[Yankeephan87]

Hey guys,
Im 22 and I moved into a house with good space for a dog. I used to be afraid of them when younger but have been wanting one. I have honed in on the Boxer, and the German Shepherd. How are these dogs? I have researched them both online but dont really have friends who have dogs so I would love first hand advice.

I love everything I hear about the Boxer. Loyal, loving, fun, and the german shepherd is from what I hear a bit more sharp but also loyal. Which would you recommend?

[werner77]

A german shepherd is a great dog. Its very loyal, easy to train, a good watch dog and great with kids.

The only thing with german shepherd's is that when they get old some german shepherd develop problems with their hind legs due to the way they where bred. Check out the difference between the german and american bloodlines.

Great dogs overall.

Regards
Werner

[dogsclothesplus]

I myself would suggest the German Shepherd. I have had them on and off all my life. But I would definately check the blood line for predisposition to hip dysplasia. But either way they have been the most loving, protective and cherished member of our family. Good luck in your decision.

[CorkyMax]

If you decide on a German Shepherd---I am copying a post I did about the problem this breed has with getting the nutrients out of its food. (had a boxer a long time ago---remember especially all the 'flinging' slobber it did, lol.) I guess you are aware of the many kind of health problems
both of these 2 breeds are prone to? Here is the info I am copying:

You may know of this problem, but just in case I am going to paste a post I did a while back.
Attention-german shepherd/and gs mixes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I feel that it is very important that all of you are aware of the problem that German Shepherds have with being able to get the nutrients from their food. German Shepherds have more 'breed specific health problems' then any other breed. They also die sooner than other breeds. I just know it is because they are not getting the nutrients out of what they eat----which means their immune system is compromised--which means they are susceptible to everything and are not in the best of health--or over a period of time it will break down. (Teenagers who eat a lot of junk and seem very healthy until they get older start having "age-related" problems--not the healthest immune system by now) The immune system 'is where it is all at' I am posting here a post I did back on Jan. 17-09 because I love all dogs and want to see them live a healthier, longer life!!

Came back in here to stress this point--A young dog will prob. not show that it's immune system is being compromised---but when the immune system can no longer function properly, then there may be a breakdown and the immune system can no longer 'protect' the dog from diseases and other probs.---THE IMMUNITY IS GONE!! It may appear that the dog is sick overnight and start going ' down hill' fast! Please make sure your GSD is getting the proper nutrition now---NO MATTER HOW HEALTHY IT APPEARS AT PRESENT!!

Just want to get this info out from a book I have (Earl Mindell's nutrition & Health for Dogs)---German Shepards are prone to a digestive enzyme defiency that causes many intestinal problems, including poor digestion and the inability to absorb the nutrients from foods. Nutrient deficiencies cause a long list of chronic problems, including skin problems, allergies, diarrhea, and vomiting. A diet of fresh, raw foods would be all these German Shepards would need to properly digest and absorb their food. For severe cases, there are digestive enzyme supplements for dogs. Digestive enzymes help break down your dog's food enabling the nutrients to be absorbed. Normally, living creatures begin life w/plenty of digestive enzymes, which may be depleted if they are never given any fresh, raw food. The enzymes in raw food do not replenish your dog's reserves as much as they digest a portion of that food so that your dog's body does not use as many.(end of quotes) Of course much of this info is for the good of all dogs!! And a raw food diet is what I feed my 2 cockers.

Hope you already were aware of this and if not I hope it is useful info for you. I love dogs and trying to help them all I can--They pretty much depend on us to keep them healthy!

[Yankeephan87]

I see, do german sheps shed a lot? That would be a big problem for me I dont want a dog that I have to brush multiple times a day or everyday or that sheds hair balls which is what I have heard about them. Do you guys not like boxers?

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by Yankeephan87

I see, do german sheps shed a lot? That would be a big problem for me I dont want a dog that I have to brush multiple times a day or everyday or that sheds hair balls which is what I have heard about them. Do you guys not like boxers?

