Equinox, most of the people I work with at a pet hotel DESPISE German Shepherds. Because... 99% of the dogs we get are nervy, neurotic, and depressingly shy and flighty. Plus, most of them are very unsocialized and bark/diarrhea everywhere non-stop. It's sad! Some of my co-workers even refuse to handle the dogs. I'm the only person who can walk/work with several GSDs that we get, because I know how smart and sensitive they are and how cowardly poorly bred GSDs are. We do get one well bred working GSD who is one of my favorite dogs ever, and doesn't even seem like the same breed as all of the hock-walkers that we see.
I consider myself one of those lucky people who have never had a bad experience with a German Shepherd, or met one with a flighty or overaggressive or fearful temperament. It's very lucky because I know there are too many out there, and had I met them, I may very well have been completely turned away from the breed.
Nervy, reactive, neurotic, fearful dogs with a sensitive stomach and poor hips... so many things are wrong and disturbing about what I've always known as an aloof, stable, even tempered breed with impressive working ability. You're completely right, it's often hard to believe that dogs among the same breed can be so different. But that's what backyard breeders and irresponsibility does to each of our breeds. Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Dalmatians, Cocker Spaniels, Chihuahuas, etc.
I have had people approach me with my dog, and with no knowledge of the different lines and types of German Shepherd that exist, ask me, "Is he a German Shepherd? What kind of German Shepherd?" because he is different from what people are used to seeing.
Just wanted to throw out there. I used to be afraid of Labs because I was attacked by purebred Labs on two different occasions. I honestly thought all Labs were wack jobs after that. I blamed bybs not the breed its self I was just afraid.
And then skin and bones sick little Sawyer came into my life. And no matter what my past experience was I wasent going to turn my back on him. I remember my dad who had a negative outlook on the breed (because of my attacks) said he would grow up and "bite me in the neck like that other Lab did". I remember I was automatically offended and defensive. And thats when I realized my feelings about the breed were taking a major turn.
It is ironic because in the situations I was attacked by a black Lab, and a yellow Lab (two seperate occasions).
And now here I am with a yellow Lab and a black Lab mix.
Oh, I most definitely don't believe Labs to be "wack jobs". I think they are lovely dogs (especially the field bred Labs) with a temperament well suited to family life. I do think my neighbor's Labs are rather wacko, admittedly, but have never been afraid of Labs. It was the situation and the dogs in the situation that tick me off, but I don't apply that to the general breed. If I see one down the street or walking up to me, I wouldn't have a reaction. No "holy crow, it's a Lab! Uh-oh!", but no "Oh man, a Lab!! I'll have to go talk to the owner about his breeder, what a good looking, well conditioned dog", like I would with some German Shepherd owners.
I remember the bad experiences I've had, and know they affected me negatively, but I definitely don't judge a dog by its breed, nor do I fear the breed in general. I simply have had negative associations with individuals of the breed and know I wouldn't care to own one. But would I foster a Lab for a rescue? I'd love to! Would I skip all the dogs marked "Labrador Retriever" or "Lab mix" at the shelter when I want to adopt a dog? Not at all. I just wouldn't ever say "I'm looking for a Lab mix" or "Recommend me Lab breeders, I would like to own one".
