Cross Breeds

should i get a german shepherd?

i am thirteen and getting a dog. i am looking at this german shepherd at an animal shelter that has been through guide dog training. but im not sure if a gsd is right for me. i want a loyal dog tht will want to play with me and be friendly to other people also. i need a dog that can tolerate snow and cold and heat in the summer because it has to be an outside dog. i have a large yard with a buit in dog kennel but the dog will live in the yard not the kennel.(the kennel is just for protection and food). i will have to go to school and would leave a lot of toys in the yard for it. then when i get home i will take it on a walk train it and play with it. if a german shepherd isn't right for my lifestyle could someone please give me the name of another breed? i also like siberian huskies, alaskan malamutes, aussies, border collies, and labs. im not getting a puppy, im getting an adult dog. ps. i dont want to sound rude but could yuo please not say anything about how nt to keep a dog outside because i just cant have one inside.

Public Comments

1. OK, well honestly, you shouldn't have a dog, if he can't be inside. Especially a GSD--they do not do well at all, living their lives in a back yard. They need to be with people, their breed was created to work in conjunction with people herding sheep, following their direction. This means they need a lot of human interaction, mental stimulation, and physical exercise. Even as an adult dog, all of those breeds need to be with their human family, or you will wind up with a host of behavior problems, and the dog will undoubtedly wind up back at a shelter.
2. um maybe a lab.. both are good labs seem to be more loyal and less aggressive
3. when i was younger i had a solid white german shepherd who stayed outside all the time they are great dogs and can tolerate anything. all thought we would put him in out garage or basement on cold or stormy nights.GSDs are great.you should get one. but you must put him inside sometimes
4. I own GSD's at home and have also been a trainer/handler in the military. I think they are a great breed of dog. I personally think dogs are healthier outside. central heating etc is not good for dogs at all. I have a kennel built for mine and they love it outside. The only worry Iwould have is your age, are you experienced with dogs? is the dog going to be alone all day when u are at school? GSD's arean adaptable dog but they do love contact.
5. well yes german shepards are wonderful dogs but they need to be inside and outside! there working dogs ,they like to be active and work for people. Collies are smart and pretty.a collie would probaly be the best dog for you. because there great with wether changing and could love someone easily.!!!
6. A mix might be a good idea. German Sheperds make great dogs but are ofen hyper. a mix with a dog with thicker hair is a good idea. in the summer you could cut the hair to help with the heat and in the winter the dog would be fine. but a german does not do very good outside all the time. I have a german sheperd and austrailian sheperd mix, she is a GREAT dog.
7. a german shepherd would be fine outside, police dogs are kept in kennels outside. i have a german shepherd and he prefers to be outside. i do think a german shepherd would be right for you, i have one i do exactly what you do and he is fine and is a happy dog. they are great dogs, quick learners, obedient, loyal. they love walks its theyre favourite things, its great your gonna get an ex guide dog that way it would very well behaved. german shepherds would be fine in the snow they have thick coats for it, he would benefit from a big snuggly bed though lol:) the dog will play with you lol, thats all they want to do is have human company play and go for walks.. i think this dog would be perfect for your lifestyle:) good luck:)