Quotes from online NOTHING from me will hit my books next again
Herding dogs chase things that move. Including running feet, bicycles, cars, skateboards, joggers, balls and Frisbees. Many of these dogs nip at the heels of humans the way they nip at the heels of livestock. Running children who emit high-pitched sounds can be favorite targets
Herding dogs are actually a subcategory from the working dog. However, they are separate out as they are specifically trained to herd or have the instinct to herd. Herding dogs are capable to herd a variety of livestocks, for example, cattle, lamb, goats and even poultry. Some of the breeds are more suitable to herd certain livestock better compare to others due to their physical characteristic and herding style. Some of the dog used heel-nipping to move the livestock, some of them used their strong eyes to stare to control the livestock direction of movement, and some even jump on the back of the live stock to herd them. These styles are called heel, head and back respectively. All herding behavior is modified predatory behavior.
Below shows the Dog Breed List for Herding Group (for the AKC):
German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherds: What's Good About 'Em? What's Bad About 'Em?
German Shepherds
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
If you want a dog who...
Is strong, athletic, and natural-looking
Thrives on challenging activities and exercise
Looks stern and imposing, so makes an effective deterrent
Is exceptionally versatile -- when well-trained, can learn and do almost anything
A German Shepherd may be right for you.
If you don't want to deal with...
An extremely careful search to avoid all the bad-tempered and unhealthy German Shepherds
Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
Aggression or shyness toward people in some lines, or when not socialized enough
Aggression toward other animals
Chasing and nipping at things that move: children, joggers, other animals, bikes, cars Constant heavy shedding
Legal liabilities (public perception, future breed bans, insurance problems, increased chance of lawsuits)
A multitude of serious health problems
A German Shepherd may not be right for you.
If I were considering a German Shepherd...
My major concerns would be:
Unstable temperaments. German Shepherd Dogs are a dime a dozen, and most of them are bred and offered for sale by people who don't have the slightest idea of how to breed good-tempered dogs. Obedience instructors and behavioral consultants see LOTS of German Shepherds with neurotic behaviors, including aggression, biting, sharpness, and/or extreme fearfulness.
To teach your German Shepherd to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My German Shepherd Training Page discusses the program you need.
Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. German Shepherds MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by destructive chewing. Bored German Shepherds can make a shambles of your house and yard.
If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or schutzhund (protection), or herding, or tracking, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed.
Providing enough socialization. Most German Shepherds have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone, which could lead to biting. Some German Shepherds go in the opposite direction -- without enough socialization, they become fearful of strangers, which can lead to defensive biting.
Animal aggression. Some German Shepherds are dominant or aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex. Some have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.
Heavy shedding. German Shepherds shed only once a year -- for 365 days. In other words, they shed constantly. You'll find hair and fur all over your clothing, upholstery, carpeting, under your furniture, on your countertops -- even in your food. Frequent vaccuming will become a way of life. Make sure you're REALLY up for this.
Serious health problems. From hip and elbow problems, to bone diseases and cancer, to stomach disorders and skin diseases, German Shepherds are one of the riskiest of all breeds in the health department.
To keep this breed healthy, I strongly recommend following all of the advice on my German Shepherd Health Page.
Legal liabilities. German Shepherds may be targeted for "banning" in certain areas, or refusal of homeowner insurance policies. In this day and age, the legal liabilities of owning any breed that looks intimidating and has a history as a guard dog should be seriously considered. People are quicker to sue if such a dog does anything even remotely questionable.
STAY AWAY from breeders advertising "oversized" or "giant" German Shepherds. This breed was intended to be MEDIUM-sized, athletic, and agile -- its frame and joints were never designed to handle 120+ pounds.
Not all German Shepherds are alike!
There are energetic German Shepherds, and placid ones.
Hard-headed German Shepherds, and sweet-natured German Shepherds.
Serious German Shepherds, and good-natured goofballs.
Introverted German Shepherds, and German Shepherds who love everyone.
If you acquire a German Shepherd puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm."