[Your] german shepard: Does he/she get along well w/ your other dog(s)?

[sophistacavy]

There is a small possibility that I might end up adopting a german shepard I found on dogsindanger.com. I'm more likely to just rescue her into a no-kill situation, but just in case, I was wondering that question. Drsfostersmith.com breed profiles said that german shepards sometimes don't get along with other dogs because of their dominant personalities. We already have a adult 1.5 year old shih-tzu, who is of course only 12 lbs, but she has the typical napoleon complex that many toy breed dogs have.

Hence my question: If you have a two-dog household that includes a german shepard, do the two dogs get along well? Does it seem like they've bonded w/ each other at all?

Thanks!!

We used to have a german shep., but he was an only K-9 child, so....yup.

[BubuCandyBlue]

I have a german shepard back home. It all depends on the dogs personality. You didn't mention the dogs age, background, so and so. But one thing is for sure, they can be very well trained any time.

[Tserisa]

I've known many GSDs that were great with other dogs. It really depends. If you're getting the dog from a shelter, sometimes they'll let you have it interact with other dogs before you bring it home through their temperament testing programs so you can find out.

[Shadows_Gold]

It does depend on the personality of the dog. I had a GSD, she died last year. She was the sweetest thing you could hope for. She got along with everyone and everything. She would let the guineas play all over her, I loved her so much, here is a pic of her. She was 12 yrs old in this pic, it was 2 months before she died.

[Haley0489]

I've always heard the bigger the breed, the sweeter the dog. I've got two Jack Russell Terriers and they're the most nervous, snappy dogs I've ever owned. I imagine a German Shepard would get along fine with your shih-tzu, IF your shih-tzu allows it.

The shelter should have some information on the dogs temperament, because like Tserisa said, most dogs have to go through several temperament tests before being deemed "adoptable".

[Tserisa]

Originally Posted by Haley0489

I've always heard the bigger the breed, the sweeter the dog.

I think that's a rather questionable assumption. Certain breeds -- of varying sizes -- are known to be gentle, sweet dogs. Other breeds are known for aggression towards other dogs, or a more standoffish or nervous temperament. However, there's also a huge amount of variation between breeds, and with mutts, temperament certainly isn't size dependent.

Humans have bred a lot of the large breeds for a very specific purpose -- guard work, for example. It's true, a lot of GSDs come from lines that have been bred to have a high prey drive and aggressive tendencies. They have a long history as working dogs (military, police, guard, etc.). Aggression in some ways has been bred into the dogs. Some of these dogs can be the absolutely sweetest lap dog-wannabes ever (I've never personally met a Doberman that wasn't a desperate-for-attention sweetheart), but they often have a high prey drive, and really are extremely protective, and will never make good family dogs or might not be safe around other pets. On the other hand, many small breeds were bred to be family pets and specifically had the prey-drive bred out of them overtime. But some of those come from lines that have been so inbred, or bred without regard for temperament (or health), that they've got all sorts of mental problems.

The thing is, you just can't make generalizations about dogs based on size. You can only vaguely make them based on breed.

Not only is every dog going to be inherently different, there's the environment it grew up in, and the way it was trained and treated.

When other pets or small children are an issue, I suggest that the person get their dog from one of the rescues that keep the dog in foster homes and work on training the dogs, because then they'll have a very good idea of the dog's temperament before hand, and many keep them with other pets.

[sophistacavy]

Wow, thank you so much everybody! Yes, at Pet Harmony (half store, half pet adoption center for Animal Compassion Network) we would conduct the temperment test, and probably a cat compatibility test too. I volunteer there, and ACN is strictly a no-kill organization, so therefore we have stricter intake requirements.

Yeah, it totally depends on how the dog was raised as to their personality and such. A GSD puppy who is going to be a police dog would be raised very diffrently than a GSD puppy who was going to be a seeing-eye dog, for example.

This particular german shepard (Dogs In Danger: Our Dogs in Much Danger!) Silver, she's only 2 years old, but her puppy days are still long since over, and the first 12 months of a dog's life are the most influential on future behavior, so I made a list of questions to ask the shelter.
I sent an email and left a message on their answering machine, b/c as I found out from the vet hospital right in front of the shelter, the shelter isn't going to be open until Monday. That kind of miffed me, b/c if they're not open and no one is able to save any of those dogs, then their "days left until euthanasia" still go down, even though there is no way for any of them to be rescued until Monday.....how dumb is that? -_-

Thank you everybody sooo much! I just got back from getting a bag of Wellness large breed adult dry dog food for her (I am going to make the other people at Pet Harmony feed only that to her, since she's probably getting some kinda Crapola cheapo brand now ^_^.) and one of those blue Dogzilla chew toys. =P I can't wait till Monday!! I want to meet Silver right now L0L.

