German Shepherds are among the best family protection dogs due to their high intelligence, athleticism, and fiercely loyal nature. When it comes to choosing a personal protection dog that can keep up with your needs and can also serve as a trustworthy family companion, a German Shepherd should be at the top of your list. It is important that you learn about the ways in which dogs of this breed excel, as well as what they need to be successful, before you commit to investing in a German Shepherd protection dog.
So, exactly why are German Shepherds good protection dogs? Read on to learn more about all of the qualities that make a German Shepherd an excellent protection dog, as well as why they make wonderful family dogs.
The German Shepherd is Highly Intelligent
German Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs, which requires the ability to anticipate and assess a herd’s movement pattern, as well as the ability to adapt quickly to get every member of the herd safely to their next location. German Shepherds were later sought after as police and military dogs due to these abilities, along with their high intelligence and trainability. These dogs learn quickly and retain training for many needs and special services all at once, making them an ideal fit for the best family protection dogs. Additionally, because German Shepherds are also highly adaptable and enjoy being both mentally and physically challenged, having a clear job helps ensure they don’t get bored.
The German Shepherd Loves to Work
It’s true—these dogs love a job and will work incredibly hard in any capacity for their people. With expert training, German Shepherd protection dogs are extremely reliable, tireless, and well-mannered workers, always putting their full energy into their jobs. And, because they’re an intelligent breed, they’re able to focus on several needs at once, for example, assessing a potential threat while simultaneously protecting their family.
The German Shepherd is Strong
Still wondering, “Are German Shepherds good protection dogs?” In addition to German Shepherds’ intelligence and love of work, they also stand out for their incredible strength. A German Shepherd can take down and neutralize a threat with a single-word command, and this dog will do so without hesitation. They are able to quickly move from an easy gait to running at great speeds, and they are known for their strong bite (when necessary). In fact, German Shepherds are so frequently chosen as police and military dogs that they’ve become well-known as powerful partners in all aspects of personal protection and law enforcement.
The German Shepherd is Extremely Adaptable
German Shepherds are the best family protection dogs because they are so adaptable. They can move between extremely active needs, like patrolling a large property, to quietly and gently protecting your children. With expert training, they know how to determine whether someone is a friend or a stranger, and they are trained how to behave accordingly.
The German Shepherd is a Loyal Family Dog
German Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs, and as such, they view their family much like a herd. This means that they are ready and willing to be your protector and guardian at all times, remaining fiercely loyal in every situation. They are also loving and gentle with their families, so you can feel confident with German Shepherd protection dogs in your home, even around children.
German Shepherds are High Energy Dogs
One thing you cannot take for granted is that German Shepherds have a lot of energy, so they require a lot of exercise. They are working dogs, so it’s important that they have a way to work off all that energy so that they don’t get bored and look for trouble. Whether you bring them with you on a daily run, task your kids with playing with them each day, or give them the job of patrolling your property, it’s essential that they have ample opportunity to expend their energy.
Dog-Approved Activities for German Shepherd
You’ll want to be prepared to keep your German Shepherd busy and active, so it can be helpful to know what kind of activities these dogs typically enjoy. Whether you prefer casual exercise or more organized activities, you can try any of the following:
- Get your German Shepherd involved in agility, herding, or tracking activities. You can do these activities at home or with an organized group. You’ll likely find you enjoy them too.
- Take your dog out for regular runs or walks, or take them on hikes with the family.
- Take your dog out to the yard regularly to complete an agility course, fetch a ball or frisbee, or even play hide and seek.
All of these activities can also build on your dog’s skills as a protection dog, so think about how you’d like to incorporate your dog’s training into each day’s activities.
How Much Does a German Shepherd Cost?
Now that you can answer, “Are German Shepherds good protection dogs,” it’s time to consider the investment for a well-bred, expertly trained German Shepherd. The cost of owning a German Shepherd personal protection dog is not small, but the price you can expect to pay when you bring your dog home will depend on several factors, including the dog’s breeding, lineage, and training.
The Breed of Your German Shepherd
There are a lot of different kinds of breeders selling German Shepherd puppies, but it’s important to do your research on any breeders you’re considering. The best family protection dogs come from reliable breeders with a reputation for breeding dogs with excellent health and the right personality for a personal protection dog. Puppies from reputable breeders are going to be more expensive, but you’re investing in the reassurance that you’re getting a high-quality German Shepherd puppy. If you make your choice exclusively on price, you’re unlikely to get the caliber of dog you really want.
German Shepherd Lineage
Are German Shepherds good protection dogs regardless of lineage? Unfortunately, no, because you might not know what type of dog your puppy will grow into. Your German Shepherd’s lineage is important because it tells you about the health, personality, and overall traits to expect from your puppy. Dogs from a respected breeder will come with a desirable lineage and a clear idea of the type of dog you can expect your puppy to grow into. That does translate to a higher price—likely between $3,500 and $6,000—but it also means fewer worries about your dog.
German Shepherd Protection Training
If you’re interested in the best family protection dog, you should invest in protection training conducted by an expert trainer. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is trained thoroughly and correctly so you can trust in their training completely. This type of training goes well beyond obedience training and extends to preparing your dog for stressful and dangerous situations. They will learn to assess and identify a threat, apprehend intruders, and more.
Bringing Your German Shepherd Home
Once you’ve purchased your German Shepherd, it’s important to remember that you’ll continue to incur expenses as you care for and train your dog. You’ll want to plan on the following ongoing costs:
- High-quality dog food for an active dog
- Regular veterinary care, including vaccines
- Grooming and dental care
- General pet care supplies like dog beds and crates, collars and leads, treats, toys, etc.
- Pet insurance to plan for unforeseen medical costs for illness or injury
- Boarding, if you plan to vacation without your protection dog
It’s a good idea to plan for at least $1,000 per year to meet your family protection dog’s needs. Remember, this dog will be another member of your family, so you’re committing to keeping them happy and healthy at all times.
Is the German Shepherd Right for You?
Are German Shepherds good protection dogs for your family? Only you can answer that question, but a well-bred and trained German Shepherd is a loyal, courageous, and intelligent dog who will faithfully protect your family. These dogs are easy to train and ready to work hard while offering your family priceless companionship. If you can commit to providing your dog with the exercise, stimulation, and love this dog will need to provide you with the kind of reliable safety you can count on, you’ll be very happy with a German Shepherd protection dog.
Ready to discover where to find the best and most reliable German Shepherd personal protection dogs? Find out more about the protection dogs available from Scott’s K9. You’ll see the difference in how we select and train our dogs, why we stand apart from other protection dog trainers, and why we carefully choose the breeders we work with to ensure we always have top-tier, reliable dogs.
Sources:
https://scottsk9.com/belgian-malinois-the-ultimate-personal-protection-dog/
https://scottsk9.com/protection-dogs-for-sale/
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shepherd-dog/
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/german-shepherd-dog-vs-belgian-malinois/