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I plan to get a German Shepherd Puppy after I get back from Iraq next March. At this point my wife and I live in a small one bedroom apartment, but plan to buy a house upon my return. I need to know how much land a German Shepherd needs to live a healthy, fulfilled life. I am a Marine and plan to go running with my new companion as often as possible (nearly every day), but I am sure he'll still need a big back yard. Anybody with an answer will be appreciated.

I don't think there is the perfect answer to your question.

I lived in a one bedroom 20 x 30 house with two GSD's over a 100lbs, 2 cats, and 2 birds & a husband, for 7 years when we rented..We had maybe 1/4 of an acre fenced, BUT I lived right next door to a Nature Preserve so lots of hiking.

Now I have 4 dogs, 2 GSD's, 2 Aussies, which are VERY VERY active, my house is 2000 sq ft, and I have almost an acre fenced. I do all kinds of outside activities with my dogs,,classes, agility, obedience, whatever..

And it depends on the dog to,,GSD"s are pretty adaptable dogs for the most part. HOwever, I think the most important thing is to "know" what kind of dog you want to live with, high energy? medium? low? and find a responsible breeder who Temperament test's their puppies and who will match YOU with the puppy that will fit your lifestyle requirements.

Diane

Wow, that helps a lot. I am looking forward to two active GSDs. I will probably only get one because my work takes up too much of my time as it is. So I think one will have to do. As a Marine I do a lot of running and plan to run with him (or them). So whether I have a lot of land or not, they will get plenty of exercise, but I do still want to provide enough land for them to play without me.

>>I plan to get a German Shepherd Puppy after I get back from Iraq next March. At this point my wife and I live in a small one bedroom apartment, but plan to buy a house upon my return. I need to know how much land a German Shepherd needs to live a healthy, fulfilled life. I am a Marine and plan to go running with my new companion as often as possible (nearly every day), but I am sure he'll still need a big back yard. Anybody with an answer will be appreciated.

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A small fenced yard for potty needs is adequate and keeping the dog indoors is preferable, if you provide the dog with training, companionship and exercise. A GSD needs to be with people a lot more than he needs tons of exercise. He needs training with the exercise. Mindful exercise is the best kind for this breed, not mindless running. Left in a backyard unsupervised, a GSD is at high risk.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Well, I would like him/her (preferable him) to be an inside dog, bu twe'll hav eto see what my wife says about that...Ha Ha. As far as I'm concerned he'll definately be an inside dog. But doesn't even an inside German Shepherd need quite a bit of room just for comfort?

>>Well, I would like him/her (preferable him) to be an inside dog, bu twe'll hav eto see what my wife says about that...Ha Ha. As far as I'm concerned he'll definately be an inside dog. But doesn't even an inside German Shepherd need quite a bit of room just for comfort?

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Some dogs will self-exercise, but many will not. Those who are often going to do so in ways unacceptable to your neighbors and very risky to the dog and to your liability, such as running the fence barking at people and animals on the other side and trying for a bite if anything or anyone makes the mistake of getting too close. GSDs can become dangerously territorial left alone in back yards, and be terribly noisy.

Many will leave the yard seeking companionship. Many will kill cats that wander into the yard.

There's exercise and then there's exercise. I have Belgian Tervuren who will self-exercise--or rather exercise each other--quietly in the house. But GSDs are larger and less agile than Tervuren, so you will need to direct your dog's exercise. The breed really does require a lot of training and a managed, structured lifestyle.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Definitely do not get a German Shepherd if they can't be indoors with you. They are very much animals that like companionship and love and don't like to just be left outside.

No dog should just be "kept" outside and some jurisdictions actually have laws against it.

Shepherds are loyal, intellectual and and sensitive. They should not just be left outside. I am not sure of any breed that would like to just be left outside.

All the GSDs I've ever known like to be a part of the family.

I would suggest a female for an inside dog. Just on the bases that they're more easygoing and easier to train. Plus their smaller and therefore better suited for the house. Training should be a priority especially if it will stay in the house. My dog now stays outside with her 2 brothers. As long as you don't forget you have a dog and spend as much time as possible with them it should be ok. if it stays outside i would consider getting 2.

I have a female that is almost 5 month now. I definatly agree that females are better suited for family life. She can play ruff with my husband, then turn around and snuggle with me. One thing to think about before you plan those log jogs with your pup, it wouldn't be good for your pup to go until she/he's at least 4 months old. I know my husband had the same thing planned.

Please don't get a GSD and leave it in the backyard. KDiamond is right, they to be with people, and they need structure in their life. If you want a well behaved, socialized, and gentle family pet, you need to spend a lot of time with them. They want to be with you or the other family members all the time. Leaving them on their own, or in a kennel for too long is a recipe for disaster. They want to be with you always. Good luck.

Craig

>>Please don't get a GSD and leave it in the backyard. KDiamond is right, they to be with people, and they need structure in their life. If you want a well behaved, socialized, and gentle family pet, you need to spend a lot of time with them. They want to be with you or the other family members all the time. Leaving them on their own, or in a kennel for too long is a recipe for disaster. They want to be with you always. Good luck.
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>>Craig

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That's why I'm so crazy about GSDs. I love a dog who wants to be my right arm. I have Tervuren for the same reason a lot of other people have made that change--smaller, less guarding instinct, power steering--but my heart beats faster when I look at a GSD. I think they are fantastic dogs. The trainers I find I relate to the most quite often turn out to be people who trained a GSD as the first or one of the first dogs they trained. GSDs really get into your heart and mind.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

I have a Shiba, an Akita pup and a GSD/Bloodhound X at this time. I have ALWAYS had at least one shepherd and after dealing with the Akita pup we have decided from now on, we will ONLY have GSDs.

They are sweet and loving and easy to train and just are part of your families. My Shepherd adds some sanity into my life and tries to keep the Akita pup in line... I don't know what I'd do without him.

I adore shepherds and am totally addicted to them. I could not live without them and my whole life I pretty much have had either a purebred or a mix. The best dogs!

Honestly, a GSD can be happy in a big backyard or an apartment. As long as you exercise them every day, they're all good. They actually seem to prefer walks and runs to just hanging in the backyard. Mine often get bored and want to come in.

My mom always had a GSD when she was a single working woman (in the 50s ..back then that didn't happen) in her apartment and her dog was very well adjusted.

There are dogs that need huge yards to be happy but Shepherds are really more your buddy and would rather go for a walk or play with you then be out in the backyard by themselves. They like being part of the household and with you..where ever that may be.