[krittercrazy]

I love GSD and GSD mixes. Like any breed there can be good and bad. Growing up we had a shepherd that wouldn't hurt any one or any thing. He had professional training. After he passed my dad got another GSD from a neighbor. He was stolen out our yard. When my parents finally got him back they couldn't keep him. He was extremely aggressive. There were some mixes in between that were great family dogs. The last was a gift to my father from his employer. She is from a line of GSD that guarded the Berlin wall. I worked on training her what little I knew at the time. She was not mean but she did have a high prey drive. Any animal that ran from her was in danger of being dead. She killed cats and several of my goats. She tried to kill my horse. She had little training and no structure to her life.(a perfect example of why not to give animals as gifts.)
If you bring any dog into your home you should be prepared to take it to at least basic training. For a GSD or any high prey dog you will likely need more training and lots of exercise. You should have a place in your home that you could seperate them. I know that you said you got ducks or something, you have guinea pigs and other animals. Think about them before stepping into this. Another concern is a post I remember you talking about your mother not being accepting of positive reenforcement training, that she was being rough with the shih-tzu. I know you said you exaggerated because you were frustrated at the time but the whole family needs to be more than ok with this.
You will also want to have a place to quarrentine the dog before introducing him to your current dog. The last one I adopted developed kennel cough a week after I got her. She had been at the shelter only a couple of days. My three dogs also got kennel cough as well as my friend and neighbors four dogs. I paid for the vet visits and meds for all.
I am not trying to discourage you from helping out. I think you have a warm and giving heart to want to help. Learn all you can and do as much as you can. You can make a difference.

[Caviekisses]

I've been around several and had a German Shepherd before. Never had or heard of any problems with them getting along with other dogs, if anything they're really friendly with other animals.

They're a herding dog which means they tend to take care of other animals. Their protective nature can extend to other members of the family, including pets. The difference is how it's raised, was it raised as a pet or for security.

Some parts of their behavior are based on their owners. Even an abused dog can turn out to be really sweet. I would be more concerned about the Shih Tzu's personality... But, that's just my opinion.

[Tserisa]

Originally Posted by Caviekisses

They're a herding dog which means they tend to take care of other animals. Their protective nature can extend to other members of the family, including pets. The difference is how it's raised, was it raised as a pet or for security

The herding instinct is just controlled prey drive (and in some, it isn't that controlled!). Herding breeds have extremely high prey drive -- watch videos of a border collie working sheep, and then videos of a wolf pack taking down a deer. It's almost exactly the same.

This is why herding breeds often nip. They'll nip cats and other pets, they'll nip children, trying to keep them "in line". Some herding dogs don't resort to nipping, they just keep the pets (or kids) in one place where they think they should be. A dog considered a great herding dog will have a lot of control over that prey drive, and only use it "when needed". However, they might decide what they think is needed, and that might mean not letting your two year old leave the kitchen, resulting in the two year old get nipped. It is considered very common for some herding breeds, and many are not recommended for being around children.

It also depends on the breed. Sheep herding breeds tend to nip, but some cattle dogs bite and hold on, because nips aren't enough to get a cow's attention. There are different kinds of herding dogs as well. There are the ones that worked the animals, and the ones that more just guarded them.

Herding breeds also tend to be very "OCD", especially if they're not working hard with a big job to do. They get very obsessed with certain things. Border collies and kelpies I know each have their own obsession; for two it's frisbees (or lids off buckets, anything shaped like that), another likes brooms, another balls, and one shadows and flashlights and anything that makes a shiny spot (reading glasses, CDs, etc.). Some dogs have been known to start spinning obsessively. They can get consumed with these things to the point of making themselves sick, not eating or resting, getting very worked up. This is one reason it is almost vital to get them involved in something, such as frisbee or agility. It directs that intense drive into something that isn't destructive.

But GSDs aren't *generally* like that, obsessive and controlling. There might be lines like that, but if there are I doubt they're common in the US at least. (Personally, the majority of GSDs seem more like the working breeds in temperament than the herding breeds to me.)

I have a special love for herding breeds, but I think that many people don't know what they're getting into with them. They're EXTREMELY smart, but they need a LOT more time, exercise, and training to be happy.

[5guinea5pig5]

My wife adopted a German Shepard for Christmas and so far she gets along with my other dogs and cats. I don't know if it's because she's pregnant and tired or because she's just a nice dog.

[Jenni_Feathers]

My Belle is half shepherd.

Her mommy was a pure bred GSD...and her daddy was unknown (but by looking at her, we can guess he was a Rottie or Rottie mix)

It doesn't really matter so much about the breed...it can be a factor, but its more of what training and socialization the dog has had. As said before, the shelter should have or will do some behavioral tests, to see if the dog would be well suited to be in a home with other dogs.

