Deficiencies in other breeds - Page 1

Having owned another popular breed of dog over the past 26 years and switching to a GSD for the first time nearly two years ago, it never ceases to amaze me almost on a daily basis how a GSD can completely overshadow in every respect the breed for years I thought was marvellous. In just short of two years with a GSD the versatility, the eagerness to learn and the pleasure our GSD has given us in a relatively short time doesn't compare with our previous breed, not even close.

I am wondering if others changing over to a GSD from another breed have felt the same as I do. It boils down to the point that the more experience we gain with our GSD, the more deficient our previous breed seems to be in comparison. In loose terms, owning a GSD has been an advocate in exposing other breed's deficiencies.

 As the owner of a boarding kennel where I routinely see all kinds of breeds and mixes, I am never surprised that my choice is and always will be the German Shepherd Dog. Saying that, this is NOT a breed for most people, and therein lies part of the problem. I have said it before.....most people want a "rug that licks", in the form of a dog, not a dog like a GSD that requires so much socialization, training and attention.

 I say it  on my web site:

If you think of owning a GSD be careful..you will be hook for life!!

Let's face it..this is THE all around dog..it can do almost anything if you train it properly..They just are the best. 

I live with Airedales and a Teckel and you can't even compare on so many levels.  I've trained many breeds and the ones I had more fun with we're GSD.

I will always have a GSD lying at my feet for as long as I live!!

I wouldn't characterize the positive aspects of GSDs as "deficiencies" in other breeds.  Each breed was originally bred to fill a specific purpose.  A GSD would be deficient if purchased for killing rats, for example.  A Fox Terrier excels in that arena.    Although my gsds retrieve, they don't match the lab for hunting and retrieving birds. 

So while I love the GSDs eagerness to please their humans, their intuitiveness in terms of anticipating what their humans want, their loyalty and their intelligence - I prefer GSDs because that is what I am seeking at this point in my life - but the other dogs I've had, including other GSDs were not deficient - they were just different.

 

You are correct about training and attention Hodie, we shared most of our lives with Golden Retrievers and we still have lovely 6 year old Golden who's our GSD's best canine friend. With Golden's gentle and freindly personality, it takes only minimal training to achieve a reasonably behaved and socially acceptable pet that enjoy's most of all to lie around the house doing as little as posssible.

Owning a GSD to result in a well behaved animal, forces you to spend time with the dog training which in return provides such amazing results. Our GSD loves to train, he can't get enough, never gets tired of any routine, just seems like he wants to learn something and get it right which provides us with the inspiration to keep training and teach him new things. GSD's are definitely not the dog for people who are not prepared to put the time into the dog to get the results.  

You are correct about training and attention Hodie, we shared most of our lives with Golden Retrievers and we still have lovely 6 year old Golden who's our GSD's best canine friend. With Golden's gentle and freindly personality, it takes only minimal training to achieve a reasonably behaved and socially acceptable pet that enjoy's most of all to lie around the house doing as little as posssible.

Owning a GSD to result in a well behaved animal, forces you to spend time with the dog training which in return provides such amazing results. Our GSD loves to train, he can't get enough, never gets tired of any routine, just seems like he wants to learn something and get it right which provides us with the inspiration to keep training and teach him new things. GSD's are definitely not the dog for people who are not prepared to put the time into the dog to get the results.  

I have always been a big fan of collies.  I've had several and they were loyal, sharp and had personality plus.  I didn't think I would every own anything else.  Then I met my husband who is fond of saying "I won't feed anything but a GSD".  Well, when we met neither of us had a dog at the time.  Fast foward several years and we decide we need a dog.  We squabbled long and loud over what breed to purchase and to save my marriage I gave in.  Mostly because he said he didn't want to deal with the grooming of a collie and "all that hair".  LIAR LIAR LIAR!!!!  He didn't tell me GSD was spelled HAIR!  I've gotten over the deception only because the GSD is the BOMB!  What a true blue companion and spectacular animal.  I held out for a long time but my husband can see through me.  He smiles smugly when he watches me and our GSD knowing he has made a convert.  I can now say that I myself won't feed anything else but a GSD.

Deb

LOL!  I love that bottom line!