Im looking at buying an 11 week old German Shepard black and tan puppy. Has excellent blood lines, dad was a working dog(Police) and mom was a pet from a long line of working dogs though. AKC certified. Though im wondering if there is anything I should look for or shy away from.

Looking at buying a female if that makes a difference
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GS's are good dogs. I have never owned one but my father in law did. He said that it was the best dog he ever owned.
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Talk to Buzzman, he runs a kennel and has a few GS as his own pets.
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:-)

I never owned one but my friend has one named Ronin...that boy is awesome!! He's a great family pet too.
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I have one at home...had him for years now. Biggest thing is traing that breed. He/she thinks you're playing when they're young but it takes ALOT of patience with GS's.

My dog loves to play but he knows when it means business.

Some guys one day approached my father-in-law pretty awkwardly...mind you he's a quadrapalegic. Gunther, my dog, was sitting next to him and when those guys came up they backed off once they heard him growl.

They are very protective if you show them from the beginning who is the alpha but at the same time show them love.

Hope this helps somewhat.
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Great dogs, I have had 3....My current Shepherd, Ganz, will be 9 in May.

I looked for a breeder who had bred the dogs several generations back, with no "in-breeding". Also made sure that there was no hip dysplacia or cancer in the bloodlines.

As bvilchez stated, training is crucial. Shepherds are strong, smart dogs, but they need to know who is boss. I recommend a local German Shepherd club for training, as they take more time than a PetSmart type class offers.

They are wonderful, loving, loyal dogs, if you train and care for them properly, they are a great adddition to a family.
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Can't add much, but they are great dogs. Tom is right on training. They are fairly easy to train and extremely loyal.
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I had one that was 135lbs, almost stood 6' on his hind legs and lived to about 9 1/2. We took him to obedience training and he was the best dog we ever had. Intimidating to look at, but a big mush at heart. They are very protective. Whenever I hugged my mother, Pal's jaw would be clamped around my arm. Not hard, but just enough to let me know....be careful, that's the lady who feeds me!

Pure-breeds are notorious for having hip problems as the get older. My parents moved from the 2nd floor to the first just for the dog. (No more stairs)

Pal's hips weren't too bad, there is some arthritis type pills you can get for them. Cancer on the other hand.... :-)
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No cancer in the lines going back 6 generations, and no hip displasia either.
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Let's see pictures if you get the GS.
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Good deal, Brad. :-)
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:-)

Make sure there is no "in-breeding".

I have known people that have had great luck with them, but I also know two who had problems.

My former neighbor had one that touched their electric fence (they think) in the back yard, let out a yelp, ran to the front yard and attacked his wife.

My friend had a very large male that at times would go nuts and you couldn't turn your back on him. If you showed any fear, you were his. He came at me one day and thank God I yelled at him and went towards him instead of away from him. He backed down and never challenged me again.

He did bite a few people and my friend had to shoot him.

Both people paid a lot of money for their dogs and they were fine looking dogs. All we can think is there must have been some in-breeding to make them unbalanced.
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Inbreeding was the first thing i asked about, apperently thay take really good care to make sure this never happens. So that makes me happy. Well see still waiting on The girlfriend. Gonna take her to see the pup. She lives with me now so shes gotta be ok with it. Damn thing is so cute, if that fails, im reevaluating our status! :-)

Is it bad luck to name the dog before i actually buy it?

Was driving to work thismorning and seemed like Kojack would be a good name...
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Kasha Loved her. Looks like ill be getting the dog, Just need to pass the home inspection from the place, not worried about it.
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thats her!
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That's a pretty pup. She's gonna be a good looking dog when she gets older. Great pick up. I love shepards. Looking to get one someday, but not till my current herd thins out a bit.
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The only thing that I could add to this is asking the question on what you plan on doing with her (family pet, protection, or competitions). Also would like to add is get one for a reputably breeder and not one from a backyard breeder. If you is close to a dog club you could often find someone there to asks question about temperaments and training.
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Great looking puppy, Brad! :-)
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German Shepards are great dogs. Very smart. Plan to spend a LOT of time with him or her. Talk to them. They understand a great deal. My friends dog will get it's leash if you ask to to. Will bring you a ball or toy depending on what you ask it. Knows all of your friends by name, if they have spent any time around the dog, and can help a 12 yr. old with their math home work.

That pup looks great. You are in for a treat!
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