I never owned a German Shepherd so can't tell you from any experience but will give you what it says in my breeds book: GROOMING:
Daily combing and brushing of the thick, coarse coat is important, and take extra care when the dog is shedding its dense undercoat. At this time, the dead woolly hair clings to the new hair and must be removed with a slicker brush designed for the task. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. Now some other statements about this breed from this book:
They must be firmly trained to obedience from an early age. ---- These dogs seem ever-vigilant and constantly on duty. They are both loved and feared, with good reason. They are inclined to be reserved and you must win their friendship, but from then on their loyalty is unquestioned. --- EXERCISE & FEEDING: They revel in strenuous activity, preferably combined with training of some kind. Feed them 2 or 3 small meals a day instead of 1 large meal. HEALTH PROBLEMS: This breed suffers from many health problems, including skin ailments, hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, genetic eye diseases, epilepsy and heart defects. and then under the heading: BE AWARE--#1.These dogs require firm, consistent handling by a strong adult.
#2. This breed suffers from many genetic diseases.
Me commenting here: I believe the many health problems are linked to the fact that this breed can not get the proper nutrition from their food and so the immune system is not as healthy as a rule as it should be. Also thinking the statement from this book on feeding 2-3 small meals a day opposed to 1 large meal a day prob. has to do with the prob. of not getting the nutrition very well and better to feed more often to try and digest more nutrients!! What do you think!?
Couple other statements from book: Adapts well to urban living, but needs plenty of space---Outstanding watchdog-----Intelligent, fearless, loyal---
Thrives on a life of service.

About liking boxers---They are okay --use to have one--didn't like the slobber. I think the 2 breeds you are interested in would not suit me very well at this stage of the game---I am a senior with back problems so would not be able to 'handle' them so well. I prefer my 2--a cocker spaniel and a cocker/retriever mix! Even though these 2 shed a lot, I do like soft long haired dogs to pet! I would be also concerned about medical expenses and health problems these 2 breeds are prone to and the sad fact that neither of these breeds have a very long life expectency. Sorry if this is bringing you down about these breeds but is best to know all the 'facts' before getting involved!

[Yankeephan87]

Man, those were the two breeds I honed in on. Yeah it seems like GSD shed a ton. What do you think about a mix GSD? Also yeah the one thing I dont like about boxers is I hear they drool a bit but other then that they seem to be the most friendliest and loyal of all dogs.

[CorkyMax]

Might as well tell you what it says about boxers in this same breeds book I have:TEMPERMENT: Intelligent and easily trained--widely used in military and police work. Training should start young and be firm and consistent----these exuberant animals need to be handled by a strong adult. They are reliable and protective with children and intensely loyal to their family. Excellent watchdogs, they will restrain an intruder in the same way a Bulldog does.
GROOMING: Smooth shorthaired coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary.
EXERCISE: An active, athletic breed, Boxers need daily work or exercise. As well as a long, brisk, daily walk, they enjoy a session of play, fetching a ball.
HEALTH PROBLEMS: The shape of the nose can lead to sinus infections and breathing difficulties. They are prone to skin cancer, so any skin lumps discovered during grooming sessions should be investigated as they may be malignant tumors. Boxers can also have serious hereditary heart problems.
And under Pet Facts:1.--Lively, loving, loyal 2.--Occasional brushing
3.--Regular vigorous exercise 4.--Adapts well to urban living, but needs space 5.--Excellent watchdog--Under BE AWARE:
1.--These dogs need a strong, energetic owner to play with. (Me talking here--And they do like to play!)
2.--May be agressive with other dogs.

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by Yankeephan87

Man, those were the two breeds I honed in on. Yeah it seems like GSD shed a ton. What do you think about a mix GSD? Also yeah the one thing I dont like about boxers is I hear they drool a bit but other then that they seem to be the most friendliest and loyal of all dogs.

Was busy copying from my book and in between , lol, trying to feed my 2 'boys' (dogs) so didn't see this last post you did until after I entered the above post on Boxers! I am no expert here but I would think a GSD mix would depend on the mix and which breed's type of hair was more dominant! Could go either way--Don't see how you could control that! (I take it you are referring to the shedding). I have always heard that mixes are usually healthier---BUT now a days you can't say that in the case of all these designer dogs that the backyard breeders are doing with no regard to the health (and other things) They are only greedy and trying to make a buck and don't care about what they may be doing to the dog. And these 'designer' dogs are really mixed breeds. Away from including a designer dog in the mixed (natural) dog.---I use to hear that they inherited all the good traits of each of the breeds. Whether true or not I don't know although I think there is a reason for this to be true--I just can't put my finger on it but prob. has to do with natural and Mother Nature! I would think that a German Shepherd mix would be one of the best bets for a mix because of the digestive problems a pure German Shepherd has--hopefully the other part of the mix would help with that problem!

Hey! This is just my thoughts and ponderings. One thing that is on my mind--
I hope if you get either of these breeds that you will give them plenty of exercise as both these breeds need it!! Besides needing it for physical reasons, They require it for mental health too! And I would think if they don't get enough exercise that they could become problem dogs! (Just my thoughts) There is a lot of things to consider before getting a dog--It is a big responsibility, including pricey vet bills --Food too!