Is a German Shepherd a good family dog?

A German Shepherd dog, or simply GSD for short, is a popular dog breed that cuts a regal figure. Desirable traits that have made them #2 out of 197 in the AKC annual list of most popular dogs are their loyalty, friendliness and high intelligence. Size is often an important trait to consider if you are thinking about adopting a dog, too, and German Shepherds are a medium to large size breed. Due to their larger size, you may be wondering if they are suitable as a family dog, especially if you have small children. The good news is that a GSD can make a wonderful companion in the right home, and what follows can help you decide if they are the right dog for yours.

Which Bloodline is Best for Families?

There are three main bloodlines of German Shepherd dogs: American, East and West. West German Shepherds are better known as Sieger or show line dogs. West German Shepherds are the best choice for families, as they offer the best in both companionship and protection. In fact, they are often known as “protection you can hug.” The West German Bloodline makes amazing family companion dogs, and they are used regularly as Therapy and Service dogs . Also, the breeding of West German Shepherds is highly regulated, which can be an issue among the American bloodline. Because of this, breeders of “Westies” are held to a very high standard.

It’s really important that you get a dog from a reputable breeder – otherwise you risk encountering all kinds of problems.

Are They Good with Children?

GSD males are 23 to 26 inches tall at their withers, which is the ridge between the shoulder blades and the tallest part of their body. Additionally, they weigh between 66 to 88 pounds. Females are 21 to 24 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 49 to 71 pounds. German Shepherds can and do, get along very well with children. However, one that has not been socialized and trained properly from an early age could show aggression to members of the household, regardless of that person’s age. Proper training is a must if your dog is going to be around children of any age. It’s also imperative that they get plenty of exercise – many hours per day, or they risk exhibiting signs of misbehaviour.

Are They Good With Toddlers?

On a whole, GSDs are typically good around children of all ages, due to their calm and patient nature. German Shepherds and toddlers do not always mix too well, and even one with the sweetest disposition can accidentally harm a small child due to their size alone. Due to the larger size and weight of the males, Regis Regal only adopts out females to families with small children. Again, proper training is a must here, and is something we can provide on an ongoing basis.

Will they Guard or Bite?

German Shepherds can guard or bite if they are not properly trained, and we utilize a German-based positive approach to train ours. Common behavioral reasons that German Shepherds guard and bite are listed below.

1. Improper Breeding

Although a GSD is a highly intelligent working class type of canine, temperament must be bred into them; it is the only behavioral aspect they can’t pick up with training. It is impossible for a novice to look at a young puppy and know what it will turn out like as an adult. When looking for your next pup, you should request to see at least three generations. If the breeder can’t provide this proof, you may as well buy a GSD puppy unseen, which is a very scary thought.

2. Bite Inhibition

A German Shepherd pup who was never taught proper bite inhibition can cause significant damage as it gets older. With bite inhibition training, a puppy is taught how to use its mouth gently. Training starts with the mother and its littermates and lasts until the puppy reaches around 8 weeks of age, which is why you should never remove a puppy from its brothers, sisters and mother before 7 weeks. Bite inhibition training continues with its handlers until the puppy reaches 4-5 months.

3. Resource Guarding

Dogs can show aggression when they are resource guarding. This is when a dog growls or snaps at a person or pet that comes near their food or toys. As an aside, German Shepherds can sometimes be aggressive with other dogs, so the decision to introduce them to your home is something to consider strongly if you already own dogs. Resource guarding can also happen when someone tries to remove the GSD from its resting place. Well-meaning people that remove the dog’s food or toys in an attempt to “train” them not to food guard merely reinforce this undesirable trait.

4. Lack of Socialization

Socialization of your GSD is one of the most important parts of helping them become a wonderful companion to the kids in your home. Exposing them to new surroundings, people, and other dogs is an essential part of their development, but it is even more critical if your newest family member will be around children.

