Adopting a German Shepherd

[acr]

I have been offered the opportunity to adopt a pure bred German Shepherd female (fixed).

I have a rescue American Pit Bull Terrier male (intact). He is a sweetheart and likes other dogs. He has been with me for about a year and three months now.

These two dogs have met, but it was on her turf (the German Shepherd's) and she was *not* happy, but my APBT did not seem bothered at all.

Any advice on whether I should take on this new dog?

I certainly have the heart to adopt her. At the same time, I want to do what is best for both dogs. While I'm away at work, I want them to be happy together.

[BoogiemanBlood]

. While I'm away at work, I want them to be happy together.most definitely NOT a good idea.

[SisMorphine]

A) Why is your rescue intact?

B) Quite often other dogs do NOT like intact dogs, especially intact males (my neutered Grey, who is fine with just about every dog, is intent on kicking every intact male's butt).

C) GSDs are a protective breed, so meeting on her turf was possibly the worst idea ever.

With my last rescue we did a very slow introduction into the household (took 3 months) and because we took it so slowly there were no issues. ABSOLUTELY NOT a fool proof method, but it worked in my situation with my dogs.

You just have to ask yourself if you are prepared to crate and rotate for life if these two do not end up getting along.

ETA: I hope you mean that they will keep each other company through their crate bars because you should never leave them out alone together.

Frankly I don't care what the breed is, I've seen dogs of all breeds fight, dogs who've always been great together. My dogs are never left out together unsupervised. Period.

[acr]

The replies so far are appreciated and have echoed my concerns. Thanks. While I'd love to give this GS a home, she may be better off somewhere else. The meeting on her turf was not planned, but it happened.

Oh and my APBT is intact because that is the way he came to me, that is natural and I am a *very* responsible owner.

[chloesredboy]

while leaving them alone together is a definite no-no,Can you maybe foster the GSD to see if it will work?Most dog's do snarl and act a fool when meeting for the first time.

[SisMorphine]

Can you maybe foster the GSD to see if it will work?Most dog's do snarl and act a fool when meeting for the first time. I think fostering is a great idea. Even if you can't foster that specific GSD, maybe hook up with a rescue that you can foster through so you can try out some dogs. That's how I got my dog Wally!! He was the foster I couldn't let go.

[Phebes]

The replies so far are appreciated and have echoed my concerns. Thanks. While I'd love to give this GS a home, she may be better off somewhere else. The meeting on her turf was not planned, but it happened.

Oh and my APBT is intact because that is the way he came to me, that is natural and I am a *very* responsible owner.
If he is a rescue I am curious as to what rescue group would allow you to adopt and leave him intact?

[maryellen1]

some rescues are fine with intact dogs as long as the owner is responsible, or showing.

most gsd's should be introduced to other dogs on neutral territory rather then their own.

my gsd hates other dogs off her territory, and still does on her territory. i have to do slow intros if i bring home an adult dog and the intros must happen for a few months..

some gsd's dont like other dogs period.. some do.. some tolerate males/some females..

[BoogiemanBlood]

is everybody that's telling him to do this and it's a good idea signing up for the clean up list when he finds the blood bath?

[coolhandjean]

While I'm away at work, I want them to be happy together.No matter what dog you end up adopting. I strongly urge you not to leave them alone together, ever. That would leave a lot of room for a fight, and one day, you might just come home to a bloody mess...

But to your other question, I would suggest having the two meet on neutral territory, and see how they react to each other. if they get along, then keep getting them together in neutral territory to see how it goes...Then if you feel they will get along, bring her to your house and see how they do (do this a couple times), and if that works out, then adopt her...But never leave them alone, because there is always a possibility they will fight.

[jeeperino]

IMO this thread should not be posted on this board. There has been another board created for this type of thread.

[maryellen1]

i dont think anyone here is telling him to go ahead with it.. i think that he should research the breed some more, and see if a fur flying every other day vaccumming and linting dog is his type..

gsds shed all year round.. twice a year they blow their double coat more.... if you dont mind vaccumming every other day, then get a gsd.. if you dont mind health problems like HD, pancreatic deficiency, spine disease, etc, then get a gsd.. while they are great dogs, they are alot of work and have alot of health problems...

http://www.dogbiz.com/dogs-grp7/germ-shep/german-shepherd-health-issues.html

has some major health problems, ranging from hip dysplasia,

to elbow dysplasia,

and some minor concerns such as Panosteitis,

von Willebrand's Disease,

progressive posterior paresis,

cauda equina,

pyotraumatic dermatitis,

skin allergies,

malignant neoplasms,

pannus cataract,

dreaded gastric torsion,

perianal fistulas,

cardiomyopathy

and occasionally seen Pancreatic enzyme insufficiency.


http://www.germanshepherd-1.com/health.html

There are several other German Shepherd health conditions. Epilepsy is quite
common and can be frightening at first. Fortunately, this condition can be managed
with medication. CDRM is a condition that is much like multiple sclerosis in humans.
This normally occurs during middle age and slowly paralyzes the hind legs. Sadly,
there is no cure for this. Anal Furunculosis is a penetrating infection of the anus. The
most common treatment is surgery and, unfortunately, this can be a reoccurring
problem.
Other German Shepherd health concerns include Hemophilia A. This blood
clotting disorder affects the males and can be hereditary. Although not subject
themselves, the females can be carriers. Pancreatic Insufficiency causes food to not
be digested properly. Treatment is a life long process. Bloat or Gastric Torsion is also
common. Feeding two smaller meals a day instead of one large one can help prevent
this painful condition.
Many of these conditions can be hereditary. With this in mind, be sure to check
with your breeder to be sure that the parents do not have these conditions. General
German Shepherd health maintenance can be achieved by routinely taking your pet to
the vet for vaccinations. These active, social dogs require regular exercise and lots of
attention. If you take good care of your German Shepherd, you will have a healthy,
happy friend for many years.

http://www.go-pets.com/articles/german.htm

[mdknaly]

I agree with the "bloodbath" post. Man... your just asking for trouble!

[maryellen1]

why should his post be on the sister site? isnt this site about the apbt and their history? which would include getting along with other dogs or not? or is this site now being kept more to the gamey end now?

[chloesredboy]

is everybody that's telling him to do this and it's a good idea signing up for the clean up list when he finds the blood bath?Why do you assumes its going to be a blood bath?If the OP was that ignorant,they would've just went ahead and brought the dog home with no thoughts about it.Obviously,they are thinking the situation over carefully before acting.I dont see the words"it's a good idea" on anyone's post.We are just offering different ideas and options.

[BoogiemanBlood]

Why do you assumes its going to be a blood bath?If the OP was that ignorant,they would've just went ahead and brought the dog home with no thoughts about it.Obviously,they are thinking the situation over carefully before acting.I dont see the words"it's a good idea" on anyone's post.We are just offering different ideas and options.you can have your opinion and i'll have mine. it's not a good idea putting these 2 aggresive type breed together. not in my opinion now, nor ever. especially when the OP clearly posted that they were going to left to hopefully get along together. feel free to voice your opinion. i'm "assuming" as you put it the worst cas scenario, which is alot more likely than you may seem to think it is.

i have absoutely no idea why you had to refer to "if the op was that ignorant....." i never implied anything of the such.

[acr]

FYI - I have decided not to adopt the German Shepherd. The input is appreciated. It confirmed my feelings.

[coolhandjean]

good to hear...It's nice to know that you listened. :)