Is a German Shepherd Dog the Right Dog for You?
The German Shepherd Dog is magnificent, intelligent, loyal and deeply devoted to its family, but it is not the right breed for everyone. Before bringing a German Shepherd Dog into your home, it is important to understand the dog behind those beautiful looks and decide honestly whether the breed will suit your family, lifestyle and expectations.
Over 50 Years With German Shepherd Dogs
German Shepherd Dogs have been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I have now been breeding them for over 50 years. During that time I have learnt that living successfully with a German Shepherd Dog is about understanding the breed, respecting its intelligence and giving it the companionship, guidance and commitment it deserves.
Loyalty Comes With Responsibility
A German Shepherd Dog forms a very strong bond with its family and wants to be part of everyday life. This is not a breed that should simply be left outside or expected to amuse itself for hours on end. They thrive on companionship, routine and having a close relationship with their people. That wonderful loyalty is one of the reasons I have loved the breed for so many years.
They Need Training, Not Just Exercise
German Shepherd Dogs are highly intelligent dogs and need their minds occupied as well as their bodies exercised. Good training should begin from puppyhood, with clear boundaries, consistency and plenty of positive experiences. A well-bred German Shepherd Dog wants to learn and work with you, but without guidance that intelligence can very quickly be put to use making their own decisions!
A Family Companion
My German Shepherd Dogs are bred first and foremost to be family companions. I want them to be loving, loyal dogs that enjoy being part of family life. With the right upbringing, training and supervision, a German Shepherd Dog can be a wonderful family dog, but their size, strength and intelligence mean that owners must be prepared to put the time into raising them properly.
Not a Dog for Everyone
A German Shepherd Dog needs an owner who is prepared to be involved. They need time, training, exercise, companionship and sensible boundaries. If you are looking for a dog that requires very little input, a German Shepherd Dog is probably not the right choice. But for the right person or family, the devotion and relationship you can have with this breed is incredibly special.
Temperament Matters
For me, temperament has always been one of the most important qualities in a German Shepherd Dog. I want a dog to be confident, intelligent, loyal and affectionate, with a sound temperament that allows it to enjoy life as a family companion. A German Shepherd Dog should naturally have courage and character, but that does not mean it needs to be aggressive or deliberately encouraged to become a protection dog.
Health, Soundness & Construction
A German Shepherd Dog should not only look beautiful; it should be healthy, sound and able to move comfortably and efficiently. Responsible breeding means considering health testing, temperament, construction and the dogs behind a pedigree when planning a litter. For me, breeding a German Shepherd Dog has never been about appearance alone — the whole dog matters.
The German Shepherd Dog I Love
I have always had a particular love for the magnificent long-coat German Shepherd Dog. I like a beautiful, balanced dog with good breed type, sound construction and a lovely temperament. But however striking a Shepherd may be, beauty should never come at the expense of health, soundness or character. The dog still has to live a happy, comfortable life and, above all, be a wonderful companion.
Could a German Shepherd Be Right for You?
If you want an intelligent, loyal and affectionate dog that will become a real part of your family — and you are prepared to give it the time, training, exercise and companionship it needs — a German Shepherd can be an extraordinary companion. They give an enormous amount back, but they deserve owners who understand the commitment they are making.
The Chezza’s German Shepherd
After more than 50 years of breeding German Shepherds, my aim remains remarkably simple: to breed beautiful long-coat Shepherds with health, soundness and exceptional family temperaments at the heart of everything I do. I want every Chezza’s Shepherd to be loved not simply for how magnificent it looks, but for the wonderful dog it is to live with.