Question about GSD activity levels

I am trying to really do my homework before potentially adopting a very
large mostly-GSD puppy (55 lbs at 4 months). I just came accross some
information that makes me hesitate. I was reading about Burmese
Mountain Dogs (for curiosity only) and so this may not apply. The gist
was that since BMD's are so large, "high" activity levels, such as
jogging, are not good for them. Would this also apply to a 90-100 lb
GSD? Come to think of it, I have never seen anyone jogging with a GSD.

Suja...

Generally speaking, it is better for giant breed puppies to have little
forced exercise (long walks, jogs, runs) but lots of free play. The
difference is that the pup gets to regulate the amount of exercise they get,
and it is considered better for their overall joint development. This only
applies to puppies however, so once their growth plates have closed, the dog
should be able to join in on any activity you both enjoy.

And yes, I do know people who jog with their GSDs (and Danes even), and GSDs
are quite good at physically demanding stuff, so what you have read probably
does not apply entirely.

the.longest.username.available...

Just look at the stress a dogs body goes through in schutzhund. A GSD
should be fine jogging once they are mature.

Is this a bad idea? I generally run on trails, and it's very stop and
go (my mutt dictates our pace, which I find quite fun). We do it in
all kinds of weather, though, and I would like to bring our new family
member along as well... I'll appreciate your thoughts on this.

diddy...

I can't imagine managing a very intelligent breed with high activity needs
if you need to restrict activity levels. To try would be a recipe for
disaster. GSD's NEED both physical and intellectual stimulation. It would
be cruel not to offer both.

Paula...

GSDs are just fine with being active and, in fact, need physical
activity. They were bred to work, not as lap dogs, though I know some
who would love to be lap dogs in between bouts of physical activity if
they could manage it. The biggest concern is with the age of the dog.
They shouldn't have a lot of stress on their joints while still
growing, and a four month old would fall in that category. They can
still walk with you, but don't do the jarring stuff like jogging until
the vet lets you know that they are old enough and grown enough for
it.

Lynne...

Thanks Paula, everyone. I didn't realize the issue with large dogs
were with their growth plates. This makes perfect sense. It also
makes me think that adopting a 1 to 2 year old dog as I originally
planned is probably the way to go since I don't want to leave my new
family member out of any adventures.

Paula...

There are plenty of GSDs of that age who need homes. Check out
petfinder.com or your local GSD rescue. They are great dogs.

Lynne...

It's depressing how many beautiful dogs are available... I've been all
over the local rescue web sites and petfinder. I've submit
applications to 2 GSD rescue groups, 1 "any breed" group, and 2 lab
groups. I've already met about a dozen dogs. How do I pick just one??

Suja...

I think that it is important to be objective about what it is you want in a
dog. Imagine your perfect dog, and put down what characters that dog would
have. Now, go back and look at which traits you're willing to compromise
on. Ask yourself, if your new dog needs training/behavior modification,
what sort of stuff are you willing to do, and what would you absolutely
positively not be willing to take on. This will narrow down your choices
somewhat.

So, where are you, and what are you looking for in a dog?

Lynne...

Hi Suja,

Your advice is spot on, and just the way I've been thinking this
weekend. To that end, I have ruled out the GSD pup. My needs are
simple (?). I'm in the Louisville, KY area, looking for a dog that is
(in order of importance) very friendly with other dogs and people
(including children), familiar with cats, active, and approximately 1-3
years old. As to training, I would like a dog who is at a very minimum
house trained, anything else is a bonus. I am willing to train the dog
the basics and beyond (including a potty refresher, which I expect in a
re-homed dog). I am not willing to deal with a dog that has displayed
unprovoked aggression, given our lifestyle and the sheer number of
people and dogs we are around on a regular basis. This is why I am
looking at rescues who have dogs in foster care homes and who are
fairly well temperament tested, as opposed to shelters.

I am fond of Labs and GSD's and extremely fond of my Beagle/Hound(?)
mix, so I am looking at GSD rescues, Lab rescues, and other rescues
that are not breed specific. Right now the top contenders happen to be
labs, one is female the other male. There is also a lab x gsd I am
very interested in. All of these are owner surrenders and in homes
with families. The big test for me is going to be bringing my dog into
their home and gauging their behavior. We often have visitors with
dogs and my dog LOVES company of all kinds. She is also very friendly
when we are out and about on our adventures. I want our next dog to be
just as outgoing, as well as able to hike for miles and trail run with
us.

Oh, and while I am a firm believer that size matters, in the case of
adopting our next dog, it does not. ;-)

Paula...

I'm not the one to answer that. I can't remember the last time I had
just one dog and I still have to stay away from adoption sites even
with four.

*note - I am only going to pick one, but it's tough...