puppy or kids first?

Question
hello. im in the market for a female german shepard dog. but we a planning on having kids in the next couple years. Is it a bad idea to get a dog now? or Should we wait until after we have a child to get a dog?

Answer
Haven't you seen Marley & Me? All kidding aside, this is hardly an answer for me to give!
Personally, I would get the dog first, kids later. That way the dog is acclimated to you, and will welcome any new family members. Shepherd's are generally good with kids, but Labs are better as are golden retrievers. Much gentler dogs.

Shepherd's tend to be too protective and are known to bite strangers a bit easily. That means strange kids around your house too as the kids get older and have their friends over.

Not all of them mind, you, but on the whole they are very protective. Labs are protective too but also really great with all kids.

Just a thought. If you have your heart set on a Shepherd, then by all means get one. But get one now, have her well trained and she will be a great dog for your family.