Are German Shepherds Aggressive...?

[Dees'NEees]

Hey, everyone! So... for the last 15 years, my parents have been raising Labrador Retrievers... and that's what they've decided to stick with. Let's just say that labs aren't my personal favorite, so I'm wanting to expand my knowledge to other breeds of dogs! So I've really been considering German Shepherds, and the only concern my mom has about it, is she thinks they can be pretty aggressive because they kind of have that reputation being police dogs and such. I have three younger siblings ranging from 7-12, and they're used to all sorts of big dogs, so I don't think they would be a problem... but I think she's most worried about the mailman/UPS/friends/neighbors etc... So are there any very knowledgeable German Shepherd people out there who could tell me if these dogs are actually aggressive? And sure, I know that any dog can be aggressive when treated the wrong way... but if it's raised from a pup the right way, is there still a risk that it could attack someone?

Anyway... thank you for any information!

 

[Pork Pie]

I’ve had two and they were both as gentle as lambs. They were protective, but never aggressive.

 

[Jay E.]

We had one, he was protective, but was also a cuddler.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

If you get one, you need to get a puppy. You can teach them to not be aggresive. If they growl or play with you too roughly, you slap them and say NO. I've never personally had a GS, but have had other big dogs. We have 1 that is half Rott. and half Boxer. He would be an aggressive dog had we not taught him. He is the gentlest pet now!
We have family that has a GS, and has taught him to be nice. He still barks at strangers, and is a good guard dog, but he's not mean.

 

[Folly's place]

It's very individual, and then, define 'aggressive'. They aren't Labradors, but then again, I've met some awful labs too!
Getting healthy in mind and body both is tricky/ difficult, but that's also true of many other breeds.
Shepherds SHED, year round, more than labs. More!
They are difficult to find in rescue groups, and absolutely to be avoided through puppy mills/ pet shops. At a breeder's, you need to meet adult relatives, and carefully select friendly, not shy.
Good luck!
Mary

 

[pennyJo1960]

Aggressive is not in their vocabulary ... get a pup take it every where stores, malls socialize.
Herding dogs in general need that to be healthy happy outgoing

 

[DobieLover]

I have never owned GS dogs. However, my Doberman was recently attacked on my property (completely unprovoked) by my neighbors two GS dogs. These dogs also attacked another neighbors cat and were on my property twice before, first time to growl at my 80 year old father and the second time to charge my DH when he was working in the back yard.
However, I think it unfair to categorize ALL GS as either friendly or aggressive. Each dog is unique. But one thing is for sure, GS dogs should be considered a "strong" breed and need good discipline and socialization.

 

[rabbit0927]

I have had German Shepherds since I was 3 years old. It all depends on how you raise them. They are protective by nature but if raised around people and kids, they are amazing!!! I have a double coated boy that is about 100 Ibs. and a long hair girl that is about 88 Ibs. The boy is very aggressive and guards the house as my husband likes him to be our alarm system so we have to keep en eye on him when strangers are over. But he is a big baby when it comes to it. GSDs are curious, loyal, obedient, alert, confident, intelligent, watchful and very courageous by nature so that comes easy but they need training as they are creatures of habit. My male now protects the chickens.

Granted my husband had to introduce him to the chicks slowly from when they were babies and then when we put them outside in the coop; he got couple of training lessons from my husband. Remember they only listen to alphas so whomever they are attached to are the one's that can train them and teach them. The male is very attached to my husband so it was easy for him to train him. He got a wooden stick and wrapped it with a tape. Then took the male and female one at a time and let them smell the chicks and the coop and when their curiosity got the best of them; he hit the stick on the bottom of his shoe that made a very loud noise so that showed them not to do anything stupid. He had to do that for weeks as he sat there and watched them. Now that the chicks are almost 4 months old, they just roam around the yard. They are not scared of the GSD's and the male checks on them and their coop all day long and guards it even thru the window. The girl just stays away. You just have to be around to get them used to the chicks and once they know that they are not a threat, they are good and very protective of their babies
Hope this helps

 

[Abriana]

Undersocialized dogs will be wary and even aggressive no matter the breed. Who is this new person? I don’t know who they are or if they are safe, and they are on my territory.
It is crucial to get a puppy and socialize it extremely well. German shepherds can be aggressive, but you can take extra precautions to keep people safe or to stop the aggression in the first place. My family was talking to a police officer one day and he said most of the attacks from dogs he faces are from German shepherds. However, there are sweet German shepherds in the world.
Collies and aussies are great choices if you want a smart dog that you can train quickly and easily. I trained my collie to sit on the very first day I got him as a 12 week old puppy. He is so smart and great protection. Just the other day he wouldn’t let the UPS man on the porch, although he usually loves UPS men and follows them to the truck and peeks in the back. He didn’t bite or growl, just kept moving in front of him. He keeps predators away from the chickens and keeps the deer away from the garden. A collie would be another great choice for you!

 

[BreanneRN]

Certainly a German Shepherd can potentially be aggressive and that should be taken into consideration before having one. If your rooster is chasing you around the yard, I would avoid this breed. On the other hand, if you have raised dogs and understand there is a need for proper socialization and are willing to spend time and train the dog, you will probably do well with them and have a strong reliable family member/companion. How the dog becomes will depend on his early training and experiences you give him.