First off, there is nothing wrong with mutts. They are usually healthier because they don't have the imbreeding that is sometimes a problem with purebreds. My uncle has a 1/2 black lab and 1/2 german shepard dog that is absolutely awesome. She loves everyone and almost never barks.
Two of my neighbors have purebred german shepards that were never properly socialized so they are extremely vicious and I wouldn't want to go within 50 feet of them without a lead pipe (if it's me or the dog, it's the dog).
True that german shepards can trained to be friendly when they are socialized properly as puppies, they were bred to be police and attack dogs first and pets second. I used to work for a guy whose wife bred and showed german shorthaired pointers (awesome hunting breed) she was the one that told me this and the term for this meanstreak among breaders is called "sharp".
The most important thing you can do with any dog is to be able to give it the attention it needs as a puppy. I dogs are a more time intensive pet than alot of people realize. If you want a pet that doesn't require much from you, get a cat. Keep their food and water dish full and they're all set. You never know when they will ignore you next.
BTW, a guy I went to college with and his girlfriend had an Akita. Pretty cool dog, very big. . .
Two of my neighbors have purebred german shepards that were never properly socialized so they are extremely vicious and I wouldn't want to go within 50 feet of them without a lead pipe (if it's me or the dog, it's the dog).
True that german shepards can trained to be friendly when they are socialized properly as puppies, they were bred to be police and attack dogs first and pets second. I used to work for a guy whose wife bred and showed german shorthaired pointers (awesome hunting breed) she was the one that told me this and the term for this meanstreak among breaders is called "sharp".
The most important thing you can do with any dog is to be able to give it the attention it needs as a puppy. I dogs are a more time intensive pet than alot of people realize. If you want a pet that doesn't require much from you, get a cat. Keep their food and water dish full and they're all set. You never know when they will ignore you next.
BTW, a guy I went to college with and his girlfriend had an Akita. Pretty cool dog, very big. . .