Choosing the right breeder for your next family dog

You’ll want to know if a German Shepherd Dog and your children get along before bringing this breed into your life. Regis Regal has over three decades of German Shepherd breeding and training experience , and we can help you find the perfect companion for your needs.

We are a family-owned and operated business with a state-of-the-art facility here in Spring Grove, Illinois.

Our dogs truly have the best temperament, so they make excellent Companion Dogs for families with kids. We encourage family and canine socialization and positive reinforcement in everything we do. We believe in educating each dog to its fullest capabilities, for whichever service it will be used for. We educate every dog as an individual, offering extensive obedience training, and we don’t utilize ‘mass training’ methods.

To find out more about our World-Class German Shepherd Puppies, Adults, Estate Dogs, Companion Dogs, Therapy Dogs, & Service Dogs, please contact us online or call us at 847-721-1908.

Is a Boy or Girl German Shepherd better?

There are good reasons why German Shepherds have become one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. For instance, the breed is known for its keen intellect, trainability, eagerness to please and willingness to work. But...which is better, a boy or girl German Shepherd? In short, both sexes make ideal family pets or working dogs if they are trained properly and given plenty of exercise and affection. However, there are differences between the genders of these canines you should bear in mind when you adopt or buy a puppy.

Boy vs Girl - Size and Weight

Male sheps tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females, but either a boy or girl puppy will grow up to be quite a handful if you skimp on training or exercise. According to figures from the American Kennel Club, a male GSD usually weighs between 65 and 90 pounds. Also, males will reach a height of between 24 and 26 inches when they are fully grown. Females tend to stop growing when they are between 22 and 24 inches tall and weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. While this size difference is not huge, it does mean that you will be spending a little more on dog food for males.

With my dogs there's usually a huge difference in size - whilst my girls run between 68 to 78 pounds, the boys tend to be between 98 and 105 pounds.

That's why, for families with very young children, I'll only allow them to buy one of our female German Shepherds. Otherwise there's too much of a risk of injury - it's not that the dogs aren't extremely well behaved, it's just the sheer size (and weight!) of them which can be problematic.

Boy vs Girl - Temperament

Either a male or female German Shepherd will make a wonderful family pet (for those without very young children!) and dutiful guardian that will serve you and your family loyally for many years. However, there are some key differences between the genders. Males will love your entire family, but they will probably bond more closely with one person. Females tend to be less territorial and will lavish attention equally on all of the members of their human pack. They are also easier to train, which could be something to bear in mind if your puppy will be your first dog.

If you have young children in your family, adopting a girl puppy is usually recommended because they are more tolerant. Boy pups are usually more possessive of things like food bowls and chew toys than girls and can become unruly if their owners tolerate bad behavior. If you are a bit of a pushover or like to spoil your pets, you may be better off buying or adopting a female.

Meanwhile, it is important to remember that these personality traits are generalizations. The way your puppy behaves with you and your family will be determined more by the way you treat it and the life it led before you brought it into your home than its inherited traits.

The Call of the Wild

German Shepherds have been bred to be loyal and obedient guard dogs and pets, but, like all canines, they will occasionally show you that they are descended from animals that once roamed in the wild. With males, this kind of behavior is most noticeable when you are out for a walk. Instead of urinating all in one go, a male will take frequent short squirts to mark its territory. They will also try to hold at least some urine in reserve in case they find a tree, lamp post or fire hydrant that has been marked by another male dog. Females are less concerned about these things, so your walks should be less eventful.

Female shepherds answer the call of nature by going into heat. This normally happens twice a year and lasts for two or three weeks. They become more vocal and urinate more frequently when they are in heat, and their vaginal secretions could attract unneutered male dogs from far and wide.

Spaying or neutering your pooch will put an end to these issues, and it could also help them to live longer and healthier lives. However, you should bear in mind that you will not be able to breed a spayed or neutered dog, and you will also be unable to take part in AKC Conformation classes. On the other hand, you will be able to participate in AKC herding, obedience and rally classes. Another benefit of neutering is that it will prevent your male from trying to escape your yard when it detects a female dog in heat.

