound, I think anywhere from 3 to 8.  I didn't notice my dog slowing down at all until after his 8th birthday.  I'd hate to think that a dog is only "in his prime" for 2 or 3 years out of 14.