Oh lord
. First of all a TRUE GSD cannot even be compared to a Golden. I dont know what you mean by good? But a good GSD to me would be a high-drive, solid nerves (a little sharp is ok) hard, dominant, and civil, preferable from Czech bloodlines (I am partial to them as they tend to be very high drive) and that combination would definately not be good for a first time owner. If any of my dogs were to be owned by a first time dog owner they would have been PTS a long time ago. The most out of control dog breed I have seen to date are GSD's because owners dont know how to handle and control them. Everywhere I go, I see GSD's dragging their owners down the street trying (emphasis on trying) to kill my dog(s), in pet stores they are barking and pulling and acting agressively for no apparent reason. Then you have the owners trying to correct the dogs. You have the ones who ASK their dogs to behave (like it understands you) and then you have the ones who are choking the life out of the dog, and one day that will result in a very devastating bite. People take on more than what they can handle and have false perceptions of dog breeds. People see GSD's as social, calm, easy-going dogs and they arent (at least the real ones). People who have alot of money decide to import dogs and dont really know what they are getting in to. Yes sometimes you get lucky, but most times you dont.
If you want a GSD, PLEASE research the lines and decide from there on what you can handle. My Czech male is an absolute NUT, cant keep still, and can easily KILL someone if given the opportunity too. He is a friendly dog but he's the one I have to watch the most because in an instance he can change. One wrong move by anyone and he's on it. He's definately a civil dog and I have to keep that in check. Sasha my Czech female even more loony than Keelo. She has incredible ball drive and is very sly and quick when doing things, and that could easily lead to a bite if an inexperienced owner were not watching her and reading her. Sage (west german working/showlines) is dog reactive. She is on guard when dogs are around but doesnt act out unless one crosses her she's ready to fight and her agression level is very high. Mace (West german working lines)is VERY civil and doesnt like people, he is a sharp dog. I had alot of work socializing him but even know I have to watch his every move, and read his body language in any given scenario. Lark (west german working line) is going to be just like Mace, he's a great dog but he also has natural agression. He tolerates people, and due to his background he has trust issues.
Not one of my dogs will I reccommend for a first time owner. GSD are a breed with natural agression that can turn fatal for someone who does not know how to handle them properly. They are a breed that needs to be respected, they are not the cuddly-couch potatoes people make them out to be. And by sayign that they are great first time dogs is making the breeds population skyrocket and ruining the reputation of the breed. Please do your research.