Nature vs. Nurture

While the differences between male and female sheps may influence you to choose a boy or girl puppy, that shouldn’t be your only concern. The kind of life your puppy led before you met them will be just as important. Even a female could be a problem pet if it lacks training and has been starved of attention. More importantly, it could take years before a dog that has been mistreated trusts humans again.

You can avoid these issues by adopting your boy or girl puppy from an experienced, reputable breeder.

German Shepherd Puppies in the Chicago Area

At Regis Regal, we have been breeding the highest quality German Shepherds since 1987, and the American Kennel Club has named us a Breeder of Merit. We offer a lifetime guarantee on temperament, health and training for all of our German Shepherd puppies, and we will make sure that your puppy is a perfect fit to be your family pet, working dog or special needs companion.

What to Look for When Choosing a German Shepherd Puppy

Puppies make our hearts melt, especially when it comes to miniature versions of America’s favorite dog, the German Shepherd. They are about the purest things in the world, and it is really entertaining watching these little guys and girls grow into their big, upright ears – not to mention that they also make exceptional pets once they are adults. So if you’ve decided this breed is for you, and everyone involved agrees, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and find your newest family member. For the best outcome, here’s what to look for when choosing a German Shepherd puppy.

An Overview of Their Temperament

One common hallmark of a well-bred German Shepherd’s temperament is their unwavering loyalty to their owners. And even though they are known for being stoic, this intelligent breed can also be sweet, fun-loving and goofy.

With some companion dogs, it’s a good idea to adopt from your local shelter. The practice helps keep pets surrendered by their owners find loving homes. However, this can be a misguided sentiment when it comes to the German Shepherd breed. In fact, their even temperament comes from a long line of responsible breeding, and a shelter dog may come from a questionable lineage. Ahead, let’s look at what that means when it comes to adopting a German Shepherd puppy or adult.

Adopting from a Shelter Can Be Risky

Adopting a German Shepherd from an animal shelter can be risky for many reasons. For instance, they will often have health problems inherent to the breed that expert breeders will try to minimize through the maintenance of robust bloodlines and selective breeding. Shepherds adopted from animal shelters will often have an unpredictable temperament for that same reason. Living with an under socialized or jittery GSD can be stressful to the entire household – especially since these dogs can get up to 90 pounds!

Instead, you can avoid these pitfalls by looking to a reputable breeder for an adoptable German Shepherd puppy. Responsible and reputable ones breed healthy, emotionally balanced GSDs. This practice improves the breed’s quality and cuts down on the number of them that wind up in shelters with a host of expensive health problems.

Where to Find a Reputable Breeder

First off, a reputable person, non-profit or commercial breeder mainly focuses on preserving and maintaining the breed. Furthermore, adopting a German Shepherd from a resonsible breeder is a big step and a process. It takes a certain amount of time and effort on both the owner and breeder’s part, but the results are undoubtedly worth it.

The fit between you and your dog needs to be excellent all around, and a breeder with a good ‘pedigree’ will have the expertise and skills to match the best pup to your purpose for adopting. Meanwhile, German Shepherds have unique needs so here are some important factors to consider when searching for a reputable breeder:

Health Testing – German Shepherds are prone to health issues such as hip & elbow dysplasia, and responsible breeders will test for these health conditions. Breeders that go above and beyond will test for more health problems than is recommended by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The ideal breeder you want to work with to adopt your German Shepherd puppy will be upfront about any health problems inherent in the bloodline. They will also have their vaccination records available.

Parents on Premises – To determine what kind of adult dog your cute puppy will grow up to be, it’s an excellent idea to meet their parents or pups from other litters. If possible, try to meet their grandparents.

While most breeders have at least the mother on the premises, they should, at the very least, demonstrate a sound temperament in both parents and their previous litters. Some will feature stories about where the puppies from previous litters have ended up and offer testimonials about owners’ experiences with their dogs on their websites.

