I've Owned Three German Shepherd Dogs Over The last 20 Years:

[strollingbones]

doberman here...grumpy saw a german shepard attack and kill a child....
he was wary of my dobermans but not anymore

 

[strollingbones]

we have a mutto....mostly assuie shepard...smart ....i was impressed by how smart he is...came from the local humane, best place to rescue a lot of love

 

[Claudette]

we have a mutto....mostly assuie shepard...smart ....i was impressed by how smart he is...came from the local humane, best place to rescue a lot of love

I have four dogs and every one of them is a pound puppy. Couldn't ask for nicer or better dogs.

Rescuing love is what its all about.

 

[LordBrownTrout]

My last dog Shepard/Husky mix,


one blue eye one brown eye. Intelligent and loving. We had to put her down. We took one tumor off her leg and another grew back right in the middle of her forehead they couldn't operate on. Sad sad day.

Beautiful animal. I'm sorry about the tumors. One of our shepherds developed cancer in his mouth. My wife and I both sobbed aloud when he had to be put down.

Awwww, how touching. Didn't you refer to babies as blobs one time.

 

[tinydancer]

Well hell. I've had German Shepherds all my life and they were all Independent. I've done Shutzhund, Obedience and Herding with them.

I've also owned and trialed Border Collies in sheep trials.

The BC is the smartest dog on the planet, bar none.

The German Shepherd is rated number two and the Poodle number three.

I've never had a Dem German Shepherd and don't think they exist. LOL

Whoa. Truly on the BC's? I used to chat with a great soul in Australia who had this lassie called Sally. Now you used to train them so you would understand this strange story. He got Sally and he'd post these pictures of her attempting to herd ......are you ready.......the planes flying above her. He lived next to an airport. He actually did in the end buy a farm for her. True story. Boy that's years ago on a different forum.

I know it sounds crazy to some. But hey I bred Catahoulas. We're out there.

Catahoulas are great dogs. Seen many of them in herding class. They can herd and hunt. Super dogs.

My line was out of Bando's Camp a While. Now I had to breed for size to take our conditions up here. Can't herd track or hunt if the dogs going to go down on you at minus 20C and no matter how good your dog is cripes that temp can drop within an hour and you've got your baby in the field. So I was going for 80 lbs. Max. Bred with Southern Lights. Jim Dandy out of Camp a while and Ruby Starr out of Southern Lights. Oh man. I only let Ruby throw two litters.

But if I can say so myself man oh man she gave the world 24 of the prettiest badasses on the planet. She was with me for a 12 years. Miss her so.

 

[Claudette]

Well hell. I've had German Shepherds all my life and they were all Independent. I've done Shutzhund, Obedience and Herding with them.

I've also owned and trialed Border Collies in sheep trials.

The BC is the smartest dog on the planet, bar none.

The German Shepherd is rated number two and the Poodle number three.

I've never had a Dem German Shepherd and don't think they exist. LOL

Whoa. Truly on the BC's? I used to chat with a great soul in Australia who had this lassie called Sally. Now you used to train them so you would understand this strange story. He got Sally and he'd post these pictures of her attempting to herd ......are you ready.......the planes flying above her. He lived next to an airport. He actually did in the end buy a farm for her. True story. Boy that's years ago on a different forum.

I know it sounds crazy to some. But hey I bred Catahoulas. We're out there.

Catahoulas are great dogs. Seen many of them in herding class. They can herd and hunt. Super dogs.

My line was out of Bando's Camp a While. Now I had to breed for size to take our conditions up here. Can't herd track or hunt if the dogs going to go down on you at minus 20C and no matter how good your dog is cripes that temp can drop within an hour and you've got your baby in the field. So I was going for 80 lbs. Max. Bred with Southern Lights. Jim Dandy out of Camp a while and Ruby Starr out of Southern Lights. Oh man. I only let Ruby throw two litters.

