Should I evan think about another dog

I know a good german shepard breeder and she is planning on her boy fathering a litter this spring or summer.... The last litter was gorgeous all 11 of them... Both mom and dad have good pedegrees and the price is reasonable..

I am just wondering if I would be spreading myself to thin with the fish , Mom and soon to be three cats and Gigi ....


I am asking for opnions so bring them on..

Since you are asking for opinions, I have to tell you that German Shepherds rate very high on my list of dog breed favorites, especially the longhaired GSD's. However, they belong to the herding category so if you have cats you have to teach them from a very early age how to act around your kitty.
That being said, I absolutely love the German Shepherd and will patiently await your decision. BTW, are you thinking about a male or female GSD?

Male

I had a lovely male gsd for 13.5 years ... so I am aware of the hearding.. I am just unsure if I have the time energy expertise and physical ability to deal with one at this time.. see I had my brother joey(rip) from age four to 17 ... in the last 11 years alot has happended.. and 24 years is a long time without a puppy...lol.. I think I can handle anything after my terrier

Hmmmmm, I think you should....adopt

I have my last four animals... that is adopted ... I am always open to that

Since you are open to adoption I would strongly suggest contacting a GSD Rescue Group in your state. Most are reputable and have thoroughly checked the dogs out for heartworm, etc., plus they can inform you about the dog's temperament. This might be a good compromise. You are wise to take your time, and as you stated consider if you have the energy, physical ability. Adding a dog to your household is a lifelong commitment but in the end it is likewise a lifetime reward.

I suggest a puppy so that it can acclimate to your cats while young. I've only had GSD mixes, but have had other herding dogs. With their size and temperament, you need to teach them about cat etiquette at a young age. I'm absolutely for adopting from rescue groups (I volunteer for one), but certain temperament dogs just need to start their training young and it is harder to find pure bred puppies with rescue groups. I'm a personal fan of mutts.

I think I will look into a rescue ...it doesnt have to be pure breed as my Joey( rup) was likely part wolf ....

German Shepherds would have to be in my top three of all time favourite breeds. SUCH beautiful incredible dogs.

BUT they are also amongst the most high maintenance of breeds, so, there is that to consider.

A rescue (depending on it's background) may be just as high maintenance, however there is always the fact that you are saving it from an uncertain fate and a sad past. Tough decision.

However, it sounds to me as though you would like another dog regardless, so I think you should go with your heart, and also think about what would go best with the rest of your babies. GSDs are wonderful with cats.

Anyone have ideas on a low maintence big dog

Originally Posted by sharky

Anyone have ideas on a low maintence big dog

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I love labs for that reason. Once they get beyond that puppy stage, most of them turn into big couch potatoes. They're smart, loyal, loving, and mellow as they get older.

Originally Posted by sharky

Anyone have ideas on a low maintence big dog

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What do you mean by low maintenance? I've been thinking of all kinds of dogs for you, but IMO all purebreds have so many different health problems, depending on the breed. Do you want a low shedding dog, or a laid back dog....explain and I'll think of some for you...

I need one that is not worn out by my 8 year old yorkie( she has adhd ) ... low shedding is nice but Ihave cats so not nessasary... I like to walk but not for miles...I have a large fenced yard... It needs to be highly trainable cause I have medical issues ... I have dealt with knee and hip issues so those dont bother me but I would make sure it wasnt in the lineage.. I do not want a hyper dog ( I have one)
does that help??

Oops, one more question, HOW big?

For Gigi to like it 60 plus lbs/ or knee high

I don't want to offend anyone by my breed choices, and I'm not saying they're ALL like this but...
The best mutts, from what I've seen in my professions, are like Shepherd/Lab mixes. They seem to be the friendliest and healthiest. If you don't want hyper, stay away from Border Collie, Boxer, Husky, Setter and Spanial mixes and purebreds of these breeds. For temerament and trainability issues, stay away from Chows, Dalmations, Akitas, Chesapeaks, and Shar-peis, as they can be aggressive and stubborn! Labs and Goldens are nice, but both can be hyper and it takes a few years before they're laid back, if ever. Plus, they have a lot of issues like allergies, thyroid problems ear infections, etc..More laid back dogs include Great Danes (but short life span), Mastiffs (same, and slobbery!) Newfoundlands, (slobber) St. Bernards (slobber!) Dobermans (with guidance) Keeshonds (I find these to be quite nice) Samoyed, Rottweiler (with guidance) Great Pyrenees. It seems like the more laid back breeds are the bigger breeds, so you're gambling there. They don't live very long. I'd go with a medium breed mutt if I were you. I would see if I could find a nice Lab mixed with one or more of these laid back breeds, and go from there. I hope I helped a little!

I like the ones you gave me ... I am not worried about short lived trying to match up with Gigi who is already 8...

I had a dalmation springer mix ohhh boyy she was a handful...

I have never had a lab or a lab mix ....

I will see what I can find.. I do know there is a great dane rescue in the next town... My aunt and uncle had a lovely mastiff for 11 years but I did her training ( )

I love pit bulls and shelter is full of them but me is leary due to kitties and no exact histories of the dogs...

Yeah, that's the scary thing with bringing in an adult dog, if it will get along with your cats. I got lucky with mine, I hope you do too!

What is Rain if I may ask???

She's a Shepherd and Pit Bull mix... Oh, and Pedro told me to tell you he's a Chihuahua/Papillon mix...