DO NOT get a german sheppard unless u are prepared for intense training and routine my partner and i bought a purebred for 800 bloody dollars! and he had terrible skin conditions, hip dysplasia and fluid build up in one elbow we spent hundreds on vet bills even though he was from a reputable breeder, apparently they are prone to many problems especially hip and skin, he was viscious to other dogs even though we took him to obedience, he was terrified of strangers so not a good guard dog and very very defiant, he was soooo smart, too smart if u get my meaning, we spent 500 dollars on "bark busters" to stop his barking, didnt work, after a year of constant trying we decided to give him away to a farmer on acreage, and we were only 20 with all the free time in the world to dedicate to him and he was just trouble! but we still loved him but will never buy one again! they are great for the police force and for people who are really really dedicated, either that or we got a one off! bad luck!