Is a German Shepherd a good family dog?

German shepherds can be very gentle companions and family protectors with proper training and socialization. It’s an ideal breed for active households. The intelligence and protective demeanor of this breed can make it a good choice for families with children as long as the dog is properly trained.

Why German Shepherds are not good family dogs?

Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, which can be a potentially life-threatening condition, so it’s always important to arm yourself with the proper knowledge you need to keep your pal healthy and happy.

Are German Shepherds good with kids?

Although they have a reputation for being a tough dog, German Shepherds (particularly females) are generally sweet-natured and good with children. Males might be a little less forgiving of rough play and unless raised with children and well trained, they should be supervised.

Are German Shepherds aggressive?

The breed is naturally protective of its owners. If the German Shepherd is not properly socialized, it can become too aggressive with strangers. … The German Shepherd is more likely to bite a stranger than a Labrador Retriever, but it is not nearly as aggressive breed as a Pit bull or Rottweiler.

Can German Shepherds be family dogs?

The breed is naturally protective of its owners. If the German Shepherd is not properly socialized, it can become too aggressive with strangers. … The German Shepherd is more likely to bite a stranger than a Labrador Retriever, but it is not nearly as aggressive breed as a Pit bull or Rottweiler.

What is the best family dog?

List of Top Family Dogs
  • Labrador Retriever. …
  • Poodle. …
  • Irish Setter. …
  • Vizsla. …
  • Newfoundland. …
  • Bull Terrier. …
  • Beagle. …
  • Bulldog. For a devoted, patient pup that’s sure to act affectionately towards kids, the Bulldog is your go-to breed.

Why German Shepherds bite their owners?

One common cause of dogs biting or acting aggressively towards their owners is resource guarding, which means the dog growls or bites if someone comes near or tries to take the dog’s food or toys, or tries to remove the dog from a resting place.

Is a German Shepherd a good first dog?

German Shepherds are good first dogs for first-time owners. They are easy to train, obedient, affectionate, loyal, are good with kids and other pets, making them an excellent choice for both families or lone owners. However, they need a lot of exercise, shed a lot, and can become clingy.

Is owning a German Shepherd hard?

Living with a German Shepherd can be highly rewarding or very frustrating, depending on the place they hold in the family and your own ability to train them. At heart, the German Shepherd is a pack animal and needs a role in your family, his pack (akc.org).

Do German shepherds bark a lot?

German Shepherds have one of the loudest barks and they may bark so loudly that they don’t even hear you. You cannot out yell or scream your German Shepherd while they’re barking at strangers, plus this doesn’t teach them anything except that you also have a strong reaction to the stranger.

Are German shepherds nice to strangers?

German Shepherds can be friendly to strangers as long as they are taught to be. Ideally, they would be socialized as puppies to be around people and animals other than those they live with. That way, they don’t develop any fears or guardedness around new people and pets as they grow older.


Why should I not get a German shepherd?

They are great dogs for owners with a lot of experience and time as, like most dogs, they can get bored easily. Unfortunately, German Shepherds do have a range of health issues due to the way they have been bred, which can end up being costly to owners and cause serious problems for the dog.

Is a male or female German shepherd better with kids?

Generally, female GSDs interact better with children due to their maternal, less dominant nature. And male GSDs tend to be larger, more muscular, and may become too powerful for smaller children. Their large personalities and behavior may push around the kids and they are more aggressive in nature.