Anything less than a Ovcherka and count me out. Beautiful dog pictures, I was raised with GSDs!
I think in all seriousness, I think the Ovcherka has the GSD beat; Mind you both are Shepherds, but one is darn near a bear.
Ovcherka's kill wolves and have been known to kill bears, can a GSD say that much?
My money is on the Dog which as over 5,000 years of Warlike breeding behind him
Because I have a family of my own, Im looking at a manstopper, one that requires zero training, except if you want the dog to be nice.
That's a scary sentence. I sure as hell hope, for not only your family's sake, but your neighbors as well that you train the hell out of a dog that large.
You don't really think that you can let a dog that big just roam around your house and expect him to not have any food aggression to your son or daughter when they decide to go pet it while eating, do you?
What about if it gets loose?
Certain GSD's are going to have a poor predisposition in how they act to loud noises. This issue is due to poor breeding standards over the last century in some bloodlines. This is best helped/change while they are very young, but past the age of their inner ear growth. (3-5 months) After that, they might get used to a certain type of 'bang" you do in a certain setting, but they will never be fully equipped for all sounds in all environments. So if you really want them to be versatile, then train them young. However, there are still always gonna be those timid ones that will never adapt no matter how hard you try, and those particular types should NOT be bred as adults.
If caught by a breeder, this trait can be taken out of the genetics over about 4 generations, but isn't easy.
The most important thing a GSD can do for your family is protect you with their visible and audible self. They are very loyal to their pack. But more importantly they are highly alert to anything/anyone that comes near what they consider their dwelling. That alone will stop most "bad guys" from continuing their shenanigans. Someone mentioned big dogs and food aggression with little kids above when you have a trained working dog....
Some things to consider. A GSD in particular only recognizes one "alpha male" in a household. They will listen to commands given by other family members, but not nearly as well as by the alpha. They won't give right of way to other members like they will the alpha male in the house. This includes food. Food aggression is highly likely in GSD's. Especially female GSD's near heat.. They do show restraint though by growling in most cases first, but don't think they won't take a nip at a little one if they feel they need to.
As for a working dog..... If it is a properly trained working dog it will NEVER break it's role in the house or any other setting. If it is trained like it is supposed to, you will probably not have it in situations at home where any problems can occur in the first place. The owner learns as much if not more than the dog when it comes to training. And the owner is usually the one at fault with poor training when a dog does something not desired.
To want a GSD that works more aggressive than the normal family "watchdog" invites accidents/lawsuits to happen if in a neighborhood setting. Do what you want, but I have seen it happen over and over again. Remember the GSD has the second hardest bite of the dog world.(Behind rott's) However, they are considered the 3rd most intelligent breed, so train early and train well or you will find them running your house later in life.
She did fine with the mortars but didn't like the screeching from the fountains.. I had to take her by the leash and make her sit next to me during those.
Neither do I! I think that just shows that she has good ears and good sense.
Terry
my mutt laid next to me and went to sleep while the fireworks were going off. We were about 30 feet from a fireworks show bigger than most cities put on