The German Shepherd Dog is one of the most versatile breeds in the world -used in tracking, at herding livestock, in drug detection work, on search and rescue missions, as seeing eye dogs, and in protection work – to name a few. They are used by the military & police, owned by dog sport competitors, and loved by families of all types. The breed is stable and unwavering loyal to the members of their family. They are also remarkably sensitive to their owners’ emotions, knowing almost intuitively when someone is feeling sad or depressed.
Although Shepherds are extremely adaptable to their environment, they still need to be owned only by those that understand their needs and limits. When well-bred, they are courageous and self-confident while still retaining an aloof nature to those who they do not know. Although they are very protective of their owners, they should never be outright aggressive unless their person is under threat.
Unfortunately, not all German Shepherds come from good breeders. This is common when breeds become popular and are bred by people who would be better off collecting stuffed animals rather than producing puppies. Ill-bred Shepherds, as well as under-socialized ones, often have many behavioral and health problems. It is extremely important, when looking for a puppy, to only contact responsible breeders who health-test and temperament-test the parents. Avoid pet shops at every possible cost!
Highly trainable, Shepherds are almost always willing to learn new things. They also have great problem-solving abilities which makes them ideal for even specialized training. The higher the drive (prey drive, play drive, etc.), the more sought after they are by trainers. Very high drive dogs usually work best in working homes, while medium or low drive dogs are easier to live with for families. Although they are incredibly intelligent dogs, they can be dominant and need firm leadership. This applies not only to training, but to everyday living. The breed should not be owned by those who are unable to create and enforce rules and structure. 
Athletic and active, they demand owners that are able to provide a working lifestyle for the dog. Whether this be through vigorous daily exercise combined with frequent training, or through a job in which they are assigned (such as herding or guarding), a Shepherd needs to have physical and mental stimulation. As the breed can be very active indoors, owners will quickly find that regular exercise will help their dog be better behaved in the house. For obvious reasons, they are not generally recommended for apartment living.
Shepherds are fairly hardy dogs and do fine outside in most weather, but they should always be kept in securely fenced yards when outside. Wood fences are recommended above chain link, as the breed can be territorial and are prone to racing the fence and barking at passerby’s. This will prevent stress to both the dog as well as the passerby’s. It should also be noted that Shepherds generally are not noisy dogs unless their needs are not being met, such as being kept in a yard all day with nothing to do.
As far as their temperaments with other dogs, some get along with “housemates” just fine while others prefer to be “only dogs”. Shepherds tend to be dominant with other dogs- especially males, and inter-household fighting is not uncommon. If planning to have multiple dogs, it is recommended to introduce your Shepherd to the living situation while he is still a puppy. While this does not guarantee anything, it will help. Either way, many have problems with strange dogs and so should be socialized extensively to prevent future problems.
Shepherds are often fond of children and usually live very harmoniously with them. They are very affectionate, yet gentle. While the breed has many good qualities, it is worth remembering that the way the dog turns out is one-part genetics and one-part training/lifestyle. Because they need firm leadership and have higher-than-average exercise and training needs, the Shepherd is not recommended for first-time dog owners. A good Shepherd is born and then shaped into who he is by knowledgeable training and experienced care.