Appearance Matters – Do the looks of your dog matter? Well, the answer to that question is yes and no. When it comes to aesthetics, a dog’s appearance might catch a particular owner’s discerning eye more than their other littermates. That aspect is a matter of preference, but it’s not what is actually the most important.

German Shepherds come in a variety of coat colors and lengths, but don’t let a desire for a pooch’s particular coloring, hair length, etc., be the only factor you look for in a dog and from a breeder. If you do, you sell both you and these magnificent animals short. On the other hand, some aspects of appearance do matter, which we will discuss in the section about how to pick out a puppy from a litter.

Recommendations – Ask around your community for information about GSD breeders in the Chicago area. Your vet, dog groomer or local humane society might know of a good breeder in the area too. They can also recommend against breeders that regularly produce emotionally unstable or unhealthy German Shepherds.

You can also check out online reviews and social media to find Chicago German Shepherd breeders with good reputations.

Warning Signs of a Disreputable Breeder

There is a lot of love, care and hard work that goes into breeding world-class German Shepherd puppies. Unfortunately, some breeders are not up to snuff in this regard.

Warning signs to look out for include signs up at a farm that seems to always have plenty of pups up for sale. There is nothing wrong with German Shepherd dogs being bred on farms, which is where we breed our dogs. However, this is where similarities end between us and farms that produce many puppies without regard to their comfort and lineage.

What’s worse is that these farms can be puppy mills in disguise. If you are unfamiliar with the unethical and heartbreaking practice of puppy mill farming, then you are lucky. What you need to know, though, is that a puppy mill is a commercial dog breeding facility that is often characterized by quick breeding and poor conditions. Often, no more love and care is put into these animals than is put into livestock and crops, and animals there usually lead miserable existences. Also, be aware that puppies at some flea markets and pet stores come from puppy mills.

Supporting irresponsible breeders perpetuates health problems GSDs face, and if you come across a breeder whose main selling point is that they sell their puppies for less than the other guy, then you should run.

How to Pick Out a Puppy from a Litter

It can be difficult to choose the best dog from a litter of eager pups with wiggly butts, but you must put a lot of thought into which one is best for you. If it’s possible, also visit the breeder’s facility. The kennel they are kept in should be clean, and all of the litter should appear active and healthy – with documented proof that confirms they are as well. Puppies that appear dirty, weak or skinny are major red flags that indicate that the breeder is not taking proper care of them.

Once you are matched with a reputable breeder and contact them, they will listen to your purpose in owning a new dog and match you with a bloodline of puppies to choose from. If you are familiar with German Shepherd K-9s or seen one that is a Seeing Eye dog, you may be surprised to know that different bloodlines of this working breed are more suited to their owners’ different purposes. In light of that, the breeder will consider what you want to achieve from your potential companion after a discussion with you. They will then work hard to match you with a puppy from the bloodline that is best suited to you.

Things to Tell the Breeder

As you can clearly tell by reading, a German Shepherd dog is not a one-size-fits-all breed. And part of owning your new pet is knowing with certainty what qualities you want in them before you contact the breeder. Here are a few things to let the breeder know when you talk to them:

What sex you want your pup to be.
That you are interested in showing your dog in competitions.
You want to breed your GSD later.
You have small children or other animals.
You want your GSD to be a service animal.

Information such as this can help the breeder select a German Shepherd puppy from a bloodline they believe will be a good fit for you. For instance, if you are interested in a dog that is a companion to the entire family, they may recommend a pup from the West German bloodline since they make such amazing family companion dogs. Also known as “protection you can hug,” they are also used regularly as therapy and service dogs.

On the other hand, if you are someone from an organization that needs an excellent police dog, East German Shepherds pups are the ones the breeder will most likely recommend as the dog for you. These K-9s are bred to have high energy and be aggressive. With these characteristics, these GSDs maintain incredible focus on the tasks assigned to them by their handlers. As you can probably tell, the coiled wire energy of this dog breed needs to be unleashed, and its bountiful energy and aggression probably wouldn’t be appreciated in a family setting.

