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male/female German Sheperd agressive behavior



 
 
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  #1  
Old June 21st 04, 02:37 AM
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Default male/female German Sheperd agressive behavior

In rec.pets.dogs.behavior jrprice wrote:
as a kid growing up, we had GSs of both sexes at one time or another. the


FYI

GS= Giant Schnauzer
GSD = German Shepherd Dog (dog is part of the breed name)

males tended (IMHO) to be a bit more fun loving, though both were wonderful
animals.


be sure that no matter which way you go, you have them spayed/neutered, you
have them obedience trained (probably should involve the whole family, tho
you should talk to a reputable trainer about that) and you get them well
socialized with people and other dogs. the "problem dogs" that i've
encountered were usually the ones that seemed to have been kept isolated
from people/other dogs, probably because the owner feared their fierce
reputation. a dog, irrespective of breed, is only as good (or bad) as their
owner.


Yes. WHen I got my first GSD my DAd told me not to take her in public
until after she had all her shots. Made her leery of "strangers" and
"strange dogs" but she saw lots of horses so she loved them. Now my vets
say that bad socialization kills more dogs than disease. So my choices
would be different now. That dog taught me a lot.

--
Diane Blackman
http://dog-play.com/
http://dog-play.com/shop2.html
  #2  
Old June 21st 04, 03:02 AM
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In rec.pets.dogs.behavior Alexandr wrote:
I have recently discovered that there is a huge problem with American
German Shapherds which affects not only their hips, but also their
behavior and intelligence. Frankly - if I could I would simply take a


There are such problems with all dogs not carefully bred, including dogs
from Europe.

plane back to Europe and get a one there, but I simply cannot do this
now.


Pretty much it's difficult to get a *good quality* GSD for export as good
breeders want their stock to stay local so they can continue to promote
the lines. What is exported is often (not always) the dogs that don't
meaasure up.

So here is my question: how can I locate a breeder in globally
the southeaster USA (I am now in Florida) which would have both male
and female German Shepards *from Germany*, which would be fully


Shepherd, German Shepherd Dog. Your search will be easier if you use that
spelling. If you use Shepard in your search you will find people who
don't know the breed well. That will surely complicate things.

certified and which he/she would be using to sire puppies?


First you have to decide what qualities you are looking for. If European
lines are what you want you still have to decide whether you want high
lines (show lines) or something else. Most of the "something else" lines
are a big handlful of dog and not an easy choice for an active family with
children who will be bringing over non-dog experienced friends. Many of
the European lines are not a good choice for a family in which one or more
of the adults is uncertain or unconfident regarding the handling of the
dog.

I am not being "anti-American", but according to an (American)
veterinarian friend of mine there are simply too many problems with
buying an American German Shepherd puppy.


You can get a good quality GSD from American lines or from German or Czech
lines. It's a matter of doing your homework.

Most breeders around my area have, at best, either a German born male
or a German born female, some have half-German half-American dogs, but
nobody that I have see so far can show me a couple of German-born
German Shepherds used to breed puppies.


Can anyone help me locate such a breeder?


My preferences would be a male German Shepherd, with short hair, large
in body size (not for some machismo reasons - I simply prefer that
esthetically. My last dog was a wonderful Cairn Terrier but who was
really small, and now I want to have a big dog). I want both parents
to be from Germany (or elsewhere in Europe) and I want to see them
both here, in the USA, before choosing a puppy.


Keep in mind that a breeder who breeds for large size is doing so contrary
to the best interests of the breed. The dog's structure is designed to be
moderate, not massive. German and Czech bred dogs are not typically
"large" because they aren't supposed to be "large."

Is this reasonable and doable?


Sure, just do the research. THat starts with getting a more well rounded
idea of the different "styles" of GSD. It is more than Europe vs.
AMerican. The different lines can be VERY different, and the difference
between a great match for your family and disaster.

http://www.dog-play.com/where.html

But you might want to consider a rescue dog. You will be better able to
evaluate both its structure and its temperament, and there are many dogs
available. There are many advantages to starting with an adult dog
with a known background and history. Basded on what you have said I'm not
convinced that getting a dog from a breeder will be an advantage to you.

--
Diane Blackman
http://dog-play.com/
http://dog-play.com/shop2.html
  #3  
Old June 22nd 04, 04:41 AM
NoName
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I agree, Check ou the shelters. GSD's are a plentiful breed. There are
bound to be great ones available. Just do your homework and make sure you
get the best possible one. True enough there are some that are "other
people's problems". But with GSD's, there are so many great ones that go
wanting for a good home. Ones that are just waiting to bond to a special
family and be devoted to them. Not every breed can make the claim.

FWIW, we find it easier to train males for protection of the property.
Females tend to naturall guard the people (as opposed to the property.)
Just our experience.

I hope you are as well pleased with your GSD as we are ours!

Sara D

"House"O"Dogs" wrote in message
...
Over the years I have had numerous GSDs bunking here with me. Males tend
to be a bit goofier, more hard headed and good playmates for kids.

Females
tend to be a little more serious and more maternal toward children.

(Hmmmm)
There are, of course, exceptions to this generalization.

