Looking for something specific. What do you recommend? - Page 1

I want a GSD with some specific characteristics. What do you recommend?

Requirements (In no particular order):

-- Over 120 pounds and 29+ inches at the shoulder. (So it's out of breed standard. I just like big dogs.)
-- Highly intelligent and easily trainable
-- Mild temperament and good with small children. High prey drive not necessary.
-- I have no need for a working dog. Working dogs are nice, but I don't have any criminals to track or sheep to herd.
-- He will be a family dog. We have no need for a Schutzhund dog, nor the time to go through the training. He should be naturally protective of the house and family, but Schutzhund not required.
-- Good hips, good health and long life
-- A straight back. I don't like that silly sloped back that makes it look like someone got confused and thought they were breeding a Porsche.
-- A puppy, not an adult. I want a dog as soon as it is ready to go to its permanent home. 

I understand that some the things I want aren't everyone's favorite. But some people like apple pie and some people like strawberry pie. I like lemon meringue. I also like very large GSDs, and I don't much care if they are trained to leap over walls and bite people with big puffy arms. Go figure.

For anyone who is interested, I hear from a lot of other people who are basically looking for the same thing -- family GSDs in size LARGE.

Who breeds dogs like that?

You're kidding, right?  I hope so.  Who ever you are, you've just joined a bit ago...

Or are you a returning troublemaker using a new name?

Regardless, if you know this board, then you know that a post like that is asking for some condemnation, fishing for a fight.  An fight that is not necessary and is not beneficial to anyone here. 

If you are serious, google large GSD's, or check the classifieds on this site.  I'm sure you'll find something there that's to your liking.  This forum is not the place.

Crys

I have animules that fit all those descriptions! Question is do you have enough cash?  NAAAAAAHHHHH didi'nt think so

Asking a specific question is looking for a fight?  If so, then some people have a real problem.

No not really. Your inquiry was equivelent to asking for superman with no allergies to kryptonite! or a peanutbutter sandwich with no bread! or frick without frack! Now do you suppose dorothy could get back to kansas without her ruby red slippers?

I don't know about the superman with no allergies to kryptonite part. However, I do know that I have seen dogs that fit that description.

You're asking for a puppy yet you requirements can only be measured in an adult.  Plus you're asking for something outside the standard.  You need to take your request elsewhere.  Responsible breeders are not going to sell to you.  Good luck in your quest.  Be sure to neuter whatever you end up with. 

 GSD's are a medium size breed, males should be @ 85 lbs.  Look at it this way:  A friend says I asked "Sally"  to the prom, she's a big girl she weighs about 300 lbs, but I think she'll get even bigger.  Her mom is 600 lbs and her dad is 800 lbs.  Isn't that great she's gonna be a big girl.  Kind of the same thing.  

I understand you want a large dog and you ask, "Who breeds dogs like that?"  My answer would be someone who knows very little about the German Shepherd Breed.  And cares even less about the breed.

I understand that some the things I want aren't everyone's favorite. But some people like apple pie and some people like strawberry pie. I like lemon meringue.

You may like Lemon Meringue, but you are trying to get a chicken pot pie.  Your not even close in your analogy.  I would check some back yards in your area, I'm sure you'll find some of the breeders your looking for there.  If you wanted a Show line, working line or even an American GSD I'd be happy to refer you to reputable breeders.  But, in nearly 30 years of owning GSD's I've never met a knowledgeable or reputable breeder who breeds the type of oversized dog you are looking for and still calls them a GSD.

From what you describe I think a Great Dane would be perfect for you.  You have described Great Danes to a T.

Here's a link to "Apple Pie"  I think I found your dog:

http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/dogs/great_dane/pedigree/563632.html

It looks like I insulted Allah or something. Sorry if it pisses everybody off to pose a question that I have heard from lots of other people.

And just for everyone's information, a friend of mine had such a dog. It weighed 150 and met all the other requirements exactly. It was, however, a Shiloh Shepherd. It looked like, and had all the good features of a GSD but it wasn't one exactly.

 It doesn't have to be a pure GSD to fit my requirements, and it appears from my own observations that there is a clear demand for a dog that fits the general description of GSD, size large.

Sorry if that offends anyone's religion or anything but I have seen such dogs and whether it is moral to breed them or not, they were fabulous family dogs.

ETA: I considered a Great Dane. However, they live about 7 years on average, and every one I have seen was about as dumb as a post. I probably don't have a good statistical sample, but I have the general opinion that GSDs are way smarter, and smart is an important requirement for me.

wdog86....hopefully you aren't opening yourself up to "less than honest"breeders/agents.they're waiting like buzzards for any unsuspecting buyer to make a slip-up!!!! you specified "weight/height",yet you desire a pup,no one can predict how big a pup will get,even if it comes from large parents...lots of things to consider(genetics,diet,containment,excercise...yada,yada)see what's available locally,or within a comfortable driving distance...make it a family outing so all involved have a sense of ownership in the selection.look for clean kennels,try and see both parents,seek the breeders advice,check breeders "track record"(references,pictures of past litters,ect)then select a pup that fits your needs,if there is any type of dog training club near you...any type,then try and speak with some of the members...perhaps they can refer you to a breeder in your area....your orginal request set you up for critisism on this...because what you requested wasn't really a GSD......good luck in your search,i hope it goes well for you.