German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and intelligent. They are easy to train and can be wonderful family companions. However, not all aspects of the German Shepherd breed are positive. Some things you might want to consider prior to purchasing a German Shepherd dog or puppy are:
Brains. The German Shepherd Dog is one of the most intelligent breeds in the world. Shepherds need daily interaction and training in order to be happy and well-adjusted.
Cost. There are various costs associated with keeping a German Shepherd. Some important things to consider include feeding costs, vet bills, equipment costs, and training fees.
Energy level. German Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs. They were required to trot for miles every day tending flocks of sheep. This necessitated a high energy dog with a "ready to work" attitude. Shepherds need a large area to run and/or daily exercise.
Grooming requirements. German Shepherds are nicknamed 'German Shedders' for a reason. They have a thick undercoat that constantly sheds out hair. Shepherds 'blow' their coats a couple times each year. During a 'coat blow', large amounts of undercoat are shed and you will have dog hair everywhere. Do not purchase a German Shepherd if you're not willing to deal with loads of dog hair.
Herding Instincts. The herding instincts of a German Shepherd can be problematic if you or your neighbors have livestock.
Need for socialization. German Shepherds should be taken out and exposed to all sorts of sights and sounds. They need to be socialized around other dogs and people at a very young age. (Be sure to check with your veterinarian first. A young puppy needs to have fully developed immunities prior to visiting areas where other dogs have been.) In addition, owners need to continue to socialize their dogs throughout their lives. Lack of proper socialization can result in aggression, shyness, and other issues.
Noise. German Shepherds can become problem barkers if they do not receive an appropriate amount of attention, training, and/or exercise. Your neighbors will not want to tolerate a barking dog.
Size. If you are a renter, a dog's size can be an important consideration. Keep in mind that if you relocate, many apartment complexes will not allow dogs the size of a German Shepherd. You may not be considering moving now. However, a German Shepherd can live up to 14 years and you really need to plan ahead.
Time. Do you have spare time every day for exercising, training, and socializing a dog?
Training. You should get started in obedience training early. Beginning obedience should always be like a game for the dog. If everything is kept positive and fun, the dog will become a happy, dedicated worker. This will improve both your dog's quality of life and your satisfaction with your dog.
These are just some of the breed-related issues that you should consider. You can find additional information about German Shepherd Dogs at the AKC website or the GSDCA website.