A question I am often asked is what is better.... a male or female German Shepherd?  What is best for the first time owner?  What is best for a family with children?

Well, these questions would be easy to answer if only it were as simple as "male" or "female".  But in German Shepherds a lot of it comes down to individual personality and temperament.  And then how that temperament is developed in the new home environment.  We temperament test our puppies and spend a great deal of time with them to know what kind of home and family they would best be suited for.  But then there is also the part of the new family in training and socialization as well. 

So, with that said below is the following in general terms.

The Male German Shepherd:

•  Tends to be larger in size and more masculine in structure.
• The size and the masculinity of the male can be more intimidating to strangers.
• They are generally more territorial of their home and property.
• They tend to be more independent
• They can become quite dominant if not raised with a strong pack structure.

The Female German Shepherd:

•  Tends to be smaller in size and more feminine in structure.
• They may be smaller in size, but the size can be of advantage in her agility.
• They tend to be more pack orientated and can have low tolerance for other animals around their pack.
• They tend to be more protective of their "people" versus their property.

(not to be republished without prior written consent)