What to Expect

If you’ve decided to forge ahead and get your new German Shepherd puppy, you can expect it to be thoroughly socialized with the breeder (for about X weeks), and with you, the owner, for about (X weeks). After that, it’s an ongoing process.

Regis Regal: A Breeder of Merit

If you are looking for a reputable breeder, the AKC named Regis Regal a Breeder of Merit. Additionally, we breed world-class West-German sieger puppies to be companions and protectors of families, as well as therapy and service canines. We are based in Spring Grove, Illinois and serve the surrounding area.

If you’re not based locally, we offer a private courier service where we can deliver your German Shepherd pup to your home. We like to go the extra mile when it comes to delivering the perfect German Shepherd puppy to your door, and we will take the utmost love and care of your little fella during the journey. Please contact us online or call us at 847-721-1908 if you are interested in any of our upcoming litters.

Dangers of Adopting a German Shepherd Dog

First bred in 1899 shortly after an effort was made to standardize breeds, German Shepherds are, without a doubt, one of the most majestic and gorgeous dog breeds in existence. While shepherd dogs look as cuddly as a teddy bear with their beautiful fur and brown eyes, their muscular stature gives them a quiet strength. Those characteristics, combined with their amazing personality, are why they grabbed the # 2 spot on the American Kennel Club’s list of 2020 Most Popular Dog Breeds. They were beat out of the # 1 spot only by the affable Labrador Retriever.

However, being a parent to your own Rin Tin Tin is a massive commitment that you shouldn’t take lightly. If you live in Chicago, IL, and are thinking about acquiring one of these big guys for you and your family, here is how you can adopt your own German Shepherd.

Why Adopt a German Shepherd?

Some of the more than 200 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club are more common than others, and the German Shepherd is one of the most popular. That aspect is not surprising as German Shepherds were first bred to be both capable working dogs and devoted family pets. Police departments and militaries choose German Shepherds because of their keen intelligence, fearlessness, trainability and remarkable physical capabilities. Families choose the breed because they know that a German Shepherd will love them dearly and keep them safe.

However, Chicago residents that are thinking of buying or adopting a German Shepherd should bear in mind that doing so involves taking on a significant amount of responsibility. While German Shepherds may seem quite content to sleep or lie around the house for hours on end, they need their daily exercise to maintain optimum health. Dogs that do not get taken on walks or for exercise tend to become hyperactive or destructive, and this is especially true of active breeds like German Shepherds that were bred to work as well as play.

Adopting is not without its risks – many times you simply can’t determine the true health of the dog, or assess its temperament, without help of a professional dog behaviorist, breeder or trainer.

COVID-19 Causes Surge in Dog Adoptions

Dog breeders and adoption centers in Chicago and around the country have reported a spike in adoptions and purchases in recent months as the nation copes with the COVID-19 pandemic. This spike has raised concerns among animal rights advocacy groups worried about how these dogs will fare in the long term. When the television show “Game of Thrones” aired in 2011, there was a similar surge in Husky adoptions. Many of the people who adopted Huskies did not understand what they were getting into, which is why many of them wound up being surrendered to shelters or abandoned.

If remaining in place has you climbing the walls and you think bringing a dog into your home will make things better, you should understand that you will be signing up for a 10 to 15-year commitment. While a German Shepherd will fill your home with love and protect you with its life, adopting or buying one will change many parts of your day-to-day routine. Dogs need exercise and discipline as well as affection, and you may want to think twice about getting one if you are not able to care for it in the right way.

Adopting a German Shepherd from a Center Can Be Risky

People looking to add a dog to their life can either contact a breeder or visit an adoption center or shelter. While going this route does offer a far less expensive path to dog ownership, doing it is not without its risks. Some of the most common problems pet owners run into with shelter dogs include:

• Behavioral issues: Some people give up their dogs because they are moving into a rental home that does not allow them or they want to take no chances with a new baby. Others bring their pets to shelters because of aggressiveness or destructive behavior. A good shelter dog can be a loyal and loving member of the family for years to come, but a bad one can damage your home or even pose a threat to your safety.

