If my landlord should agree...

[axel]

If my landlord agrees I may FINALLY be able to get a GSD, the main problem being: it is purebred, however it's also a shelter dog who needs an owner with GSD experience. I have had Shepherd MIXES in the past, and was wondering if that was good enough? All shepherd mixes I've had were MORE than 1/4 shepherd.

I have had:

Shepherd/collies, shepherd/huskies and a shepherd/cattle dog.

Also, tips on caring for a purebred (if there is a difference) would be appreciated!

[Tundra ?]

First off, I'd like to congratulate you on your landlords coming too (;

The German shepherd is a wonderful, loyal dog to have the honor of owning. However, these dogs, if not raised from a puppy, will not adapt to its transfer from house to house very easily, like most dogs do.
When most shelters say 'breed experience required' that usually means that dog has a special, strong quality that only German shepherds possess. Unless you study Shepherds or have trained and had lots of experience with them, you are making a risky decision taking a purebred into your home. They can possess very strong qualities and unknown features (and since its an adult, again) you will have to put more time into breaking him/her.

I am not going to lead you to either decision, it's yours, and what you think you know and are capable of. However, these dogs are not just 'add a home and you've got yourself a guard dog' type dogs, they NEED to bond with their owner, they attach to one person specially, and they make them their alpha and their main love to protect. And since you've said you've gotten a new hustling job, unless you can bring your GSD to work with, an adult is better than a puppy, true; however you will have no time to learn and listen to your dog while your gone. And this is especially important when you first adopt.

I salute you for taking care of a husky x shepherd.. Those have to be the greatest challenge of all! Haha.
Even though most people make a big deal about purebred dogs, really, unless you get a thousand dollar one like the ones I have, the 'purebred' status is just a fancy title for the breeders to get some money off the dogs they don't even know have an AKC DNA sire and dam. NOW, I'm not saying you shouldn't get this dog- if it's at a shelter, it's probably an owner surrender- maybe because the breeder didn't tell them all the details- or the dog got 'too big' and they didn't do their research. Either way, this dog has been through a lot.

Caring for a 'purebred' :

Dog food: blue wilderness , Iam's pro active health for sport dogs . (Anything with REAL food as the first ingredient...no corn meal!!)
Whatever the dog's personal problem, Glucosamine is something you will probably need to feed him/her regularly. It helps with the hips and elbows and makes them strong. Most 'general' AKC shepherds have the bad and weak hips and elbows. You never know.

And first thing if you adopt, make sure you allow a few weeks of bonding and THEN make sure to join an obedience class. Most people make the mistake of buying a dog, not giving it any time to adjust, take it to an obedience school and expect it to be the perfect dog. While some puppies can do this easily, it's harder for the adults.


However, whatever you decide to do, I'm sure it will be fine. Just keep your eyes open and don't hesitate to PM me or ask me any questions. I train / work with these dogs, I know them like the back of my hand. (: Good luck!

~Tun

[axel]

Many thank you's, Tunny!