Choosing German Sheperd as a breed

Question
We have three small children, ranging in age from 9-2yrs. We are looking into aquiring another family pet, we have 2 cats already. We have never owned a dog and just wondered if you could advise as to the suitability of a german sheperd becoming a part of our family?

Answer
Hi Emma,  GSD's make great family dogs.  They are very loyal, protective when they get older and also extremely intelligent.  When you get one, buy from a reputable breed who checks their stock for genetic diseases (as there are many in GSD's) and also guarantees their hips & their health for at least two years on the hips.  Hip Dysplasia is very prevalant in GSD's and dysplasia doesn't always show up until two years of age, so when you get a guarantee, you want it to cover the two year mark.  Also, start training very young as shepherds are very intelligent and you want to get them to understand their place in the family before they get to the phases in their own childhood where they will test you and other family members in regards to what they are supposed to do or not do.  Hope this helps, and good luck.

Dawn