GSD INFO

Western NC Blue Ridge Mtns

K9Pines has relocated & the next generation has taken the reigns!

German Shepherd Dog aka GSD

Medium Temperaments are a must

Moonkey hanging out with Adam in the living room. Notice the 2 cats sound asleep on the sofa behind Adam. A well bred GSD when properly introduced as a puppy to kitties will feel their cats are apart of their pack. A strong working drive GSD will have difficulty not wanting to chase, harass, and even hurt the resident cat so please be sure to ask about prey drive on the parents of your prospective GSD puppy.

They love with their whole heart!

The German Shepherds here are all well balanced mentally and physically. The Shepherds raised are generally cat (when raised with them), child, and small dog friendly; they are protective, but not aggressive, there is a big difference. A medium type GSD will feel his family is the most important thing to him/her and they will dedicate themselves to keeping up with you and yours. So be prepared to have a potty guest or one that sits outside the bathroom while you go.

German Shepherds are a breed of canine with a high level of intelligence that can be raised to thrive in many living situations. They can be apartment dwellers, RV traveling companions, farm hands, watch dogs, and even urban housing family dogs. This breed is also noted for their devotion to the family, as well as being easily trained to do almost any task: From SAR, Therapy dogs, to keeping watch over small children. Just with many breeds of dogs, there are two types of shepherds:

Working vs Companion

Working dogs need an occupation, they have a strong drive and want to be doing something all the time. Their eagerness to please is fueled by ambition. This is the type of shepherd is great for police departments, search & rescue, agility, obedience title seekers, or therapy dogs. Many imported dogs are this type, so, know what you are getting! These working line bred dogs do not make perfect pets.
Companion dogs are more laid back, they still have drive to please and work, but on a much more manageable level that makes them more suitable for family life. This is the type of shepherd that most American families are seeking and should get.
This is the dog that once adopted, the family would not give a million dollars in return for them! So be sure to let us know the type of German Shepherd you are looking for.

With Jason being former law enforcement, I know what it takes to have a strong working dog. I have import working lines as well as American show lines. I strive to produce the perfect companion animals, guardians, passive working canines. Without them being a liability. No matter what type of German Shepherd you decide to get just make sure you are able to give adequate time and training. A dog is as well behaved as much as you put the time into it.

How easy are they to train ?

German Shepherds are naturally clean dogs and are very easy to house train. If you already have one dog, they will generally follow the lead of that dog in it’s potty behavior so make sure the established dog is well trained before bringing in the new dog.Please know when you inquire about a puppy I will ask what 'type' of GSD you are looking for. I will ask what other animals you have or are thinking of having, the ages of your children, and what you hope your adult GSD will be for you as an adult. Then once I get to know what it is you are looking for in your fur friend we can then discuss coat type, coat color, body style, size etc.... The most important thing to discuss first is what you are expecting of your new fur friend.

GSD Breed Info

General Appearance

The first impression of a good German Shepherd Dog is that of a strong, agile, well muscled animal, alert and full of life. It is well balanced, with harmonious development of the forequarter and hindquarter. The dog is longer than tall, deep-bodied, and presents an outline of smooth curves rather than angles. It looks substantial and not spindly, giving the impression, both at rest and in motion, of muscular fitness and nimbleness without any look of clumsiness or soft living. The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility--difficult to define, but unmistakable when present. Secondary sex characteristics are strongly marked, and every animal gives a definite impression of masculinity or femininity, according to its sex.

Temperament

The breed has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. It is poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances may demand

Size, Proportion, Substance

The desired height for males at the top of the highest point of the shoulder blade is 24 to 26 inches; and for bitches, 22 to 24 inches.

However some can be larger and some can be smaller (remember these are show requirements).

The German Shepherd Dog is longer than tall, with the most desirable proportion as 10 to 8½. The length is measured from the point of the prosternum or breastbone to the rear edge of the pelvis, the ischial tuberosity. The desirable long proportion is not derived from a long back, but from overall length with relation to height, which is achieved by length of forequarter and length of withers and hindquarter, viewed from the side.