My Belle is great around others...not just dogs; anything living, big or small. She though, of course has been well socialized and everything. Cats, big dogs, small dogs, puppies, hamsters, guinea pigs...she makes friends really easily. Her best doggy friend right now is a 8-ish lb (maybe??? idk...she's tiny) 10 mth old mini Doxie/Yorkie cross. Play can be a lil difficult when you weight 100lbs more than your friend...but she's really gentle.

She's great with the cats...they can go up to her, rub all over her, lay down next to her, she doesn't care. If she gets annoyed with its she'll get up and walk away. One of the cats went after her once (over food) and she just left the room. The Guinea Pigs can climb all over her, nibble her fur...she doesn't care.

Then again, she's been around this since she was a pup, so she's used to it.

Belle 1st day home...we got her zonked out playing and then introducer her to the piggy...she fell asleep.
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...2/2372c7b8.jpg

And now...Chewie sitting on her paw and eating lettuce.
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...2/SD531068.jpg

Belle & kitty
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...2/SD533473.jpg

Belle & her tiny friend
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...2/bd37dc23.jpg

Belle siting & staying as somebody's (not sure whose) cat walks through yard.
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w...2/60e68632.jpg

I also have another dog- a Shih Tzu/Poodle mix. And they get along great.

[Caviekisses]

Originally Posted by Tserisa

The herding instinct is just controlled prey drive (and in some, it isn't that controlled!). Herding breeds have extremely high prey drive -- watch videos of a border collie working sheep, and then videos of a wolf pack taking down a deer. It's almost exactly the same.

The OP asked about German Shepherds not Border Collies. I've never been around a Herding breed that nipped. As I stated before I've been around German Shepherds as well as other herders, including numerous Collies and Rottweilers... They make excellent family pets.

[Tserisa]

Originally Posted by Caviekisses

The OP asked about German Shepherds not Border Collies. I've never been around a Herding breed that nipped. As I stated before I've been around German Shepherds as well as other herders, including numerous Collies and Rottweilers... They make excellent family pets.

All I meant was to be careful about generalizing like that. Not all herding dogs are "protective" of pets and children.

[pigsmakemesmile]

This is somewhat off topic but is about German Shephards. I learned yesterday that my sister who has 4 german shepherds, surrendered her newest puppy Bella, to the spca for the fact that it has behavior issues. behavior issues like pooping on the floor and being defiant so she says. My sister is the type of person that if something isn't perfect, she doesn't want it and I'm furious about this. I personally think she has a problem. Animals become family members display emotioin, feel pain, feel hunger and feel loneliness display enthusiasm. I believe in working with the animal rather than giving it up. Just venting here. Sorry

[guineapigluver1]

I know how you feel, pigsmakemesmile. I hate it when someone does that, when the problem could be fixed so easily (sometimes not so easily, but still).

[Deenanicole08]

This is a very upsetting story for me to tell, but I need to warn you before putting the two together (if you havent yet).

I've grown up with German Shepards all my life. They are the greatest most loyal dogs I've ever known. When my Mom met my (now) Step-Dad he had a small some sort of mix breed dog. We had two grown German Shepards, who of course were dominate because they lived at my house their entire lives. And my step dads dog was an adult as well. Well since my stepdads dog was used to running the house where they used to live, he was kind of pushy with the big dogs, but they tolerated her well, because they obeyed us completely. One day (many years ago, like 8-10 years) we had some kids in the neighbor hood over, and they were feeding the dogs pepperonis over the fence, regardless of us telling them not to. The two big dogs were in the back with the little one. Well the little one snapped at the german, the dominate one at that, over a pepperoni, and my german went crazy, a side i've never seen before, and wished I haden't. He picked the dog up by the back/base of neck, and began to swing his head back and forth like it was just a toy. We bagan yelling at him to stop and we got my mom and step dad and we eventually got them apart, but it was too late. She was unsalvageable. She didnt make it.

Unless both dogs are puppies, I wouldn't risk it. I'd hate for you to have a story similar to mine... It's not that my Germans wouldn't get along with the dog, or wanted to kill it, it's the little one was too much for them to tolerate. They put up with alot from her, and this time it was just way too much for them I guess. I still love the German Shepard breed, and I'd get another in a heartbeat, but I'm not a fan of the little ones, and I'd never put them together. You never know when they'll have enough. The little ones always tend to think they are bigger than they really are, and a German isn't one to put up with it for too long. I'm very sad that this event occured and especially that I had to witness it. But be careful before making a decision.