Anyway, please give some consideration to contacting a German Shepherd
(please note proper spelling!) rescue in your area and meet some of their
dogs. Our rescue gets in quite a few dogs that have come from homes with
children. If you buy a puppy from a breeder, you will not really have any
idea of the adult personality of the dog that will emerge as the dog
matures. If you adopt a young adult, the personality will be evident and
not a surprise.

Also, folks from your local GSD rescue can talk to you about the breed and
see if it is a good match for you and your family. As much as I love and
adore these creatures, they are not for everyone.

Yours in GSDs and rescue,

Lea
Virginia German Shepherd Rescue
www.shepherdrescue.org




  #4  
Old June 22nd 04, 05:01 AM
NoName
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Hello EGD,

I agree there are diverging types. I only wish breeders of all breeds would
make it clear exactly what traits they are trying to bring out with their
breeding program. Then those of us who prefer great family pets wouldn't
get stuck with a maniacal working personality. Or vice versa. That goes
for all breeds, especially those whose track record is less than stellar in
the personality department. (Cockers, Border Collies, Rotts, etc.- not
that there aren't good individuals of those breeds, but there ARE a
disproportionate number of weird ones. )

I've seen people go out and get what is called the "best" of the breed, not
knowing WHAT it is the "best" for. One can only hope the rescue orgs do
better, but from what I've seen, it is doubtful.

With GSD's though, they are plentiful. There is bound to be a great one
just waiting to bond and be devoted to a family. So do your homework and
get the best possible one. He/she deserves it.

Sara


"EGD" wrote in message
...

"tux" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

My wife and I are thinking of buying a German Shepard. I would prefer
a male, she would prefer a female (-: I can't imagine why :-). My
wife is under the impression that male German Shepards are harder to
handle and that the risk of agressive behavior is higher with them.
Considering that we have three small kids, this is not a point I can
ignore.

My personal experience with dogs is that I never had a problem
handling male dogs, but this might be my rather assertive ("alpha
male" if you wish) kind of personality. My wife is also concerned
that while I might be able to handle the dog just fine all hell might
brake loose as soon as I turn my back (that is already somewhat the
case with our kids anyway).

Are her concerns founded? Is there a significant difference in the
behavior of male and female German Sheperds, in paticular concerning
obedience and agression?

Are male German Sheperds more likely to be a risk for small kids?

Many thanks in advance for any advice,

TW


Hi TW
I'm glad you had the good sense to ask advice before rushing out to get a
dog. Good for you!!!
Your spelling of the name of the breed, suggests you haven't yet done

enough
research. Not to worry - it's a common mistake. However, armed with the
correct spelling, I suggest you start by doing a ton of research on German
Shepherds. There are many types. Some with very harsh, working type

ancestry
and others with calmer type breeding. I suggest you look into a breeder

who
breeds for the show ring and family type dogs, rather than one who purely
breeds working dogs for their heavy work instinct.
As with all breeds these days, the GSD is plagued with hereditary

problems,
so your choice of breeder will be all important. Make absolutely sure,

after
you do all your homework, you hook up with a breeder who can show you

proof
of many generations of genetically tested stock "and" the results on

paper.
Not someone who says they have no problems in their "line". One who
hopefully does something with their dogs rather than just pumps out

puppies.
One who shows their dogs to get some idea of their possible breeding

worth,
who probably does other activities such as obedience etc. Make sure "you"
know what to ask and indeed demand, of any breeder you chose. There are

many
sites on the net which tell you how to choose a responsible breeder. Know
the questions by heart or write them down when visiting kennels or writing
to a breeder.
There are millions of GSD's out there, bred by irresponsible breeders, who
have cared nothing about the temperament or health of the dogs they pump
out. Be careful. Be knowledgeable.
Re children and dogs. No dog - regardless of how much you trust it, should
be left alone EVER with small children. Children do nasty little things to
dogs when parents are not present and the dog will react as nature

equipped
him. He will bite. All children should be taught that dogs are not
playthings or toys. They are not to be hauled around as puppies, teased,
taunted etc. Puppies, like human babies, must be allowed to get many naps
during the day away from human children.
Re which sex is better. Personally, I prefer males. Always have - always
will.
For those who are very into dogs and have a good knowledge of any breed,
keeping whole males is not a problem. I have always kept many whole males
together until recent years with no problems. However, I don't advise that
for new dog owners. A well-bred, neutered male, is probably the best way

to
go for you. I have owned and trained many, many dogs and found the boys -
once trained, tend to look after their family rather more than the girls,
who tend to look after themselves first. Found pretty much the same in
horses too. Obviously this is only my personal opinion and others no doubt
have had wonderful females.
A big requirement for you, once you have found your perfect dog, is to

join
an all breed obedience class and enroll you and your dog. Preferably the
whole family should attend so all can see what is to be required at home

in
his training.
Re risk for children. I think if you do your homework - which quite well
might take several months, spend much time interviewing breeders, find a

dog
with a solid, stable, well bred background, obedience train him

faithfully,
neuter him, make him part of the family and don't allow him as a puppy, to
do anything you wouldn't want in an adult and make sure your children
respect him - then you should have a great new family member who will be
with you for many years.
Hope this helps
EGD





 




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