Anonymous wrote:Because GSD's are BIG, powerful dogs with high energy and prey drive. Top-notch training along with proper socialization is absolutely essential to ensure a well behaved GSD, and first-time dog owners often just aren't experienced enough with dogs to give that. Poorly trained GSDs can be outright dangerous.

This was our neighbor's GSD. It came within millimeters of killing my small dog one day when we walked past their house and my dog dared to stop and sniff a tree near their house (not on their property) and their dog attacked my dog. Their defense was that they were busy and had let up on the dog's training and exercise regiment. I'm just thankful my dog survived and my kids weren't there to witness it.

I'm sure there are born cat-eaters out there, but I've owned multiple dogs (different breeds) and cats, and I've never had a problem with them getting along if the dog was introduced to an adult cat as a puppy. The cat generally doesn't run from the dog (this is key), and gets its "bluff" in before the dog gets big enough to know any better. Usually one or two "baps" to the nose with very slightly extended claws is enough to make the puppy realize that he doesn't want to mess with the cat.

I know you have an older cat, but we did have kitten and a puppy that were raised together, and they would romp and play and wrestle. They would run out of the room with the dog chasing the cat, and come back in with the cat chasing the dog. Visitors would come in and announce "Your dog is killing your cat!" and we say "Nah, they're just playing."

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you for all of these thoughtful responses, which I will certainly share with my husband. Does anyone have any other suggestions for a good breed to consider? In researching dogs that will be good for our cat, I also came across an American Eskimo. I really do not want to traumatize our sweet cat, but we have held off on getting a dog for three years of begging, and I really think the kids are ready.

I don't have experience with that breed, but I have an old college friend who got a sled dog breed. Those dogs need to run, and can dig under fences or escape in other ways. My friend had two young kids, and while she had the best intentions, they ended up getting rid of the dog (I'm not close friends with her, so I'm not sure what exactly happened, but they no longer have the dog).

An American Eskimo is not a sled dog breed. The American Eskimo is a smaller dog related to the Pomeranian and Spitz.

However, OP, I would caution that American Eskimos can be very, very loud.

+1000 to this. I have an Eskie. He's a lovely dog but very noisy. He's also smart and opinionated, so he can present some challenges if you don't like your dog constantly trying to outsmart you. You also have to love white fur--it will be on everything you own.

Yep, they were originally bred to be "alarm" dogs so their instinct is to bark at anything and their bark is LOUD.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you for all of these thoughtful responses, which I will certainly share with my husband. Does anyone have any other suggestions for a good breed to consider? In researching dogs that will be good for our cat, I also came across an American Eskimo. I really do not want to traumatize our sweet cat, but we have held off on getting a dog for three years of begging, and I really think the kids are ready.

Honestly, any run of the mill lab or golden retriever should be fine with your cat, particularly since it is the puppy coming into the cat's world and not vice versa. We are kitten fosters and my 6-y-o lab likes to sniff them but that's about it.

Our Golden HATES cats because we never thought to socialize her with cats. If you want your puppy to get along with cats it's best to expose them to cats early and often.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you for all of these thoughtful responses, which I will certainly share with my husband. Does anyone have any other suggestions for a good breed to consider? In researching dogs that will be good for our cat, I also came across an American Eskimo. I really do not want to traumatize our sweet cat, but we have held off on getting a dog for three years of begging, and I really think the kids are ready.

I don't have experience with that breed, but I have an old college friend who got a sled dog breed. Those dogs need to run, and can dig under fences or escape in other ways. My friend had two young kids, and while she had the best intentions, they ended up getting rid of the dog (I'm not close friends with her, so I'm not sure what exactly happened, but they no longer have the dog).

An American Eskimo is not a sled dog breed. The American Eskimo is a smaller dog related to the Pomeranian and Spitz.

However, OP, I would caution that American Eskimos can be very, very loud.

