H
Piccola
GT aficionado
When I moved to AZ, I spent a few months dog-sitting for a variety of dogs and got to hang out a great deal at the dog park. I recall talking to a guy who had a Bohemian Shepherd. As I had a German Shepherd, I was curious to learn more about them. You can probably read up on them. They are very obedient and good with other dogs and family members, easy to train, great watch dogs, and they stay calm in chaotic situations (such as a lot of loud and obnoxious family members getting together with a bunch of children running around.
Even though they are great playing and getting along with other types of dogs, you may want to talk to someone who has more than one living together - especially if they are both male - to make sure they won't have problems with trying to be dominant over the other. I don't think that would be a problem, but it's something I'd consider. (No personal experience.)
What I learned directly from the owner is that they crave attention worse than children and want to be actively involved in everything going on. It doesn't mean they won't behave. If you ask them to sit and stay, I'm sure they'll do it regardless of what is going on around them. But... If people are in a room, these dogs will want to be in there and be allowed to play and be pet and loved.
They are incredibly high energy. They don't like to be ignored and they are not the type of dog you leave indoors. If you don't have a big backyard to let them run around in or take them running or to a dog park where they can get rid of all their energy and play, they may not be the best choice. They also have a thick dark coat, so leaving them outside in a hot environment might not be a great idea either. (CA doesn't seem too hot compared to PHX, but I don't see many in PHX.) They do enjoy swimming and jumping off of ledges into water - very little fear - to chase balls and other things. And, they appear to be competitive, but unlike Molly, the German Shepherd, this dog listened to his owner and did what he was told. :lol
Anyways, the owner seemed to be very happy with what he got. I'm guessing both the dog and the training would be much more $$ than a "normal" dog, but you'll get what you pay for and feel safe.
Great picture BTW!!! Are those the ones you are thinking of getting?
TEXAS GT
2006 Twin Turbo
We currently have a longcoat German shepard, look's very simular. We imported both of our GSD's with both great and very bad results. For just a start, do not accept a dog without pedigree verification and complete hip X-rays, checked by you're own vet.
This is a good place to start the search. www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd Some very good, helpfull breeders along with a few crooks.
This is a good place to start the search. www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd Some very good, helpfull breeders along with a few crooks.
A few other factors.
This breed sheds a TON of long hair so if it's going to live in your home you need to prepare your wife in advance. Keep them off the furnature and vacuum twice a week. They also need to be groomed similar to a Golden Retriever or their hair can mat up. They have finer hair than a German Shepard so they are more suceptable to picking up burrs if you have those in your area. Last, like all large breeds, hip problems occur way too often so be sure to check your dogs genetics for past problems and get a guarantee from your breeder. Find the right one and he'll generate a lot of attention as you don't see that breed very often. They are very beautiful.
Chip
This breed sheds a TON of long hair so if it's going to live in your home you need to prepare your wife in advance. Keep them off the furnature and vacuum twice a week. They also need to be groomed similar to a Golden Retriever or their hair can mat up. They have finer hair than a German Shepard so they are more suceptable to picking up burrs if you have those in your area. Last, like all large breeds, hip problems occur way too often so be sure to check your dogs genetics for past problems and get a guarantee from your breeder. Find the right one and he'll generate a lot of attention as you don't see that breed very often. They are very beautiful.
Chip