Temperament in the German Shepherd

Temperament is a very subjective thing as different people like different things in their dogs. 

This can be a very lengthy conversation and is mostly subjective as different people like different things in their dogs. 

I can only give you my opinion of what I prefer my dogs to be. 

First and foremost, we must realize the German Shepherd came into existence as a herd tending breed, the dogs need to have enough prey drive to initiate chase but not so much that they’re ready to kill the sheep as soon as their eyes lock on it. 

The dog needs to be sensitive to what the handler asks of it yet independent thinking to be able to adjust on the fly as it listens to the handler, not just locked in a behavior, that is neurotic. 

The dogs need to be resilient in nature if a ram decides to take umbrage with its actions. If it gets struck, it must hold it’s ground and make sure it can keep the livestock in check. 

The dogs need to be aloof, so the guy down the road can’t just make friends with the Shepherd and steal the prize winning flock, but not be aggressive unproved that the Shepherd’s clients or children get bit if they dare to venture on the grounds. 

The dog must eat food without fuss whenever it’s offered food. And be able to sleep when and where it’s offered shelter. 

Some of These things don’t translate all that well to the Disney version lifestyle we have all come to accept, where bears either wear fedoras and ties or dance with you and black leopards keep a watchful eye on you as one prances through the jungle with your wolf family. 

German shepherds don’t make ideal dog park dogs because well, they’re shepherds and there are a bunch of strange dogs there. 

Socialization doesn’t mean strangers come and hug the dog and kiss it on its forehead or get “love licks from doggo”. 

I want a dog that naturally wants to interact with me, can function in different environments, is a thinking dog that doesn’t rush headfirst off rooftops, and most importantly recovers from incidents or accidents mentally. 

- Abhai Kaul