[pigsmakemesmile]

I'm sorry, just with the holidays and hearing my daughter tell me stories from the spca where she volunteers, I'm a little down and sad. I wish I had the power to rescue and care for all neglected animals, I pray all the time that God has mercy on an innocent animal who at that very moment is being abused and hurting. Is thirsty and hungry. Just hearing what my sister did just added to the issues that have been bothering me. It's my first christmas without a piggy who I lost this august. I'm still angry at the vet about it. but that's another story. I always wonder why there's so much hurt and suffering in the world. Yet humans have the capability to make the world a better place and yet do nothing. I just feel powerless at the moment and I just need to learn how to deal with it, please forgive me for being down. You guys are great and I appreciate this form.

[guineapigluver1]

Originally Posted by pigsmakemesmile

I'm sorry, just with the holidays and hearing my daughter tell me stories from the spca where she volunteers, I'm a little down and sad. I wish I had the power to rescue and care for all neglected animals, I pray all the time that God has mercy on an innocent animal who at that very moment is being abused and hurting. Is thirsty and hungry. Just hearing what my sister did just added to the issues that have been bothering me. It's my first christmas without a piggy who I lost this august. I'm still angry at the vet about it. but that's another story. I always wonder why there's so much hurt and suffering in the world. Yet humans have the capability to make the world a better place and yet do nothing. I just feel powerless at the moment and I just need to learn how to deal with it, please forgive me for being down. You guys are great and I appreciate this form.

I'm sorry. I, to, at times wonder why there is so much hurt and suffering. Sometimes at night I cry and cry and cry, because I know at that moment there is probably an animal suffering from neglect or abuse, or hunger or thirst or all of that. And I remember having to put our dog down. The pain of that is still fresh to me as the day it happened. I want to take in every animal I see who needs help, but I can't.
As soon as I have a job I'm saving up to try start a rescue. My sister already promised me she would help me run it.

[sophistacavy]

I have gReAt news everybody!! I called the shelter late this afternoon because they hadn't returned my call yet and they opened early in the morning, and they informed me (also replied to my email as a matter of fact) that Silver has been adopted!! *whoot* *cheers*

I'm so happy that she was adopted, hopefully she was adopted by someone who did their research about german shepherds, and is experienced with dogs already!! Yay for Silver.

Deenanicole08: I'm so sorry that that happened to you and your family! :-( But now you and everyone else observing this thread doesn't have to worry, b/c as I said above, hopefully the family or person who adopted Silver did their research and homework on GSDs before adopting her, and after all she did at least get adopted by someone, so now she won't get euthanized!
I want to thank you very much for sharing your story, I actually had an image of that going in my head. I actually had a comparable experience just yesterday at the place I volunteer at, Pet Harmony, with the Animal Compassion Network. We have a dog up for adoption there named Max. I don't remember what his age is, but he is an adult shepherd/husky mix. They had him outside in a large yard area we have for the big dogs to romp around in and for us to throw toys out there with them for exercise, with two puppies (I don't really know that much about the two puppies, they're big, and almost don't look like puppies anymore, but they're older puppies, probably 9 months or so.) who I think are related (and they are pit bull/lab/boxer [or something like that] mixes). Anyways, I didn't have anything else to do, so I took a big ball shaped toy (it was actually one of those rubber good cuz bad cuz dog toys with the really loud noise) and got all three of their attention, and tossed the ball past all three of them. Now, I believe the two older puppies are bonded somewhat, and all three dogs have totally sweet, non-aggressive, melt-your-heart personalities. Ok anyways, they all went after it, and Max got it. He was running around with it in his mouth, and I was trying to get him to learn how to drop it/give it/whatever you want to call that command, but he was just interested in playfully dodging me and continuing his pattern. Well, the two puppies were mildly interested in Max and his running around with the ball, and one of them gently tried to get it from him while it dropped and he tried to get it too, and all of a sudden, he got very snappy and growly and almost scary, and seemed like he was biting the puppy a bit. It broke up and stopped pretty quickly with a little help from me, and when I checked the puppy who had been "bullied", s/he had no wounds. But I'm going to at least call them tomorrow if I don't go in, and tell them exactly what happened. I'll probably end up going in, it's pretty fun there. After that, I tried to very gingerly and non assertively take the ball from Max when he finally stopped trotting around and layed down to chew on the ball, and he had like no reaction. So, maybe it's just an issue with other dogs, or maybe he was having a moment or something...Idk, just thought I'd share that w/ you.

Pigsmakemesmile and guineapigluver1- I understand how you two feel. It's horrible when you think about it, but I guess we just have to do our best not to let it get to us that bad, [and not to visit dogsindanger.com that often either. xD ]

Thank you everyone so much, for all your insights and help! I'm glad to know there are always smart people on here!