I would have recommended another Lab too.
A bit of Lab trivia. Around 25% of Labradors, and a much higher percentage of service bred Labradors, have a POMC mutation. The mutation messes up their appetite regulation, so they are always hungry. That makes me sad. I suppose being constantly hungry makes the dog more trainable, since the dog is always interested in getting a treat, but it still makes me sad. A commercial genetic test was developed somewhat recently. I don't know if Labrador breeders habitually screen their breeding dogs for this mutation, but it might be worth inquiring.
I think you have a valid concern about whether a sensitive dog can handle anxious vibes coming from their owner, and German Shepherds are definitely very attuned to their owners. Regarding protection: while lots of dogs have decent radar about whether a stranger might be a threat, I don't think it's fair to expect a dog to make that judgement correctly at all times. Labs are generally more likely to give a stranger the benefit of the doubt. That's probably a good thing in our modern litigious society, especially if you are giving mixed signals the dog can't rely on.
Regarding grooming: once a week is probably good enough for the Shepherd's comfort. However, it's nowhere near enough for YOUR comfort. German Shepherds are nicknamed German Shedders. When they are blowing their coats in spring and fall you can pull the undercoat out in clumps. Even between shedding seasons you will still have tumbleweeds rolling around under your furniture. Daily brushing helps transfer loose hair directly from the dog to the trash can, bypassing the steps where it rolls around your house and tours the interior of your vacuum cleaner.
All in all, even though our Shepherds were great dogs, I probably wouldn't get another one for myself.
A bit of Lab trivia. Around 25% of Labradors, and a much higher percentage of service bred Labradors, have a POMC mutation. The mutation messes up their appetite regulation, so they are always hungry. That makes me sad. I suppose being constantly hungry makes the dog more trainable, since the dog is always interested in getting a treat, but it still makes me sad. A commercial genetic test was developed somewhat recently. I don't know if Labrador breeders habitually screen their breeding dogs for this mutation, but it might be worth inquiring.
I think you have a valid concern about whether a sensitive dog can handle anxious vibes coming from their owner, and German Shepherds are definitely very attuned to their owners. Regarding protection: while lots of dogs have decent radar about whether a stranger might be a threat, I don't think it's fair to expect a dog to make that judgement correctly at all times. Labs are generally more likely to give a stranger the benefit of the doubt. That's probably a good thing in our modern litigious society, especially if you are giving mixed signals the dog can't rely on.
Regarding grooming: once a week is probably good enough for the Shepherd's comfort. However, it's nowhere near enough for YOUR comfort. German Shepherds are nicknamed German Shedders. When they are blowing their coats in spring and fall you can pull the undercoat out in clumps. Even between shedding seasons you will still have tumbleweeds rolling around under your furniture. Daily brushing helps transfer loose hair directly from the dog to the trash can, bypassing the steps where it rolls around your house and tours the interior of your vacuum cleaner.
All in all, even though our Shepherds were great dogs, I probably wouldn't get another one for myself.