+1000 to this. I have an Eskie. He's a lovely dog but very noisy. He's also smart and opinionated, so he can present some challenges if you don't like your dog constantly trying to outsmart you. You also have to love white fur--it will be on everything you own.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve only had one (current dog). We got it from a breed-specific rescue, and they stressed that GSDs are smart working breeds that do best w/o long stretches left alone and have somewhat high exercise needs. Luckily one of us was often home during the day, and on other days we planned to take him to a doggie daycare, so they let us adopt a puppy. We live him but he is a LOT of work for us. We’re also first-time dog owners.

PP. Also, they can be very protective, and also excessively nervous and aggressive if not properly socialised. In hindsight, we should have spent a lot more time on socialisation in a variety of contexts in public and with strangers. Our dog is great with us, but we have to put him away whenever we have visitors.

We were careful to socialize our dog early on and she's as wiggly and greety as our Golden, no joke! I've seen other well socialized GSDs and they are total goofs. That is not to say that they are not protective of their families and wary of strangers (that they have not been introduced to) because they are.

But socialization, time and love are key. No matter what dog you get please familiarize yourself with puppy socialization stages.

Eskis are yappy barkers at EVERYTHING. I run agility and know a surprising amount of them through the sport, and every. single. one. barks their head off at anything that walks past their crate, barks while running the course, and demand barks for attention. Different owners, different breeders, just loud. (Adorable though!)

Labs & Goldens are popular family dogs for a reason, OP!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, if you are willing to put in the time and training with your pup; if you are going to socialize your dog responsibly (good puppy training class) and make an effort to get your dog to behave around other people....which you have to do with ANY dog...then why not get a GSD.

My own GSD is a sweetheart and a snuggler. She's protective of our family and if someone comes into our yard we know it! But she has been an easy dog in my opinion.

Our Golden has been a wonderful dog in so many ways - LOVES everyone, never aggressive towards other dogs. But, she also went through a real chewing phase that lasted for years. She has also been terrible about swiping food off the counter and the dining room table. She's figured out that there is a limit to how much trouble she'll get into so why not go for it, lol.

I'm, honestly, a terrible trainer but I do love my dogs and I am patient and consistent with them. I don't leave them alone for long stretches, I have them on a regular schedule where they know what to expect. That really is, in my opinion, the most important thing.

With three young kids ages 4-9, it would be difficult for OP and her husband to devote enough time to training and exercise, unless she has a very laidback GSD like yours!

Yes- that’s why I mentioned time. It takes love and lots of time

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you for all of these thoughtful responses, which I will certainly share with my husband. Does anyone have any other suggestions for a good breed to consider? In researching dogs that will be good for our cat, I also came across an American Eskimo. I really do not want to traumatize our sweet cat, but we have held off on getting a dog for three years of begging, and I really think the kids are ready.

I don't have experience with that breed, but I have an old college friend who got a sled dog breed. Those dogs need to run, and can dig under fences or escape in other ways. My friend had two young kids, and while she had the best intentions, they ended up getting rid of the dog (I'm not close friends with her, so I'm not sure what exactly happened, but they no longer have the dog).

An American Eskimo is not a sled dog breed. The American Eskimo is a smaller dog related to the Pomeranian and Spitz.

However, OP, I would caution that American Eskimos can be very, very loud.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you for all of these thoughtful responses, which I will certainly share with my husband. Does anyone have any other suggestions for a good breed to consider? In researching dogs that will be good for our cat, I also came across an American Eskimo. I really do not want to traumatize our sweet cat, but we have held off on getting a dog for three years of begging, and I really think the kids are ready.

Honestly, any run of the mill lab or golden retriever should be fine with your cat, particularly since it is the puppy coming into the cat's world and not vice versa. We are kitten fosters and my 6-y-o lab likes to sniff them but that's about it.

