GSD-Breed of the Month thing?

Question:
 Has there been a GSD of the month thing yet? If yes, could someone find it for me?
Thanks!
Clarissa

Answer:
 I think Dax did it. We had borzois last month.. ( I think.. lol.. )

Answer:
 Ohh. Do you know when it was? I will have to try and find it..
Thanks!
Clarissa

Answer:
 I have not seen one personally, perhaps was during a time I was unable to be on?

Answer:
 Well then Newbie how about going a little sticky time for us on GSD's. I know I would certainly love to hear about this breed. My husband always had one growing up and in time we will have another. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
 Aussie- Dax was the one that was doing breed focus of the month awhile back. If you need help with the breed, I am more than happy to help you.
The German shepherd is a versitle breed. Highly intellegent and loyal to their family, easy to train but also active. Shepherds do best with a purpose in life- and I have found them to train easily- although sometimes a little creative. Due to rampant genetic problems in the breed, getting your dog from a good breeder is essential. Several medical problems are in the breed- HD, Elbow displaysia, cardio myophythy, spinal myopothy, PRA, thyroid to name a few can be in the breed. Therefore- getting your dog from a breeder that does health certifications is essential. Additionally- although usually a balenced dog in temperment, the parents and lines of said dog should have great temperments. I would look for breeders that have titles on both sides of each dog- ie a champion as well as other titles such as obed., Sch. or tracking herding etc. As with any large dog especially early socializing is essential. Get the pup out and about after vaccines are finished to puppy obedience classes etc.
Shepherds are naturally protective, and training for guard work isnt necessary. Actually its like having a loaded gun around. Best just to have a balenced dog and leave the rest to the natural nature of the breed. I have shepherds for over 20 years ( actually almost 25 ), and found that the natural instinct of the dog as a all around dog was more than suffiecient. Shepherds do best with experienced dog people, but with guidence or mentoring from your breeder, obedience and socializing classes early usually they do fine. If I can offer any further help, just let me know. There are series of links easy for you to get on google including breed standard, club information and event clubs etc.

Answer:
 I've also had Shepherds for about 25 yrs., and borzoimom is right on the mark. A GSD is not the kind of dog you can just put in the back yard and forget except to feed it. They are WORKING dogs, and need a job. The job doesn't have to be high level obedience, Schutzhund, tracking, border patrol or any of the other many, many things they excel at, but can be as simple as running and playing ball with you and your family, or just being allowed to be part of the family and feeling they are important by protecting their property. A GSD without a job is a sad dog, and one that is likely to channel their energy into destructiveness, especially when they are young.
And buying from a reputable breeder who screens for the things borzoimom mentioned is essential. You'll spend more money, but it pays off in the end when you don't end up with a dog crippled with hip or elbow dysplasia, or dies young due to a genetic problem. Buying a GSD is a big commitment, so be prepared to spend loads of time with the dog, and on training. GSDs are magnificent dogs, and the most intelligent of all the breeds IMO, so if you can get past the first couple of years when they are "teenagers," you'll find yourself with a fantastic dog that couldn't be more loyal. Most GSDs will not leave home (at least they won't go far) even if the gate is left open, as its their "job" to stay home and protect "their pack," which is you and your family.
Temperament should be as important as the health testing. Meet BOTH parents, and any other relatives to your pup, if possible. Temperament is inherited, and if either parent acts overly shy or aggressive, chances are your pup could end up like that too. And the socialization is critical for a GSD. Get them around as many new people and dogs as you possibly can at any early age. Buy a pup that is between 8-10 weeks old. Any older, and you might have problems with shyness if the breeder didn't socialize thoroughly. And lots of times its hard for breeders to find the time to socialize each and every puppy, as they live very busy lives. You want a pup that is outgoing, yet not overly pushy or aggressive. One that remains happy and independent when away from the rest of his litter, and can hold his own, and isn't afraid of exploring the world, yet is affectionate and gentle. Good luck!

Answer:
 Thank you everyone!
I have been doing research for months now and have met a few GSD's in real life, but I would greatly appreciate it if you could tell me if the GSD is right for me or not.
I will also hopefully be helping a GSD breeder at her training groups! :)
Anyways, here is why I think a GSD would be good for me, so far.
Exercise- About an hour walk a day, play in the yard everyday, a few times a week an hour at dog park, and on some weekends hiking. During the summer alot of running/biking and camping.
Grooming- I would be able to give this dog an hour grooming if it needed it. I also know about the shedding. My mom is fine with it and so am I, at my dads I live with a JRT and two Pugs.
Training- I expect an intelligent willing to please dog. I might take it to basic obediance, but I already know how to train that. We will see. It will know things such as "Watch me" and agility also. But we will probably go to a puppy class will mainly for socalization. Almost everyday he will go to our local Petco and Petsmart. I also have a socalization list (Kites, people in hats, costumes, wheel chairs, planes, etc).
Health Problems-He The breeder MUST have the parents health checked with atleast "Good" ratings. It will not be a dog from those "Over sized, big boned" dogs. I would like a health guarntee and at 6 months of age we will get preliminary hip x-rays.
Breeder- Have nice, healthy, breed standard dogs and they only breed GSD's. I actually would like both lines (German and American). Again, have guarntee on pups.
What I expect from the dog- Intelligent, VERY loyal, eager to please and protective when the need arises. The puppy I choose will be well balanced, especially in the rear angulation. Clear eyes, nose. Curious, not shy.
That is pretty much it. Do you think I would be able to handle a GSD? I have trained Pugs, a JRT, Labs, a Japanese Chin, Shih Tzus and a Border Collie/Lab. I've been to a dog show and a few dog events. LOL I have talked to breeders/owners/handlers about GSD's. I think I can handle them. What about you guys?
Clarissa

Answer:
 Sorry for all the typo's! It was so long and I was too lazy to fix them!
Clarissa