But if I can say so myself man oh man she gave the world 24 of the prettiest badasses on the planet. She was with me for a 12 years. Miss her so.

I've shared my life with some great dogs and raised a few GSD's.

Who couldn't love a dog??

 

[Katzndogz]

Well hell. I've had German Shepherds all my life and they were all Independent. I've done Shutzhund, Obedience and Herding with them.

I've also owned and trialed Border Collies in sheep trials.

The BC is the smartest dog on the planet, bar none.

The German Shepherd is rated number two and the Poodle number three.

I've never had a Dem German Shepherd and don't think they exist. LOL

Just to clear your confusion. The poodle is #2.

INTELLIGENCE OF DOGS - The ranking by breed

 

[Claudette]

Well hell. I've had German Shepherds all my life and they were all Independent. I've done Shutzhund, Obedience and Herding with them.

I've also owned and trialed Border Collies in sheep trials.

The BC is the smartest dog on the planet, bar none.

The German Shepherd is rated number two and the Poodle number three.

I've never had a Dem German Shepherd and don't think they exist. LOL

Just to clear your confusion. The poodle is #2.

INTELLIGENCE OF DOGS - The ranking by breed

Yep. I agree. The GSD is number three behind the BC and the Poodle.

Last list I saw was an old one and the GSD was number two with the poodle number three. Either way these are the top three as far a smarts and trainability go.

 

[Iceweasel]

INTELLIGENCE OF DOGS - The ranking by breed

I don't see Rat Terriers on the list but I don't think the are a official breed. Mine is too smart for my own good.

 

[tinydancer]

we have a mutto....mostly assuie shepard...smart ....i was impressed by how smart he is...came from the local humane, best place to rescue a lot of love

I'm thinking old timers. I've been reading a lot about these older beasties that get turned in because their beloved human has taken ill or passed. Only reason I haven't done it yet is I'm trying to figure out how to grieve again because losing a fur baby hurts so bad.

So I'm trying to get up the courage to do this. There's an old timer out there waiting for last love. I just have to get brave enough.

 

[whitehall]

Shepherds are good at sniffing drugs and so are democrats.

 

[tinydancer]

INTELLIGENCE OF DOGS - The ranking by breed

I don't see Rat Terriers on the list but I don't think the are a official breed. Mine is too smart for my own good.

Only some terriers make it to official. T'is ok. My canine bucket list included a breed called Glen of Imaal. If you ever get a chance oh heck I wonder if they're still doing it. Jack Russell trials at the CNE. Sportsman show.

If you love terriers this is the one to see. These pups hit 100 mph in 2 seconds flat. It's unreal to see them.

 

[blackhawk]

So your dogs told you they were Democrats? BeginTwilight Zone theme.

 

[g5000]

I have a conure parrot with an extremely limited vocabulary. I'm thinking of changing her name to Kosh.

 

[g5000]

I had a black lab mix who was the Einstein of dogs. If he had started talking one day, it would not have jarred me in the slightest.

I now have a German Shepherd/Black Lab mix, and he's the dumbest dog I've ever had. He's also extremely co-dependent. A velcro dog. He's clearly a Democrat. But I think he may be a Blue Dog Democrat, because if you're in a fight, you definitely want this monster with you.

 

[Campbell]

All of Them Were Democrats. Just a side note.......They are rated among the smartest of all canine breeds:

Actually the smartest of all canine breeds is the Border Collie followed by the Poodle.

I didn't say they were the smartest.....I said they are among the smartest breeds:

The top 10 smartest dog breeds


10. Australian Cattle Dog

Mardi Growl (Flickr/Scott Spaeth)

These beautiful dogs are a unique crossbreeed of blue merle shepherds imported from England and the native Australian dingo. High energy and hard working, he thrives in an active home doing intensive sports like agility, rally obedience, herding trials, and flyball.



