I first had my German Shepherd as a 5 month old puppy 8 years ago and i don't know what i would do without her. She is loveable, loyal, intelligent, i could go on forever.
Whatever some people say about this breed, you have got to have one. I'm very lucky to have my Cassie, she nearly didn't make it when she was born. She was the last of 11 pups to be born and the runt of the litter. In fact the breeder had to borrow a baby incubator from the local hospital, in order for her to survive! From then on she has been spoiled rotten, but is well behaved and knows what is right and wrong.
German Shepherds are well known for their intelligence and are obviously used as working dogs in the police force and as assistance dogs. But they make fantastic pets, they love people, but you have to be aware of other dogs, mine does not do socialising very well with other dogs, but gets on brilliantly with our other dog.
Unfortunately, German Shepherds and some other breeds, are known for having health problems, such as hip dysplayia, mine in fact does have this and was diagnosed 4 years ago. But she copes amazingly on her medication and still runs and plays around out in the garden and loves her walks. In order to keep her dysplaysia under control, i take her occaisionally to have hydrotherapy, which works wonders for her and she thoroughly enjoys it.
I never new she had this, both her parents were hip scored before they were mated and both were free, but unfortunately for Cassie, this must have been in the genes somewhere from past generations. Her one brother has it too.
German Shepherds are known for their barks, so if you want a quiet dog, who won't bark at everyone they see, then don't go for a Shepherd. I have to say, they do their job well as a guard dog and you can't tell them to be quiet everytime.
Their coats can be high maintenance, so be prepared for regular grooming, especially around the hock area and underneath. The best grooming method i use, is a rake, comb and slicker brush, sometimes a grooming glove if she has loose hair on her back. You will be surprised how much hair you get out each time!!
Cassie is a Sable colour, but other types are black and tan, black and also white. I think personally, you get more character from either a sable or black and tan, those appealing eyes show up much better when they give you that look!!
My advise, if you have room and plenty of time, get a German Shepherd