Q: How do I know a German Shepherd is right for me?

A: Responsible dog ownership starts before you purchase your dog. You should spend as much time as possible researching the different breeds to find which is most suitable to you and your lifestyle. Research individual breeders before deciding on one that will provide you with a healthy, happy puppy and as much after-sale assistance as you require.

A German Shepherd truly is man's (and woman's) best friend and companion. You should be willing to commit to taking care of your German Shepherd for the next ten to twelve years or more. You must be able to afford food and veterinary care. You must be willing to commit to daily exercise to maintain your German Shepherd's physical and mental fitness. No matter whether you live in the city or in the country, no dog should be allowed to run free. You should have either a fenced yard or a kennel run for your dog. Never chain or tie your dog for other than a short period of time. You must commit to a training program and preferrably attend an obedience class. German Shepherds need to know their limits and be taught what is proper and what is not proper behavior. German Shepherds shed - a lot. You should be capable of disciplining correctly and not be too soft in temperament yourself. You must be willing to socialize your puppy. Socializing your puppy means exposing your puppy to a wide variety of experiences, including meeting lots of people of various ages, races, sizes, and both sexes, as well as teaching them how to acceptably interact with other dogs and cats. If dog hair bothers you, you should perhaps select a different breed.

Q: How does a German Shepherd behave around small children?

A: German Shepherds are naturally protective of their family, or pack. Young children should never be left unattended with any puppy or dog. If children are taught proper behavior around a puppy or dog, the German Shepherd can be a wonderful companion for children. Puppies look at a child as something to play with and must be monitored.

Q: When will my puppy's ears stand?

A: Some puppies' ears stand as early as 6-8 weeks. Don't worry if your puppy's ears (especially ones with large ears) don't stand until 6-7 months or go up and then come down again while teething. Ears that have been up and go down while teething will come back up after the puppy is through teething (around 7 months). Some puppies' ears never stand. This is known as having soft ears and is an inherited trait.

Q: How big will my German Shepherd get?

A: Adult size of your German Shepherd will depend on the genetics of his or her parents. Adult males should stand between 24"to 26" at the withers, females from 22" to 24". Some adults will be taller. Males may weigh 65-90 pounds (or more) and females may weigh from 55 to 80 pounds (or more). Your puppy will reach close to adult height by 12 to 18 months, but will continue to fill out until up to 3 years of age.

Q: Do you think we should protection train our dog in Schutzhund or through a professional trainer?

A: Your Ca-Ji German Shepherd who has been bred for high-bonding instincts and does not need to be trained to bite people (unless you are buying a puppy for participating in the sport of Schutzhund or for law enforcement). Your puppy should be discouraged from biting, even while playing. With proper obedience training and socialization, your puppy will grow up and react naturally and appropriately when someone in your family is seriously threatened. He or she will try to stop the invader of their family by barking and placing themselves between you or a family member and the threat. In the majority of situations, that is all that will ever be required. Your German Shepherd's presence alone will dissuade most anyone intent on doing you harm.

Q: What is the life expectancy of a GSD?

A: Most German Shepherd lines live 10-13 years. 11-12 years is an average lifespan. A German Shepherd becomes middle-aged between 6 and 7 years old, and is generally considered geriatric around 10 years of age.

Q: Do you offer a stud service?

A: No, not usually.

Q: What should I expect to pay for a puppy?

A: $750 to $2500. Price depends on the breeding and quality of the puppy.

Q: Is a male or female best for me?

A: If you have small children, I recommend a female because they tend to be smaller and more motherly and more forgiving of human error.

Q: What type of guarantee do you give with the purchase of a puppy?

A: 48-hour health guarantee plus 1 year on crippling hip dysplasia on a replacement basis only.

Q: I have other dogs and cats at home. Will a German Shepherd mix in with them?

A: If you get a young puppy, they will generally mix in the family if the other pets do not become overly aggressive with the new puppy.

Q: What is it about your dogs you are most proud of?

A: Their ability to be taught to do any job that you ask of them and be a wonderful companion for your family.