GSD Owners - what is the 'thing'? Questions

I've read much about 'once a GSD owner, always a GSD owner' and that 'something about them'. Triallists who have them all seem to moan about the challenges they have with them and then say '...mind, I wouldn't have anything else...'

As I bond with Max my GSD pup I'm discovering how he seems to get under my skin but I can't put my finger on it or describe it properly?

As a GSD owner, how do you describe this feeling?

Wait untill hes mature, they get even more under your skin.

They just have a certain air and grace about them that's contageous. So loyal, so trusting, but each have their own individual personalities, so not one is the same.

couldn't have put it better myself, between me and my mum we have 5 and while we can generally match energy levels, personalities are all completely different

GSDs live for you - and would willingly die for you. They share your life and in return you adore them.
It`s all in the eyes.

exactly C&D! It's the eyes that do it for me. When Ranger lifts his head and gazes at me with that soulful look (usually after he's shredded something he shouldn't have ) my heart melts.

I think this goes for any person/dog - when you find the breed that 'clicks' with you.

Its a great feeling

I would agree I feel like that about my Beardies

And how do they get under your skin without you realising it?

As a kid I was bitten by a GSD (my fault) so I wouldn't have expected to take to them like I have. My first male is a complete luvbug.

GSDs are the ultimate breed for me. They are incredibly beautiful to look at, loyal, brave, intelligent and they are real people dogs. A good GSD is really in tune with his owner.

I am not sure if there is anything unique about GSD particularly.

I think it depends on the individual dogs and owner. I have had 6 dogs and two of them got under my skin. My first Weimaraner and my GSD.

Both of them were "all me" as people said/say, both definitely "one man dogs".

I would never say "there is no other breed" for me as we change, evolve and at some point I will have to downsize when i am not strong enough to cope with the type of dog I currently enjoy.

Next year I will have my third breed and am looking forward to the challenges that will bring.

Whilst I am quite sure I could love another breed, I had Cairn Terriers for years and loved them to bits, my heart would always miss a GSD. I am not sure I would have any more dogs now for various reasons but if I did I would probably be looking at a GSD rescue for an older more sedate dog rather than any other small manageable breed.

My sister has this GSD thing, but apart from the dogs we grew up with (cocker spaniel, collie crosses) she's not had another breed -it was her ex husband who wanted GSDs because his mum bred them. Yes she wants another shep and does miss them, despite now being the carer for my rescue Malinois.

I don't understand it TBH... especially when I see Merlin and/or my rescue girl wanting to be close and give love, she seems to want to keep them at a distance. Is that it?

I have had collies as well as my GSDs, but since as far back as I can remember I had this love for the GSD breed and I would always want one. They can provide all sorts of challenges that a less demanding breed wouldn't, but I still wouldn't want anything else. Or at least, if I did get another breed again, I would always want a GSD alongside too.

I can't even say precisely why it was the GSD breed I fell for hook line and sinker, as I walked lots of different breeds when I was younger.

I`ve got a motley crew - but it`s Daisy who makes me melt when she looks at me. I hope I am never without a German Shepherd.
For the Shamus the Shorthair I`m the staff
for Dobie X Prince I`m the teacher
for Alfie the collie I`m mum
but Daisy is my friend.

take away the "air and grace" and you could be talking terrier...

That's lovely.

Nail and head there Claire, except for you missed out the "best" before that friend!!! Absolutely! Mine is and always will be my very best friend, she knows me inside out, moreso than any of my human friends!

Sosha, I'm afraid your terriers just can't match it, they run off hunting, a gsd would never do that, they cannot let you out of sight, it's not in their nature like your terriers!

GSDs certainly seem to have a very strong and dedicated following. Not that other breeds don't, but GSDs are special. So there!

I love my GSD but Dobermen are my breed of choice and although I said I wouldn't have another,I miss them so much,never say never!