9. Rottweiler

Rottweiler (Flickr/Over Z Rain)

Ancient Roman cattle herders, cart pullers, and guardians, the rottweiler is renowned for his gentleness with family and friends, and strength and bravery in defending them. Though known for his docile nature, thorough training and socialization is an absolute must for puppies to mature into solid canine citizens.



8. Papillon

Papillon (Flickr/Andrea Arden)

The Papillon is named for their graceful feathered and raised ears. Royal portraiture shows small spaniels resembling the papillon as far back as the 16th century! They are active, companionable, and highly trainable—the smartest of the toy dog breeds.



7. Labrador Retriever

Lotte (Flickr/Andreas)

The most popular breed of dog in the US 23 years in a row, the labrador retriever is named for the cold waters off Newfoundland where they were first bred. A short thick coat, webbed feet, and a heavy tail help the lab swim long distances in cold water. In addition to their hunting prowess, labs are popular favorites for canine water rescue, therapy work, and assistance dog training. Labs excel in the canine sport of dock jumping.



6. Shetland Sheepdog

Luna (Flickr/Loowgren)

The shetland sheepdog may look just like a miniature collie, but they started out as a local variant of the Icelandic sheepdog found in the Shetland Islands. These little spitz shepherds were then bred to rough collies to create this unique breed. Playful and energetic, the sheltie is equally at home working on the farm or in the burbs, showing off in agility, flyball, and obedience.



5. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman (Flickr/Juanedc)

The doberman pinscher was originally bred by a German tax collector for protection on his rounds. Modern dobermans are far less aggressive and make wonderful family dogs that love to play and are extremely loyal.



4. Golden Retriever

Sammy (Flickr/Thomas Teubert)

Originally hailing from Scotland, the golden retriever breed was started in 1865 out of a lone yellow pup from a litter of black wavy coated retrievers cross bred to a local type of water spaniel by Lord Tweedmouth of Guisachan in Scotland. This gorgeous, friendly dog still excels in retrieving, as well as agility and obedience, and as service dogs.



3. German Shepherd

German Shepherds (Flickr/Damian Synnott)

The modern German Shepherd was standardized by breeder Captain Max von Stephanitz in 1889 with a goal of “utility and intelligence.” As Germany modernized and the need for working herding dogs seemed on the decline, von Stephanitz worked with police and dog clubs to develop a set of protection and obedience tests which today is still practiced and known as Schutzhund (protection dog).



2. Poodle

Poodle (Flickr/Zoe Kahana)

More than just a foofoo haircut, poodles were originally bred in Germany for bird hunting and water retrieving, and have been excelling at that task since before the invention of guns. Their storied history includes many occupations and locales, from herding sheep to crossing the battle field to bring supplies to the wounded to the performing arts. The poodle is remarkable for its loving nature, trainable intelligence, and sense of humor.



1. Border Collie

Border Collie (Flickr/Emily Waugh)

Originally known as the “Scotch sheep dog,” the border collie hails from the highland border of England and Scotland. Bred to think independently and at long distances from human shepherds, they have the problem solving intelligence and strong working drive to maintain control of the flock. Chaser, the dog who knows 1,022 toys by name, is an amazing example of her breed.

 

[baileyn45]

All of Them Were Democrats. Just a side note.......They are rated among the smartest of all canine breeds:

Actually the smartest of all canine breeds is the Border Collie followed by the Poodle.

I didn't say they were the smartest.....I said they are among the smartest breeds:

The top 10 smartest dog breeds


10. Australian Cattle Dog

Mardi Growl (Flickr/Scott Spaeth)

These beautiful dogs are a unique crossbreeed of blue merle shepherds imported from England and the native Australian dingo. High energy and hard working, he thrives in an active home doing intensive sports like agility, rally obedience, herding trials, and flyball.



