Ah yes. I remember getting a GSD puppy when I was 9 years old. I fondly remember watching my older sister clean up poop in the dining room. I fondly remember watching my mom feed the puppy. I don't have such fond memories about having to shovel poop out of the garage every morning.

I think your kids can learn a lot from raising a puppy, but typically children under 12 aren't mature enough to be responsible for the pup. But you know your kids, and I'm sure you are aware of that

 Quote: susan tuck

On the other hand, your children would learn that YOU did something special by providing a much needed home to a dog that was past the "cute" stage.

I know you all mean well. I have gotten animals in the past from the pound. Unfortunately, the health of these animals leave a lot to be desired and I realize it's due to the lack of funding. I don't even want to discuss how many times our shelters have been shut down due to parvovirus.

When we decided to acquire a cat, that was the first place we went to. Ever since then, my eldest daughter volunteers there regularly and it has been 3 years.

Judy, yes, I was being sarcastic. Just giving you a hard time for fun.

Denise, if it parts at the shoulders, I'd say it teeters on being a longcoat, although it doesn't look this way from the pic. If that's what you're used to, then you had showlines growing up. Welcome to the dark side!

I will say it proudly. I love showline dogs. That's what I grew up with. Also, that's what the general public associates the name of the breed with. Until recently, I didn't know there was a very big difference between them. Should I go hide now?

Jenni - none of the dogs I have owned had a part in their back. But my reference was just to the coat standing up more rather than being flat.

Denise,

Hi. I read your post and have to give my two cents.

I believe one of the things that will guide you is instinct. When all the research, recommendations and pedigrees have been reviewed, your instinct will say yea or nea.

Last year I saw an ad in the paper and went to visit the breeder. I was really going there to show another family member some pups. Even though I spoke with the breeder on the telephone and she seemed ok, I went there expecting horrible conditions. I was pleasantly surprised. Her operation is clean and she really cares deeply about her dogs. (Unbeknownst to me, I had seen one of her dam's progeny the week before. We were duly impressed with him.)

Anyway, her dogs are registered and have great temperaments. For me a great temperament is a stable dog. Even though her dam had never seen us before, she accepted us and played fetch with us for awhile. She was absolutely wonderful with my children and showed no fear or aggression. She was, what I feel a GSD should be. (My husband, who is not a 'dog person," is STILL talking about this dog.)

This breeder has a good reputation in my state. (I didn't know her reputation before I went out there.)

I have narrowed my choices down to her and a breeder in MI. It is down to whoever has the puppy when I am ready.

When it is time to choose the puppy, I am going to listen to the breeders recommendations. I am also going to take a knowledgeable member of my schutzhund club with me. I feel this will ensure I don't succumb to puppy fever and will help me to get the right dog for me.

One more thing, have you checked any rescues? Some of them have pedigreed, working line dogs that were victims of moves or "not enough time' issues.

Good luck to you.

I just adopted my first rescue from DDR lines, and he is still considered a pup, and I had intended to do an older dog, but this one needed a place quick... but GO RESCUE if possible with these dogs, they will love you forever and deep if you treat them as they should be treated. This is my first GSD and wont be my last, they are far supeior to the small dogs I have always had.....