German Shepherd Pros and Cons List
When it comes to bringing home a dog, there are several factors that must be taken into consideration. Different breeds behave in different ways and pet owners who do not do the proper research can end up being unpleasantly surprised. German shepherds are larger and more powerful than the average dog and their presence in your home is not something that should be taken lightly.
Any time you adopt a dog, the decision should be taken with the utmost seriousness. While German shepherds are loyal and intelligent, they are also the farthest thing from a low maintenance. Before you add a German shepherd to your household, it’s important to take a closer look at the pros and cons of such a decision.
List of Pros of German Shepherds
1. German Shepherds Are Playful And Intelligent
If you are looking for a fun dog that will provide you with endless entertainment, the German shepherd is a great choice. They are incredibly playful, very intelligent and even have a bit of a mischievous streak. German shepherds are extremely energetic and there is no mistaking their presence in your home. They allow their owners to make a bold statement about who they are as a person.
They are very fun to play with and the majority of owners tend to greatly enjoy their interactions. For the person who has no problem getting exercise on a daily basis and taking the dog along for the fun, the German shepherd is a perfect breed. Owners must make the commitment to getting them exercise each day, or else a German shepherd will become restless. As anyone knows, a restless German shepherd equals trouble.
2. They Are Extremely Beautiful Creatures
There are very few dogs out there who are as aesthetically pleasing to look at as the German shepherd. German shepherd owners are hardly able to get from one point to the next without being stopped by inquisitive persons who want to compliment them on the appearance of their pet. A German shepherd owner who takes the time to properly train their dog will have an endless source of pride.
Not only are they beautiful on the outside, they are beautiful on the inside. German shepherds are widely considered to be one of the most charming dog breeds available. This is the reason why so many owners are won over by them and cannot wait to bring them home. They have a way of drawing people in that other dogs are simply unable to match.
3. Easily Kept Away From Poor Behavior
While German shepherds get a bad rap in certain circles due to their size and their ability to get into mischief, a well trained German shepherd is one of the easiest dogs to have in your home. An owner who is willing to put in the time and effort to train their dog correctly will be rewarded with a fun, playful companion who can steered away from causing trouble rather easily.
Since they are so intelligent, they are easy to train and have a greater ability to remember simple commands. While less disciplined owners may struggle with their German shepherds, the owner who puts in the work reaps all of the benefits. The key to unlocking the best behavior in your German shepherd is to train them and provide with the toys and exercise that they need to be happy.
List of Cons of German Shepherds
1. Struggle With Being Left Alone
For owners who are away from home from long periods of time, the German shepherd may not be the best choice. Most dogs do not like being left by themselves for long periods of time, but the German shepherd struggles more than most. German shepherds are often used to help law enforcement and they work on search and rescue teams. These traits lead them to get restless.
If a German shepherd has no one to play with or help, they can start to terrorize your home. Unless you are willing to pay close attention to your German shepherds and make time to play them or take them for a walk, this is not the breed for you.
2. Difficult Early Period
Even if you are willing to put in the time to train your dog and give them the attention they need, the German shepherd will still have its growing pains. They will eat items that they are not supposed to eat, dig where they are not supposed to dig and try to push as many boundaries as possible.
If your home contains a lot of fragile items or things that you do not want to be destroyed, think long and hard about purchasing a German shepherd. Otherwise, you could be in for a rude awakening when your young pup tears up your curtains or uses your flower beds as a place to dig and bury.
3. Strong Willed And Strong Physically
The meeker, more timid person may opt for a different breed, as the German shepherd proves to be too much for them to handle. Not only are they extremely powerful from a physical standpoint, but they are also very strong willed creatures.
A German shepherd is not going to control their own behavior. The responsibility of keeping the dog under control falls strictly upon the owner, which can be too much for some people to deal with. The dog must be taught by the owner not to bark incessantly or leap on unsuspecting guests. This is not always preferable, as some people prefer a more low maintenance dog.