Hi

I have a rescue GSD, Jesse, she is 9 this year and I've had her since she was 5 months old and she is the most laid back well behaved dog I have ever known

I reinforce wha Helena and SB say, the right training and socialisation are key to this breed (as any breed), if you get that right, you have a very loyal well behaved companion.

GSDs were my first love and I've had two lovely boys in the past (my last one died just last year). For me though I feel that far too many are hyper and a lot have too many inherited defects.

Most people have focused on watching out for HD which of course you must, but other things to consider are the lines you go for. Be very careful with the 'type' you choose. For example many 'working' lines can be too much for the average Joe to cope with as their drive is so strong. You will find by going around the show-ring there are different 'types' of GSD (ie. English type/Germanic type). Some say they look like two entirely different dogs, you can also get mixed lines English/German. These all have their advantages and disadvantages with regards to construction, temperament etc.

My advice is to go to a few shows, talk to owners and breeders and find the type that suits you. If you are wanting just a pet try and get one from a breeder who has calm, steady tempered dogs who are more laid back - however if you want to do lots of training, agility, working trials etc, then the working lines are for you.

I'm just trying to steer you in the right direction here, although many look alike there can be quite marked differences in the type of dog you may bring home.

Although I don't own them anymore I can understand anyone singing GSDs praises, they truly are a wonderful dog and I was heartbroken to lose my Jasper to CDRM last year - another unfortunate thing they suffer from.

Ozzysmom, When you say about the "working" lines may be too much for the average joe to contend with I think I may have to disagree with you here, as Cassie was from a working line and in fact her father was an "operational explosive search dog" and although she really is the smartest g.s.d. I have ever had, she was not at all too much for me to handle when she was a pup? I still say, it depends on the way you bring the dog up, as with any dog, and people who don't put in the time and the attention to their pups end up with those awful hyper, attention seeking loonatics like some of my friends have had. I always remember meeting a police dog handler whilst out on our walk one day, and I had a long chat with him and he said to me that basically the dog has to be "in love" with you, and that way he will want to do everything to please you and not put a foot out of line, and I think he was very right when he made that statement don't you?

Of course my dogs have their "hyper" moments when we are getting ready to go out, and that loud "singing" that this breed is known for, but they soon settle down once we are out.

I also had an army dog handler call round to our house one day with his dog, and I was amazed how he had the dog sitting at my front gate, not moving a muscle, whilst he spoke to me at the door, never taking his eyes of his owner, waiting for his next command! These dogs are the business if they are properly trained I think. Cassie is the same when we are out, she never takes her eyes off me! Wonderful dogs and great companions, I would have no other.

Well, there's nothing to add to all that! I've always loved GSD's and now I've finally got one, and he's lovely.Like all GSD's, he's very people orientated. He can be very bouncy but he's only a pup still. He's a very willing pupil and asks to do his training sometimes He's very vocal too, but not barking, just talking which is very sweet!

But definately get yours from a good breeder and check for all the health checks etc. And as has been said before they do need a firm but kind hand!

It sounds like your OH knows all this anyway so good luck and look forward to seeing some piccies of your puppy!