Don't assume that any dog regardless of breed will or will not be good with a cat. I had a big chocolate lab that was a cat killer. (also opossum, racoon, rabbit etc) The biggest cat lover I've had was a Jack Russell. You really need to evaluate them as individuals, not as a breed

OP, we breed, train, and of course, own GSDs. We have three right now. They aren’t necessarily bad dogs for first time dog owners. However, they do have a high surrender rate because too many people get them not knowing anything about the breed. They are very intelligent and very strong. They require consistent training and a confident owner. They are happiest when they have a job to do, but they don’t necessarily need a ton of exercise. You want a breeder who breeds for health and temperament above everything else. Look for large, straight-back, family pets. Ask to meet the parents. Parents should be OFA, DM, and MRD1 clear. Find a breeder who treats their dogs like family pets. Puppies should be socialized with the family. You want to get a really good, loving vibe from the breeders. Be wary of anyone who will sell you a pup without meeting you first. My contract has a clause requiring owners to bring the dog back to me if they cannot keep him for any reason. I feel strongly that my puppies are my responsibility for their entire lives.


Do a ton of research. Be sure you have funds for training and vet care. German Shepherds are great family pets when properly trained and socialized. They are dangerous without training.

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, if you are willing to put in the time and training with your pup; if you are going to socialize your dog responsibly (good puppy training class) and make an effort to get your dog to behave around other people....which you have to do with ANY dog...then why not get a GSD.

My own GSD is a sweetheart and a snuggler. She's protective of our family and if someone comes into our yard we know it! But she has been an easy dog in my opinion.

Our Golden has been a wonderful dog in so many ways - LOVES everyone, never aggressive towards other dogs. But, she also went through a real chewing phase that lasted for years. She has also been terrible about swiping food off the counter and the dining room table. She's figured out that there is a limit to how much trouble she'll get into so why not go for it, lol.

I'm, honestly, a terrible trainer but I do love my dogs and I am patient and consistent with them. I don't leave them alone for long stretches, I have them on a regular schedule where they know what to expect. That really is, in my opinion, the most important thing.

With three young kids ages 4-9, it would be difficult for OP and her husband to devote enough time to training and exercise, unless she has a very laidback GSD like yours!

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, if you are willing to put in the time and training with your pup; if you are going to socialize your dog responsibly (good puppy training class) and make an effort to get your dog to behave around other people....which you have to do with ANY dog...then why not get a GSD.

My own GSD is a sweetheart and a snuggler. She's protective of our family and if someone comes into our yard we know it! But she has been an easy dog in my opinion.

Our Golden has been a wonderful dog in so many ways - LOVES everyone, never aggressive towards other dogs. But, she also went through a real chewing phase that lasted for years. She has also been terrible about swiping food off the counter and the dining room table. She's figured out that there is a limit to how much trouble she'll get into so why not go for it, lol.

I'm, honestly, a terrible trainer but I do love my dogs and I am patient and consistent with them. I don't leave them alone for long stretches, I have them on a regular schedule where they know what to expect. That really is, in my opinion, the most important thing.

+1

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you for all of these thoughtful responses, which I will certainly share with my husband. Does anyone have any other suggestions for a good breed to consider? In researching dogs that will be good for our cat, I also came across an American Eskimo. I really do not want to traumatize our sweet cat, but we have held off on getting a dog for three years of begging, and I really think the kids are ready.

I don't have experience with that breed, but I have an old college friend who got a sled dog breed. Those dogs need to run, and can dig under fences or escape in other ways. My friend had two young kids, and while she had the best intentions, they ended up getting rid of the dog (I'm not close friends with her, so I'm not sure what exactly happened, but they no longer have the dog).

Honestly, if you are willing to put in the time and training with your pup; if you are going to socialize your dog responsibly (good puppy training class) and make an effort to get your dog to behave around other people....which you have to do with ANY dog...then why not get a GSD.

My own GSD is a sweetheart and a snuggler. She's protective of our family and if someone comes into our yard we know it! But she has been an easy dog in my opinion.

Our Golden has been a wonderful dog in so many ways - LOVES everyone, never aggressive towards other dogs. But, she also went through a real chewing phase that lasted for years. She has also been terrible about swiping food off the counter and the dining room table. She's figured out that there is a limit to how much trouble she'll get into so why not go for it, lol.

I'm, honestly, a terrible trainer but I do love my dogs and I am patient and consistent with them. I don't leave them alone for long stretches, I have them on a regular schedule where they know what to expect. That really is, in my opinion, the most important thing.