How to Understand the Disadvantages of Adopting a German Shepherd Dog

Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd dog? Although these beautiful, noble dogs make wonderful pets, there are certain drawbacks to consider. Here are the disadvantages of owning a German Shepherd.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. They can be overly protective.
   
   The German Shepherd dog breed has a tendency to be suspicious of strangers unless given early socialization. It's important that they interact with a variety of people from a young age in order to learn to differentiate the “good guys” from the “bad guys”.

2. German Shepherds need exercise and mental stimulation.
   
   A German Shepherd needs to have a job and a sense of purpose. This dog breed won't be happy confined to a house or apartment all day and will manifest their displeasure with destructive behavior. They need frequent exercise to expend some of their considerable energy.

3. German Shepherds may be aggressive with other animals.
   
   If you have other pets at home, particularly cats, introducing a German Shepherd into your family may present problems. It may take patience and a lot of training to help them overcome their tendency to chase other animals.

4. They are prone to health problems.
   
   This German Shepherd dog breed is prone to a variety of health problems
   including hip dysplasia, hemangiosarcoma, pancreatitis, and intestinal bloat. Count on spending some money on veterinary bills if you choose to adopt this breed.

5. There is the potential for legal liability.
   
   The German Shepherd is one of the dog breeds some insurance companies have on their black list, meaning they won't insure you if you have one or will charge you a large premium. This is a sad fact of life since many German Shepherd dogs make model pets with proper care and training.