• Health problems: Veterinarian bills can mount quickly when our furry friends get sick, and it is not uncommon for dog owners to surrender their pets because they cannot afford to provide them with the care they need. If you do decide to adopt a German Shepherd from a center or shelter, you should visit a vet for a thorough check-up as soon as possible.

• Trauma: Some shelter dogs suffer from a canine form of PTSD caused by prolonged abuse or neglect. Providing a loving forever home to such a dog can be extremely fulfilling, but getting past an abused dog’s anxiety and fear of people can take months or even years.

The Dog Adoption Process

Most German Shepherd owners fondly remember the day they picked up their dogs, and they tend to forget about all of the hoops they had to jump through during the adoption process. The steps taken by breeders, shelters or adoption centers can seem intrusive or overly zealous at first, but they are needed to match dogs with suitable owners and ensure that pets are placed in loving homes. If you decide to buy or adopt a German Shepherd, this is what you can expect.

• Initial application or questionnaire: The first step in the dog adoption process is filling out an application or answering a list of questions. You can expect to be asked about your home, schedule, the ages of your children and whether or not you have other pets.

• Interview: Once you have filled out the paperwork to get the process started, the breeder or a shelter representative will interview you. This interview serves to ensure that the breed you have chosen will thrive in its new environment and ensure that you understand what owning and caring for a dog involves.

• Home visit: Many breeders and shelters will not place a dog until they have visited the house or apartment where it will live. This visit serves two primary purposes. A home visit can prevent dogs from being placed in dangerous situations, and it also allows breeders or shelter representatives to give helpful advice. Common suggestions include fencing in back yards and moving tempting items out of reach.

• Adoption fee: Most shelters and adoption centers charge a small fee. The money raised is usually used to provide care and medical treatment. The cost may be higher if the adoption center has spayed or neutered the dog.

• Follow-up visit: You may get a second visit after your adopted dog has settled in. This visit is structured to address any adjustment problems and make sure that your dog is happy in its new home.

Dog Adoption Centers in the Chicago Area

If you’re still keen to adopt a German Shepherd we’ve detailed some of the bigger dog rescue centers located not far from us in the Chicago area in a handy list below. If you know of any other dog rescue or adoption centers in the area then please reach out and let me know, and I’ll include them on the list below:

Chicago Canine Rescue
5272 N Elston Ave,
Chicago, IL 60630
(773) 697-8848
Chicago Canine Rescue website

PAWS Chicago
1997 N Clybourn Ave,
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 935-7297
PAWS Chicago website

One Tail at a Time
2144 N Wood St,
Chicago, IL 60614
(866) 515-6828
One Tail at a Time website

Alive Rescue
1214 W Monroe St,
Chicago, IL 60607
(773) 913-8100
Alive Rescue website

Lake Shore Animal Shelter
PO Box 40,
Park Ridge IL 60068
(312) 409-1162
Lake Shore Animal Shelter website

The Benefits of Adopting from Professional German Shepherd Breeders

Visiting and adopting from a professional German Shepherd breeder with years of experience can avoid the pitfalls of visiting an adoption center. However, some breeders are more professional than others.

Regis Regal has been named a Breeder of Merit by the American Kennel Club and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Our dogs are bred to become affectionate household pets and staunch family protectors, as well as service and therapy dogs. We keep a comprehensive history of bloodlines to ensure that our German Shepherds do not develop any of the health problems active breeds have become known for. That’s how we’re able to include full lifetime guarantees on our puppies health, plus the first year of their vaccines within the prices of our puppies – as well as a comprehensive training program.

We like to go the extra mile when it comes to delivering the perfect German Shepherd puppy, in every sense!

Category: Dog Adoption