When you’re looking for a furry friend to add to your family, it makes sense to consider which dog breed would be the best choice for your household. Not all dogs are comfortable around children or other pets, so doing your research when adopting is essential.
If you’re a parent and a fan of German Shepherds, you’re in luck. German Shepherds make excellent family dogs. They’re gentle companions, loyal protectors, and lively family members when they’re trained and cared for properly.
The Personality of a German Shepherd
German Shepherds are a popular breed for many reasons, including their loyalty and confidence. They are, brave, courageous, and willing to defend their loved ones at any cost.
While they’re not typically described as overly friendly, they are gentle in nature and get along with children as long as they’re properly introduced. However, they tend to thrive as the only pet in a family, and they don’t always get along with other animals.
Are German Shepherds Aggressive?
Misconceptions about the German Shepherd may have prevented some from owning the breed. They are often used as police dogs in K-9 units, which has given people the impression that they are working dogs and are naturally aggressive.
The truth is that German Shepherds and other dogs used in police or professional work are trained specifically to develop certain behaviors. If you are diligent in training your German Shepherd and socializing them properly, they will not behave aggressively in a way that should make you worried to have them around your kids.
That being said, it’s important to make sure you integrate your German Shepherd into your family safely, getting started on training right away and providing supervision around younger kids. German Shepherds do have a strong work ethic, so they will require lots of training and exercise which is something to keep in mind when making your decision.
Pros and Cons of German Shepherds
German Shepherds are a great breed, but are they the right breed for your family? Let’s review some pros and cons to get a better idea of what to expect if you adopt.
- Loyal companions
- Gentle around children
- Highly responsive to training
- Protective of their owners
- Overall healthy breed
- Easy to groom
- Requires lots of training and exercise
- Can be aggressive or anxious if not trained correctly
- Does not do well with other animals
- Can be prone to hip or elbow dysplasia
- Shorter lifespan of 7-10 years
Overall, whether to adopt a German Shepherd depends heavily on what your family’s lifestyle is like and what you’re willing to commit to. If your family has an active lifestyle, you will probably love having an energetic breed like the German Shepherd.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a dog that is less energetic and requires less training, you may want to look for other breeds for your family dog.
Conclusion
The German Shepherd is an exceptional animal that can make a wonderful addition to the right family. Hopefully, this overview has helped you understand whether the breed will make a good fit in your home. The German Shepherd’s strong work ethic, gentle nature, and steadfast guardianship make them well-suited to an active family who wants a devoted companion.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
