German Shepherd Temperament What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

The AKC Standard says the German Shepherd "has a distinct personality marked by direct and
fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence, and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them."
That's a great description of an ideal German Shepherd.
Unfortunately, it's very difficult to find an ideal German Shepherd today. Nowadays, this breed is all over the map in temperament. Lines that are bred for protection work and the sport of schutzhund tend to be "hard-tempered" and businesslike. Show lines range from mild and mellow, to hyperactive and skittish, to downright dumb and dopey. And many German Shepherds bred by backyard breeders have risky temperaments and suffer from a host of health problems.
Energy levels vary from vigorous to laid-back, but all German Shepherds, to maintain their athletic shape, need brisk walking every day and all-out running in a safe, enclosed area as often as possible.
Mental exercise (advanced obedience classes, agility classes, schutzhund, tracking, herding) is even more important for German Shepherds. This is a smart, thinking breed (at least the good ones are!) and his intelligence is often wasted in a home that simply wants a casual pet.
Finally, early and ongoing socialization is a must to develop a stable, confident temperament.
Most German Shepherds are fine with other family pets, if introduced when young. However, some individuals are cat chasers, and many individuals are dominant or even aggressive with strange dogs of the same sex.
One of the most capable and trainable breeds in all of dogdom, exceedingly eager to learn and work, an ideal German Shepherd, when well-trained by a confident owner, is a magnificent companion.

If you want a dog who...

Is strong, athletic, and natural-looking
Thrives on challenging activities and exercise
Looks stern and imposing, so makes an effective deterrent
Is exceptionally intelligent, loyal, and versatile -- when well-socialized and well-trained, can learn and do almost anything

A German Shepherd may be right for you.

f you don't want to deal with...

IAn extremely careful search to find a stable-tempered German Shepherd with a decent chance of staying healthy
Providing plenty of exercise and interesting things to do
Providing careful socialization
Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
Potential aggression toward other dogs
Constant heavy shedding - 365 days a year
Legal liabilities (public perception, future breed bans, insurance problems, increased chance of lawsuits)
Concerns about a multitude of serious health problems

A German Shepherd may not be right for you.

But you can avoid or minimize some negative traits by
choosing the RIGHT breeder and the RIGHT puppy
or choosing an ADULT dog from your animal shelter or rescue group – a dog who has already proven that he doesn't have negative traits
training your dog to respect you
avoiding health problems by following my daily care program in 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy