Questions regarding a GSD for companion - Page 1

I tried looking for this topic but the search didn't pull up anything close to this. If there is an old post about this question please send me the link.
I am looking to get a German Shepherd. I have owned previous dogs before but never a GSD. I'm looking for a companion GSD. I will have about 2 hours or more a day to spend exercising and training the dog. I don't plan on doing Schutzund, PSA, or any related field. I do plan on doing CGC and maybe tracking but my main purpose is of having a GSD for the companionship.
Now my question is what type of GSD do you recommend? The American (showline), Czech, or DDR? I do want a sable GSD and most sable dogs that I know of are Czech or DDR. I don't want a high drive dog that needs vigorous exercises or jobs but a companion that can be inside the home and relax with my girlfriend and I. I live in Phoenix, AZ and I know of two breeders in Arizona that breeds sable GSD. One breeds the Czech and the other breeds DDR.

How about looking at a rescue? Central Arizona Rescue (san tan valley) happens to have a male sable right now, as well as several others. http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/pet/3739206707.html Don't let the craigslist ad deter you. Mike does a wonderful job scouting out both kill & no-kill shelters & pulling dogs. I got a sable female from him just over a year ago.

If you don't want a high drive dog that demands exercise, perhaps you're not going to be happy with either variety. 

High drive does not mean the dog can't be in the house. This is a very sad generalization that is gaining momentum. I have a dog lying at my feet right now that will literally rip off your arm for a ball but she can be unattended in the house all day and won't touch a thing she isn't supposed to. And she may well be the best looking dog I've ever seen, let alone bred, to boot. ;-)  So...my point is you need to be well aware of what you're asking for and make sure the breeder is as well. Make sure you're on the same page as far as what you consider high drive and what they consider high drive. Your easy dog may not be an easy dog to someone else and vice versa. 

If you want a companion, my friend rescued a nice, nice working line dog. She was going to see if he can make it as single purpose but he lacks the drive. Handsome sable I believe male about 2 years old. She is in Texas. I can get you in touch with her.

As to which line, any you described would be just fine. The hardest working dogs can still produce pretty nice pet type dogs. So the thing is to pick the right puppy. I have two brothers from one litter, one is an excellent pet type dog with 2 toddlers and the other one is a dual purpose in a PD department. still loves the handler's child.

It is about the temperament, raising and training not about the lines.
Have fun.

AND- sables do come from showlines also.
A GOOD Breeder will steer you in the right direction.
AND- there are lots of sables in rescue.(just a little food for thought)

Sables (dominant colour in German Shepherds) and low to medium drive dogs come from all lines. my personal experience is that dogs from AKC lines often not have the solid nerves as the European lines. And solid nerves is a good trait for a companion dog. Dogs with medium and low drive are born throughout the lines. Even in solid working lines not all dogs are able to achieve a working title. It doesn't really matter which lines you choose for a low to medium drive. Important is to go to a reputable breeder with long-time experience with the breed. Ask lots of questions and if the breeder doesn't really seem to be interested what you are doing with the dog, walk away without a puppy. Rescue dogs all come with baggage. I don't think a rescue would be right for you if you don't have any experience with the breed.

Also, If you decide to import into the US, be sure and ask lots of questions both of the breeder and people on this forum about the breeder.  Also, get lots of information upfront about shipping and expectations once you receive the dog.

There are many threads about expensive imports that have gone very wrong.
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Good Luck and Welcome

I'm curious as to what other breeds you've had.  I ask because it will assist all of us in advising you

While GSD's can be incredible companions, they are not for everyone.  They require good, solid, reward training - and one must continue to keep up with that training throughout their lives.  Remember, GSD's LOVE to work, they LOVE to have something that will mentally stimulate them.

And don't forget those coats.  While gorgeous in all variety of colors (and lengths), they DO shed.  In fact, my husband and I always tease that they're "German Shedders." 

As mentioned in other posts, a good breeder will assist you to find that right companion for you - even if that means their dogs are not the ones for you.  Do A LOT of research and feel free to ask A LOT of questions.