to get a pup or not

Question
    Dear Cindi,  Thank you in advance for your time and efforts.  Currently my wife and I have two Miniature Schnauzers, a female 13mo. and a male 8mo., they get along wonderfully and the female seems to be in charge.  Here it comes, we have had German Shepherd dogs in the past and I am missing having one as a pet.  Do not get me wrong I love my Minis.  We are empty nesters of three years now and our children were brought up around dogs,cats a bird and 2 15year old grow a frogs.  

    I was wondering if a submissive female GSD could work with the Minis, or should I leave well enough alone.  Also, do you think it is possible to spot the submissive female in a litter.  Thank you again, Jim

Answer
Hi Jim
First of all, I think it's wonderful that you want to add another GSD to your family. I don't see any problems at all with doing that, As for submissive females, yes it is possible to spot a submissive female in a litter, however I would not choose an overly submissive dog. I would get a nice, middle of the road dog who is not too submissive and not too alpha. A submissive dog will invite your alpha female mini to dominate her and also submissive dogs carry their own set of problems, one of which can be fear biting. Use a breeder who tests his/her pups at a reasonable age (we prefer Volhard testing) and one that spends enough time with their pups to be able to tell you which will best fit into your lifestyle> rarely can a new owner honestly pick an appropriate puppy in just a few hours. If you have  a dependable breeder who can help you choose a pup who will get along well with your babies, I think you should have no problems working a new GSD into your family. Proper socialization and training of course, is always key :)
Cindi