First Time Dog Owner And Single Female…should I Get A German Shep Or Westie?
Filed under Care & Training Q&As
The German Shep has already been trained as a cop but can provide me more protection but the Westie may be easier to take care of…not sure what to do but def am ready for a dog…thanks!!
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i’d go for the westie.
my uncle is a cop and has trained police dogs.
the dogs are usually able to handle the training mentally, they’re carefully selected. they are trained to attack on command meaning that aggressive behaviour is incouraged.
if the dog failed it’s training then it’s most likely a pet quality dog. usually the dogs are failed if they can’t handle the training for some reason, usually it’s because their temperament doesn’t suit the cop dog lifestyle.
anyway i’d still go for the westie. it’s smaller and easier to handle as a first dog. you can always get a westie now and a german shepherd if you feel that you really want one.
my friend has a westie called sally. she’s the cutest little dog i’ve ever seen. she’s a bit jumpy and yappy when she gets excited but other that than that she’s acts like an angel.
Have you considered any other options? IMO, there are other breeds that are a good choice for a first-time dog owner. I urge you to research both these breeds before making a decision.
I suppose of the two, I’d go with the Westie. Its small size alone would make it more maneageable. Also, I have concerns about this particular German Shepherd. What do you mean by “trained as a cop”? Is he a police dog who is being retired for medical reasons or age? Trained police dogs are very valuable and don’t just become available. My concern is twofold: (1) Any police dog is going to have a high working drive and a lot of confidence. S/he will need an equally confident, assertive owner. That’s a LOT for a beginner to handle. (2) I’m concerned that the dog is not an actual police dog, but has been “protection trained.” That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it absolutely MUST be done correctly. Rock-solid obedience training is the foundation of protection work of any sort. If you are not sure of his background, have him evaluated by a professional trainer or handler who is familiar with Schutzhund training or law enforcement training.
Westies–Smart, true terrier personality, will roam, chase, and dig. Somewhat independent. Needs professional grooming is you want to retain the Westie “look.” They can get nippy if overexcited. They are sturdy and energetic, and do need plenty of exercise.
German Shepherd–Among the most Intelligent dogs, highly trainable (and needs it), excellent protection/deterrence, devoted, loyal, needs lots of exercise, will shed. Do you have a fenced yard? You will need it–these are not apartment dogs.
Both breeds have health problems you should be familiar with. (This does not mean that your dog will be afflicted with all or any of them.) Both should have obedience training.
If the german shep was a cop dog it might not be great as a first dog. Sure it might be good for protection, but you run the risk of it being tooo protective.
I’d go for the westie, and just because they’re small doesn’t mean they’re not brave. We have a westie and a giant labrador, and the westie has always been far braver and more protective than the lab.
And being smaller their food bills aren’t so high, they don’t need as much exercise and they don’t malt in the summer
If you’ve never had a dog before don’t get the GSD. They aren’t a dog for a first time owner. Even if it’s been trained. GSD’s are smart and will out think an inexperienced owner.
All you need is an alarm dog – one that barks at strange noises etc. to alert you to a problem/threat.
I don’t know about Westies, I’d google them and check out their parent club web site.
You could also go to some shows and speak with handlers about them
Well you couldn’t be choosing between two more different dogs!
What is your lifestyle like? Are you a get out and walk sort of person or nip to the shop on the corner.
Why do you need protecting? And can you handle a large GSD who for whatever reason is no longer a police dog? Deep chested breed so some have torsion problems, HD etc
Westie………….terrier! Single minded, many have skin issues, clever dogs but will make their own fun if you don’t…….like chewing furniture.
Whatever you decide, spend some time talking to people who own these breeds, ask about their good or bad points, spend some time with them if you can.
I love and have owned GSDs, but that is just me and everyone looks for different qualities in the dogs they like. Last one died of a torsion at 7 yrs old, having survived two previous torsions, a very difficult decision was not to get another GSD. I now own BCs and Mini Poodles, but have a real soft spot for GSDs.
I have a german shepherd and she is the best. I don’t know much about Westies but German Shepherds are wildly smart and so loving. Plus, for nights when I’m home alone its really nice to have her at my feet.
Good luck with your descision!