9. Rottweiler

Rottweiler (Flickr/Over Z Rain)

Ancient Roman cattle herders, cart pullers, and guardians, the rottweiler is renowned for his gentleness with family and friends, and strength and bravery in defending them. Though known for his docile nature, thorough training and socialization is an absolute must for puppies to mature into solid canine citizens.



8. Papillon

Papillon (Flickr/Andrea Arden)

The Papillon is named for their graceful feathered and raised ears. Royal portraiture shows small spaniels resembling the papillon as far back as the 16th century! They are active, companionable, and highly trainable—the smartest of the toy dog breeds.



7. Labrador Retriever

Lotte (Flickr/Andreas)

The most popular breed of dog in the US 23 years in a row, the labrador retriever is named for the cold waters off Newfoundland where they were first bred. A short thick coat, webbed feet, and a heavy tail help the lab swim long distances in cold water. In addition to their hunting prowess, labs are popular favorites for canine water rescue, therapy work, and assistance dog training. Labs excel in the canine sport of dock jumping.



6. Shetland Sheepdog

Luna (Flickr/Loowgren)

The shetland sheepdog may look just like a miniature collie, but they started out as a local variant of the Icelandic sheepdog found in the Shetland Islands. These little spitz shepherds were then bred to rough collies to create this unique breed. Playful and energetic, the sheltie is equally at home working on the farm or in the burbs, showing off in agility, flyball, and obedience.



5. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman (Flickr/Juanedc)

The doberman pinscher was originally bred by a German tax collector for protection on his rounds. Modern dobermans are far less aggressive and make wonderful family dogs that love to play and are extremely loyal.



4. Golden Retriever

Sammy (Flickr/Thomas Teubert)

Originally hailing from Scotland, the golden retriever breed was started in 1865 out of a lone yellow pup from a litter of black wavy coated retrievers cross bred to a local type of water spaniel by Lord Tweedmouth of Guisachan in Scotland. This gorgeous, friendly dog still excels in retrieving, as well as agility and obedience, and as service dogs.



3. German Shepherd

German Shepherds (Flickr/Damian Synnott)

The modern German Shepherd was standardized by breeder Captain Max von Stephanitz in 1889 with a goal of “utility and intelligence.” As Germany modernized and the need for working herding dogs seemed on the decline, von Stephanitz worked with police and dog clubs to develop a set of protection and obedience tests which today is still practiced and known as Schutzhund (protection dog).



2. Poodle

Poodle (Flickr/Zoe Kahana)

More than just a foofoo haircut, poodles were originally bred in Germany for bird hunting and water retrieving, and have been excelling at that task since before the invention of guns. Their storied history includes many occupations and locales, from herding sheep to crossing the battle field to bring supplies to the wounded to the performing arts. The poodle is remarkable for its loving nature, trainable intelligence, and sense of humor.



1. Border Collie

Border Collie (Flickr/Emily Waugh)

Originally known as the “Scotch sheep dog,” the border collie hails from the highland border of England and Scotland. Bred to think independently and at long distances from human shepherds, they have the problem solving intelligence and strong working drive to maintain control of the flock. Chaser, the dog who knows 1,022 toys by name, is an amazing example of her breed.

I was just about to post that I'd put my goldens up against any breed for smarts. I have a friend that trains service dogs. Swears by goldens, not necessarily on straight smarts but the combination of smarts and temperament.

On the other hand I had a pound mutt growing up that would do a "down and out pattern" catch a nerf football and score every time. He was convinced that he was the eighth child of the family.

 

[Campbell]

Shepherds are good at sniffing drugs and so are democrats.

At least we know the good stuff from the bad. The Republicans overdose and die in motel rooms.

 

[baileyn45]

doberman here...grumpy saw a german shepard attack and kill a child....
he was wary of my dobermans but not anymore

As a teenager I used to take care of a neighbors doby when they were out of town. She was a huge red and I'll tell you what, if you ever want to clear a sidewalk put that dog on your hip and watch the seas part. She was a sweetheart, must just be the look.