whats the best gsd line for....? - Page 1

Might be getting a gsd puppy soon. What would be the best line (by line I mean west german,czech,east german,etc) of gsd for

-a family dog (2 adults and 3 kids ages 15+)

- a guard dog (by guard dog I dont mean chained in the backyard all day. I mean he/she will be an indoor/outdoor dog but I want the dog to be protective. No americans lines their temperment is too soft for any kind of protection.

- the dog would NOT be trained or participate for  "pp" or any kind of sports such as schutzhund,agility etc..(he/she would just be trained normal obedience such as sit,down etc..)

-the dog would get 2-4 hrs of exercise daily and alot of stimulation

- would have a big yard,thats fenced in.

- the dog would just be a companion dog

-this would be the 1st time getting a working gsd

-there would be no other pets in the house

male vs. female dog,which is better for what I explained above

neuter/spay or not neuter/spay,which has more benefits ? would a fixed male be less protective or change in behaviour,and would a female be less protective or change in behaviour if she got spayed?
 

Just curious do you or have you ever owned a gsd?  

@ggturer used to have a gsd/border collie mix

the type of lines have a whole lot less to do with it than the individual dogs being bred.  meet the parents and other relations if possible.  if you like the way they are then good if not then keep looking.

Good question dogggss,  I would say that you need to find a breeder that you can trust.  I say this because the good breeders out there are going to be doing evaluations on the puppies so that they can match the future owner with the right kind of pup.  Now everyone on here pretty much agrees that getting a puppy is a crap shoot but I think that they are referring to its ability to be a top level sporting dog or working dog.  I think that if you describe what you are looking for to a good breeder than they will be able to match you up with a puppy that they believe will fit well into your needs.  I would say that if you have no plans to breed your future dog than getting it fixed is going to be the best bet.  I say this because the last thing you want is for your dog to get out of the yard by mistake and a accidental breeding takes place.  or another dog gets to your dog.  As far as male or female.  I think that it will once again depend on the dog.  I have one male that lives in the house with my wife and children who is a working dog and he does great and loves to cuddle. 

GOOD LUCK.  keep us updated.

Ok--my suggestion is that in addition to getting advice on this forum, look up as much as you can on the different lines on the internet.  We have three gsds:  a 3 yr old female, spayed, that is 1/2 SL and 1/2 WL (West German).  She is very intelligent, has decent ball drive, strong herding instincts, and is very protective.  We bought her as a puppy.  We have a 2 yr old intact male (the one in my avatar) that is a WL (mostly West German) with many SchH3, FH, PH, HGH, VA, KNPV, and WUSV siegers from vom Kirschental, von Karthago, vom Wildsteiger Land, vom Muikenshof, von Arminius, Haus Magis.  He has a very high prey/ball drive, is very athletic, was green trained for police/military work, and is very protective.  He requires a lot of exercise.  We bought him a year ago--he was bred and trained by a military vet who works with police and the military (1st owner was an AirForce vet and my husband is an Army vet).  Our youngest gsd is a female, almost 10 months old, spayed, that is WL (West German).  She has a great prey drive, is very intelligent, and is showing signs of being protective.  She also requires a lot of exercise.

All gsds, no matter what the line, require a close bond with their owners.  You just can't leave them unattended all day in the yard without human interaction.  Having a large fenced in yard is a plus (I noticed you said you had one).  Make sure that you get one from a reputable breeder who has had their dogs OFA certified and does health checks.  Listen to the breeders and trainers on this site who have a wealth of experience and knowledge.  I don't claim to be an expert (I'm not a breeder or trainer).  Good luck with your search; I hope you find the perfect gsd for you and your family!

thnx for the replies I have done alot of research on the lines and I have been leaning on getting a w. german line pup but cant decide and would like to hear more replies and experiences with the different types.

The different lines or working dogs have drives that tend to be associated with them more than the other example prey or defense. However as stated it is more of a crap shoot than anything and ultimately the individual sire and dam have way more to do with it. West German are great for sport high prey drive dogs (generally). Keep in mind that these working dogs are very high energy and must be worked some way or another. You did say they would be out and about with you doing lots of things so that is good. Honestly all the lines mentioned are great dogs and you can't go wrong with them, but a reputable breeder and the sire and dam are your biggest concerns I would say also check the contract and make sure it has the right kinds of Gaurentees etc... I would also ask if anyone else has had dealings with whatever kennel you plan on getting the dog from

Most important ....   researching the breeder! talk to them and tell them what exactly you are looking for a good breeder will know what is a good match for you and your family  & fyi....  I have never known a GSD not to have good protective instincts  ..  I'm not a breeder or a "professional" trainer .. but.. I have owned shepherds all my life, there are in my opinion the best breed :)  and yes.. my current GSD is just a companion/family dog .. if you are not going to do anything with the pup ... ie show, schutz, breed etc.. then I suggest spay or neuter

Good Luck with your search :)

I DO NOT AGREE THAT AMERICAN LINES ARE TOO ''SOFT'' FOR ANY KIND OF PROTECTION! IF I WERE INTRUDING ON SOMEONE AND SAW A GSD RUNNING UP TO ME, AMERICAN LINE OR ANY OTHER LINE, I WOULD NOT STOP TO SEE IF THE DOG WERE TOO SOFT TO PROTECT ITS DOMAIN.