I disagree cubefarmer. I’ve had purebred Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs for 15 yrs now. They pull carts, go backpacking wearing their own packs, herd sheep, are therapy dogs, do agility, obedience, rally, and yes attend conformation dog shows. They do what they are bred to do.
Dogs are like children, except they never become self-sufficient and move out. They just die after long wrenching medical problems that cost a fortune.
One of my favorite shows is “Too Cute” on Animal Planet. They just did a where-are-they-now show featuring Sawyer, the German Shepherd puppy who was a little harder to train than his more obedient siblings. He’s now grown up to work alongside his mother, who’s a teaching dog at a school for dogs with behavioral issues. Alot of breeds of dogs need something to focus on to discourage wild behavior.
German Shepherds can do anything you have a few hours to teach them to do. I have a dog door and have never had a new GSD take more than 2 days to notice that the other dogs used the door to go outside to go potty. That’s how you housebreak a GSD. I also have a water fountain that they have to touch to make it leak water for them. New dogs learn to use that as soon as the see another dog use it. Their food is in the garage, and they learn to open the garage door when they get hungry. These have all been dogs adopted from shelters, and they are brilliant. Now if I could just figure out how to get them to quit shedding hair all over creation, they’d be perfect.
Pure breeds – sadly yes, in the U.S. most are overbreed. If you must have one, go to the trouble and expense of importing from Europe where there are some effective breeding rules. Here – mutts are great. In defense of Valerie Valle – working dogs are just that… they are happiest when they are doing what they were born for. They are not meant to be family pets. That goes for standard poodles, labs, golden retrievers, all manner of shepards (if the breed hasn’t been ruined), etc.
Wow! What a snap judgement when you don’t know me or my dog. Jazz is my companion and beloved pet. He’s a happy bouncy boy who definitely is not “overtrained”. Swissys are a versatile breed who love to do things with their humans and Jazz is no exception. If I pull out his leash or backpack or just a toy, he’s eager and ready for whatever the day has to bring. And yes, when I have to help a dog over the Rainbow Bridge(usually due to old age), I am an hysterical mess, not because I have no empathy, but because my beloved companions of many years and activities are no longer a part of my life. It’s you who should be kept away from dogs as you don’t seem to understand the bonds between canines and their humans that develop.
A friend’s (male) Standard Poodle (all black) and the neighbor’s (female) Saint Bernard (standard coloration), well, let’s say they became VERY GOOD FRIENDS……. The puppies were both the cutest and weirdest balls of hair and fur you ever saw. Some had Mom’s configuration with Dad’s hair and color patches (like it had been brushed with a hand grenade), while others had Mom’s face and jowls and Dad’s body. Fugly, but still lots of fun.
I volunteer for an animal shelter, and all but one of our dogs have been strays/adopted/found. We work with many breeds/mixes, and the “standard” mythology about certain breeds is just that. I have a shepherd on my mail route who will take a treat, but not let me put mail in the box attached to the fence. I also have a Doberman who runs to greet me, a pit bull who loves treats and head scratches, and a mini-poodle who hates my guts! It’s not just the breed but the breeder/owner who determines many of the dog’s problems.
Dtroutma over 10 years ago
About what ours cost (the dog money) a year for medicines. Sadly too many German shepherds, good dogs that they are, are too inbred.
JP Steve Premium Member over 10 years ago
Check out his paws. He’s gonna be a big one!
poppy1313 over 10 years ago
Shoe needs a St. Bernard rescue dog with brandy in his keg
dunner99rok over 10 years ago
It’s that exchange rate that kills ya.
dunner99rok over 10 years ago
It’s that exchange rate that kills ya.
Meester Tweester over 10 years ago
Why do they wear kegs?
vsqrd over 10 years ago
I disagree cubefarmer. I’ve had purebred Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs for 15 yrs now. They pull carts, go backpacking wearing their own packs, herd sheep, are therapy dogs, do agility, obedience, rally, and yes attend conformation dog shows. They do what they are bred to do.
GalleyOar over 10 years ago
I didn’t know that German Shepherds were bird dogs.
sbchamp over 10 years ago
Dog rant?
KEA over 10 years ago
Dogs are like children, except they never become self-sufficient and move out. They just die after long wrenching medical problems that cost a fortune.
patsy62 over 10 years ago
And worth every penny it costs to care for that incredible animal
Asharah over 10 years ago
One of my favorite shows is “Too Cute” on Animal Planet. They just did a where-are-they-now show featuring Sawyer, the German Shepherd puppy who was a little harder to train than his more obedient siblings. He’s now grown up to work alongside his mother, who’s a teaching dog at a school for dogs with behavioral issues. Alot of breeds of dogs need something to focus on to discourage wild behavior.
danlarios over 10 years ago
life stinks
Diane Lee Premium Member over 10 years ago
German Shepherds can do anything you have a few hours to teach them to do. I have a dog door and have never had a new GSD take more than 2 days to notice that the other dogs used the door to go outside to go potty. That’s how you housebreak a GSD. I also have a water fountain that they have to touch to make it leak water for them. New dogs learn to use that as soon as the see another dog use it. Their food is in the garage, and they learn to open the garage door when they get hungry. These have all been dogs adopted from shelters, and they are brilliant. Now if I could just figure out how to get them to quit shedding hair all over creation, they’d be perfect.
georgiiii over 10 years ago
Pure breeds – sadly yes, in the U.S. most are overbreed. If you must have one, go to the trouble and expense of importing from Europe where there are some effective breeding rules. Here – mutts are great. In defense of Valerie Valle – working dogs are just that… they are happiest when they are doing what they were born for. They are not meant to be family pets. That goes for standard poodles, labs, golden retrievers, all manner of shepards (if the breed hasn’t been ruined), etc.
vsqrd over 10 years ago
Wow! What a snap judgement when you don’t know me or my dog. Jazz is my companion and beloved pet. He’s a happy bouncy boy who definitely is not “overtrained”. Swissys are a versatile breed who love to do things with their humans and Jazz is no exception. If I pull out his leash or backpack or just a toy, he’s eager and ready for whatever the day has to bring. And yes, when I have to help a dog over the Rainbow Bridge(usually due to old age), I am an hysterical mess, not because I have no empathy, but because my beloved companions of many years and activities are no longer a part of my life. It’s you who should be kept away from dogs as you don’t seem to understand the bonds between canines and their humans that develop.
boldyuma over 10 years ago
<—————-Even with vet bills,groomers,and treats for our 70 pound Cleopatra…It’s worth every dam penny as long as she is with us!
emjaycee over 10 years ago
A friend’s (male) Standard Poodle (all black) and the neighbor’s (female) Saint Bernard (standard coloration), well, let’s say they became VERY GOOD FRIENDS……. The puppies were both the cutest and weirdest balls of hair and fur you ever saw. Some had Mom’s configuration with Dad’s hair and color patches (like it had been brushed with a hand grenade), while others had Mom’s face and jowls and Dad’s body. Fugly, but still lots of fun.
edward thomas Premium Member over 10 years ago
I volunteer for an animal shelter, and all but one of our dogs have been strays/adopted/found. We work with many breeds/mixes, and the “standard” mythology about certain breeds is just that. I have a shepherd on my mail route who will take a treat, but not let me put mail in the box attached to the fence. I also have a Doberman who runs to greet me, a pit bull who loves treats and head scratches, and a mini-poodle who hates my guts! It’s not just the breed but the breeder/owner who determines many of the dog’s problems.